Independent reviews disclaim evidence of benefit. The American Heart Assn. Treats disorders of the spine, joints and muscles with manipulation to maintaain health of the central nervous system and body. Used for back pain, headaches, menstrual cramps, infant colic, sports injuries. A 1992 Rand Corp. study said it helped acute lower back pain.
Medical scientists dispute claims for other ailments.
In rare cases neck manipulation causes injury. Can be more expensive than standard medical care because of numerous visits. A diagnostic and treatment method involving manual pressure on skull and spine, supposedly to restore normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid encasing brain and spinal cord. A treatment for middle ear infection, colic, headaches, arthritis, depression, learning disabilities and dyslexia. Because skull bones are fused solid by age 2, the notion that these bones can be manipulated is false , say credentialed medical experts.