Manipulation Under Anesthesia
What is MUA?
Manipulation Under Anesthesia, or MUA, is simply manipulation, or a series of gentle stretches and mobilizations, that are performed while a patient is sedated by anesthesia. MUA is a non-invasive procedure that has been used for over 80 years by physicians. MUA is a safe treatment for chronic pain arising from the spine and major joints of the body. When other traditional in-office treatments for pain are no longer working for a patient, MUA may be the appropriate alternative to their discomfort.
Why MUA?
Occasionally, patients have spinal problems that do not allow the doctor to effectively or fully adjust the joints of the spine during office treatments. MUA, alternatively, does allow for full adjustments since there is little or no muscle tension resistance under sedation.
• MUA helps shut off the muscle spasm cycle to allow for effective manipulation and increased movement.
• It sedates the pain-perceiving nerves that have been irritated due to the dysfunctional spine or joint.
• It allows for complete muscle relaxation to allow the doctor to stretch the shortened muscle groups and reduce or eliminate adhesions (fibrous bands) caused by previous formation of scar tissue.
• MUA procedures are cost-effective -- thousands of dollars less than traditional surgery.
Who is Eligible for MUA?
MUA can be a valuable procedure for those who suffer with
• chronic or recurrent pain, lasting for at least 3 months, that has interfered with daily life and sleep or has been unresponsive to conservative in-office treatments
• chronic neck, back and joint pain
• muscle spasms or shortening of muscles, ligaments or tendons
• chronic disc problems such as bulging, protruded, prolapsed or herniated discs
• sciatica
• neck problems due to injury or wry neck
• scar tissue build-up and chronic inflammation
• pinched nerves
• capsulitis of the hip
• pelvic instability
• failed back surgery
• chronic arthritis
• fibromyalgia
• frozen shoulder
• headaches/migraines
What Happens During MUA?
MUA is an outpatient procedure performed in a surgical center and utilizes a team approach. The team consists of two doctors performing the manipulation, an anesthesiologist, and a nursing staff.
MUA is not invasive and the actual procedure is very gentle. A small amount of anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. After the patient has fallen asleep, a process of stretching the muscles and manipulation takes place for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, the patient wakes up and is monitored by the doctors and nurses until discharge. Most MUAs take place over a period of 3 consecutive days.
MUA Results
Some temporary muscle tenderness may be experienced after the MUA procedure. The patient should notice immediate increase in range of motion and decrease in chronic pain. The patient should be able to accomplish ever-day tasks with greater ease. Post-MUA therapy is a vital part of the procedure and can begin the same day to help continue the alteration of adhesions in the joints. Post-MUA rehabilitation includes stretching and strengthening exercises, plus periodic chiropractic adjustments as directed by Dr. Askenas. This therapy will help the patient regain pre-injury strength and help prevent future pain and disability.
Top
Manipulation Under Anesthesia, or MUA, is simply manipulation, or a series of gentle stretches and mobilizations, that are performed while a patient is sedated by anesthesia. MUA is a non-invasive procedure that has been used for over 80 years by physicians. MUA is a safe treatment for chronic pain arising from the spine and major joints of the body. When other traditional in-office treatments for pain are no longer working for a patient, MUA may be the appropriate alternative to their discomfort.
Why MUA?
Occasionally, patients have spinal problems that do not allow the doctor to effectively or fully adjust the joints of the spine during office treatments. MUA, alternatively, does allow for full adjustments since there is little or no muscle tension resistance under sedation.
• MUA helps shut off the muscle spasm cycle to allow for effective manipulation and increased movement.
• It sedates the pain-perceiving nerves that have been irritated due to the dysfunctional spine or joint.
• It allows for complete muscle relaxation to allow the doctor to stretch the shortened muscle groups and reduce or eliminate adhesions (fibrous bands) caused by previous formation of scar tissue.
• MUA procedures are cost-effective -- thousands of dollars less than traditional surgery.
Who is Eligible for MUA?
MUA can be a valuable procedure for those who suffer with
• chronic or recurrent pain, lasting for at least 3 months, that has interfered with daily life and sleep or has been unresponsive to conservative in-office treatments
• chronic neck, back and joint pain
• muscle spasms or shortening of muscles, ligaments or tendons
• chronic disc problems such as bulging, protruded, prolapsed or herniated discs
• sciatica
• neck problems due to injury or wry neck
• scar tissue build-up and chronic inflammation
• pinched nerves
• capsulitis of the hip
• pelvic instability
• failed back surgery
• chronic arthritis
• fibromyalgia
• frozen shoulder
• headaches/migraines
What Happens During MUA?
MUA is an outpatient procedure performed in a surgical center and utilizes a team approach. The team consists of two doctors performing the manipulation, an anesthesiologist, and a nursing staff.
MUA is not invasive and the actual procedure is very gentle. A small amount of anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. After the patient has fallen asleep, a process of stretching the muscles and manipulation takes place for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, the patient wakes up and is monitored by the doctors and nurses until discharge. Most MUAs take place over a period of 3 consecutive days.
MUA Results
Some temporary muscle tenderness may be experienced after the MUA procedure. The patient should notice immediate increase in range of motion and decrease in chronic pain. The patient should be able to accomplish ever-day tasks with greater ease. Post-MUA therapy is a vital part of the procedure and can begin the same day to help continue the alteration of adhesions in the joints. Post-MUA rehabilitation includes stretching and strengthening exercises, plus periodic chiropractic adjustments as directed by Dr. Askenas. This therapy will help the patient regain pre-injury strength and help prevent future pain and disability.
Reach A Healthy Weight
3D Spine Simulator
Launch 3D Spine Simulator