Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA)
Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) is a non-invasive procedure increasingly offered for chronic conditions, including: headaches, neck & back pain, leg pain, joint pain, muscle spasm, Fibromyalgia, and long term pain syndromes. It is considered safe and is utilized to treat pain arising from the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine as well as the sacroiliac, pelvic regions, and joints. Manipulation under anesthesia uses a combination of specific short lever manipulations, passive stretches and specific articular and postural kinesthetic maneuvers in order to break up fibrous adhesions and scar tissue around joints, the spine, and surrounding tissue.
History of MUA
Spinal manipulation under anesthesia is a procedure that originated with the Osteopathic profession in the late 1930s, primarily for the treatment of pain. Documentation regarding the success and value of MUA has been recorded as early as 1948. At that time, a success rate of 80%-90% was established and has been maintained to this day. For a period of time, MUA procedures were not widely utilized because of the available anesthetics. The advent of IV sedation use has spurred an MUA renaissance. Due to the high success rate for patients who had previously experienced chronic pain, MUA procedures are now covered by most major insurance plans.
About MUA
Licensed physicians who have specialized training and certification specifically for this procedure perform the treatment in a surgical center. A team approach is required to have a safe and successful outcome. The team includes the Anesthesiologist and two physicians certified in MUA who perform the manipulation. Dr. Fern is certified to do MUA procedures through the National Academy of MUA Physicians. Dr. Brown does his procedures with Dr. Michael Nunez, a Medical Doctor who is also certified in MUA. The combination of manipulation and anesthesia is not new as this treatment has been part of the medical arena for more than 80 years.
Why Anesthesia?
When body movement is difficult the benefit of being sedated is obvious, but the anesthesia performs other important functions such as:
• Interrupting the cycle of muscle spasm to allow for increased movement
• Sedating the pain perceiving nerves that have been irritated due to the dysfunctional spine or joint
• Allowing complete muscle relaxation so that the doctor can stretch shortened muscle groups and reduce adhesions caused by scar tissue
Who Benefits From MUA?
MUA can be a valuable procedure for those who suffer with pain caused by:
• Sciatica
• Fibromyalgia
• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Lumbar/thoracic disc displacement
• Neuralgia/radiculitis
• Headache/migraine headache
• TMJ Syndrome
• Curvature of spine/scoliosis
• Cervical/lumbar disc conditions
• Joint calcification
• Capsulitis of hip
• Torticollis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Piriformis Syndrome
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is the most common condition treated with MUA. Almost all insurance policies will include MUA coverage for frozen shoulder. MUA can be instrumental in avoiding surgery for frozen shoulder.
