Spinal Manipulations

Usually, the term ''spinal manipulation" has people immediately thinking of chiropractors.  From there the camps are divided evenly.  Those who understand the benefits of spinal manipulations, and those who dread the thought of it.  What most people don't realize is that physical therapists (PTs) are also manipulators of the spine.  They perform the same, or similar, spinal adjustments that create the ''cracking'' sound and free up movement for patients.  The biggest difference between chiropractors and PTs is that PTs have a multitude of interventions in their tool box, where as chiropractors have only manipulation.  Additionally, PTs offer home exercise programs to help maintain the newly found movement from a manipulation.  Either way, the realm of spinal manipulation is not nearly as dangerous as some think.  No one has ever become paralyzed, had a stroke or died due to a manipulation of the neck.