Manipulation Under Anesthesia FAQ

Manipulation under anesthesia, also called MUA, is a type of manipulative technique that is performed by a chiropractor that is non-invasive. It is meant to offer relief from chronic pain that has not responded to other forms of non-surgical treatment.

Our team at Impact Medical Wesley Chapel explains further.

#1. What is MUA Used For?

Manipulation Under Anesthesia focuses on breaking up internal scar tissue that may have been left over from a surgery or injury, resulting in restored movement and reduced pain.

MUA can be used to treat the:

Back
Neck
Shoulders
Joints
Muscle spasms

When a patient undergoes MUA, they are sedated, the same way they might be during a colonoscopy or a tooth extraction. This type of sedation allows a chiropractor to adjust the joints and bones and align the muscles without any resistance.

Less force is applied during MUA, making it a painless and often quite effective treatment for chronic pain.

#2. Who Performs MUA?

MUA is done by trained and certified doctors who work in chiropractic medicine, osteopathy, orthopedics, or rehabilitation. It is considered a subspecialty, which means that it is not available in every chiropractic office.

#3. How is MUA Done?

Manipulation under anesthesia is typically done in a hospital. The anesthesia is given by a licensed anesthesiologist. The patient is sedated, but not unconscious during treatment.

Once the patient is sedated, a chiropractor will begin to use different techniques on the part of the body with chronic pain.

The treatment usually takes between 15 and 40 minutes, and the patient will slowly regain awareness and will be monitored for a brief time afterward. They can return home the same day.

Immediately noticeable will be an improvement in range of motion and pain, but localized soreness is common and can be treated with ice, heat, or OTC medication. A chiropractor may also recommend physical therapy or cryotherapy.

In general, a patient should have about 2-4 MUA treatments for the best results.

#4. What Are the Benefits of MUA?

Many people experiencing shoulder, neck, or back pain often respond well to manual, manipulation, exercise, and rehabilitation. But some may find that their relief is short-lived and limited to a few days or weeks. This is where MUA could be a great option.

The benefits of MUA include:

It is a safer treatment than surgery
It is cost effective
It is non-evasive
It is covered by most insurance and workers’ compensation

#5. Is MUA Right for You?

Before scheduling you for MUA treatment, your chiropractor will assess your medical history, symptoms, and history of chiropractic care.

A physical evaluation and neurological exam may also be conducted, as well as other tests.

Patients who have been diagnosed with the following conditions may be suited for treatment with MUA:

Chronic strains or sprains
Chronic disc pain
Acute muscle spasms
Failed back surgery
Loss of movement
Chronic shoulder, neck, or back pain
Fibrous adhesions
Fibromyalgia
Pinched nerve

We do not recommend MUA for:

Cancer
Acute inflammatory gout
Bone fractures
Obesity
Bone infections
Inflammatory arthritis
Severe osteoporosis
Compression of the spinal cord

Further, patients who are taking specific types of medication or cannot be sedated are not eligible for MUA.

This is not an exhaustive list of who can and cannot be treated with MUA. Consult with your chiropractor to see if MUA is a fit for you.

#6. Is Manipulation Under Anesthesia Safe?

It has been proven that MUA is safe and effective for those experiencing chronic pain, especially if they have not experienced relief from standard treatments.

#7. Do You Feel Pain During MUA?

You will not feel any pain at all during the procedure, since you will be under anesthesia, but you may feel sore for a few days afterward.

Say Goodbye to Pain with MUA

If you are suffering from chronic pain and traditional treatments have not helped, you may be a candidate for manipulation under anesthesia at Impact Medical Wesley Chapel.

Call our chiropractors today to see if you are a candidate for MUA at (813) 953-1002!