If all conservative treatments fail, Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) can be an option. This revolutionary treatment offered by Central Florida Pain & Rehab Clinic consists of adjustments and stretching movements under sedation.


WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MUA?
MUA can be a valuable procedure for people with chronic neck, back, and joint problems - conditions caused by long-term disabilities, accidents, and injuries that have not been responsive to conventional treatment - but MUA is not for everybody.
Common, general indications that MUA could be effective include:

• Fibroadhesion buildup.
• Chronic disc problems.
• Herniated disc without fragmentation.
• Chronic myofascitis.
• Torticollis.
• Chronic re-injury.
• Failed back surgery.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Intractable pain from neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

Patients who have reached a plateau using traditional therapy also can significantly improve their quality of life using MUA.

WHAT IS THE MUA PROCEDURE LIKE?
Before the day of the procedure, the patient is instructed regarding food restrictions and use of medications. The patient will often be picked up by car service and then driven home after the procedure or a friend or family member will accompany them and do the driving. No patient will be allowed to drive themselves home after this procedure.
The patient then signs an informed consent affidavit and right after is placed on the procedure table and vital sign monitoring is instituted, including electrocardiography, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry. Supplemental oxygen is given.
The MUA procedure generally takes between 15 and 20 minutes and begins with specialized techniques that first methodically start in the cervical spine with gentle axial traction, forward and lateral flexion movements, followed by adjustive procedures.
The doctor then moves on to the thoracic spine, using mild stretching techniques and adjustment and finally into the lumbar spinal regions using flexion and traction techniques plus stretching, targeted massage and knee-to-chest rolls as well as lumbar adjustment.
The patient is continually monitored by an anesthesiologist. Blood pressures are obtained at least every 5 minutes, and a complete anesthesia record is maintained. The patient spends 30 minutes in the recovery room at the termination of the procedure and will be continually monitored in the recovery room.

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