Manipulation
under anesthesia for pain
Get
the Flash Player to see this player.
You may be a candidate for MUA or Manipulation Under Anesthesia
MUA is a non-invasive outpatient procedure performed at the Gladiolus Surgery Center that is highly effective for neck pain, back pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, disc problems and more. Because the patient is lightly sedated (twilight anesthesia), they are able to be mobilized, adjusted and stretched in a way not possible through traditional physical therapy or chiropractic care. Manipulation of the spine with the patient sedated is one of the most and effective methods of altering chronic pain! Many insurance companies completely pay for this procedure (with NO out-of-pocket expense to the patient) as it is a viable alternative to surgery or a lifelong dependency on pain pills. Dr. Green is a certified MUA physician, ask her if an MUA can help you, too.
Some conditions which have responded to MUA include:
- Neck pain
- Neck pain radiating into the arms or fingers
- Back pain
- Back pain radiating into the legs or feet
- Sciatica
- Facet Syndrome
- Headaches (migraines, cluster, tension and many more)
- Arthritis of the neck, back or hips
- Fibromyalgia
- Disc problems
- Chronic muscle pain
- Chronic trigger points
- Post-whiplash syndrome
- TMJ dysfunction
- Frozen shoulder
- Old auto injuries that were never resolved
What is the MUA procedure like?
On the day of the MUA, the patient must be accompanied by a friend or family member to drive the patient home after the procedure. No patient will be allowed to drive following this procedure. The surgery center also offers patient transportation. The patient is then evaluated and prepared for the procedure by the competent staff of Medical Doctors, Registered nurses, Anesthesiologists, and/or nurse anesthetists. The patient is then lightly anesthetized to achieve the comfortable "twilight" sleep that makes treatment possible. This sedative is similar to what a patient would experience if receiving a colonoscopy or oral surgery. The patient is gently and comfortably mobilized, stretched, and adjusted according to established and proven MUA protocols. The procedure performed at the surgery center is very similar to what takes place every day in the chiropractic office, but without the “muscle-guarding” or patient anxiety that inhibits the full benefit of the stretching and spinal adjustments being performed. Minutes later the patient is done, taken to the recovery room, and awakens usually feeling improvement right away. The patient is carefully monitored, and recovery time is usually 15-20 minutes. The patient receives strict instructions and returns home to take it easy. This procedure is usually repeated three times, as research has proven that 3 mini-sessions of MUA mobilization is often more effective than just one procedure.
What happens after the procedure?
Post MUA care is one of the most important parts of the procedure. The patient's compliance with the aftercare contributes greatly to the overall success of the procedure.
The patient will return to our office for rehab, massage and physical therapy including education on home stretching exercises and mobilization for 3-8 weeks, usually 2-3 times per week. This intensive therapy program helps maintain the results achieved during the MUA procedure. A regimented program of post-MUA therapy will help the patient regain both pre-injury strength and help prevent future pain and disability. The patient will be given an at-home protocol of stretching to perform daily. Most patients truly enjoy maintaining their new level of health, vitality and flexibility and don't mind the ten to fifteen minute commitment of stretching to keep up their results.
Because MUA is such a gentle, non-invasive procedure, you will be able to go back to your normal activities once the MUA series has been completed.
This Manipulation under Anesthesia procedure sounds like it would help me. What do I do first?
Dr. Green will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for this highly-effective procedure. Call our office at (239) 772-5777 and set up an appointment for a consultation. After an exam and x-rays or an MRI, Dr. Green will be able to determine if MUA is right for you, as well as address any concerns or questions that you may have. Our insurance department will also verify your insurance coverage to determine if the procedure is covered. Many times the procedure is covered 100% with no out of pocket costs by the patient at all!
