Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Vertebrobasilar and Internal Carotis Arteries in Healthy Population
Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Vertebrobasilar and Internal Carotis Arteries in Healthy Population
After lumbar pain, neck pain is the most common cause of patients needing chiropractic care;
 the second most common cause of spinal manipulation use (1). Manipulation and mobilization
 are commonly used by chiropractors, osteopaths and manipulative physiotherapists in the
 treatment of neck pain. Many studies show that the Activator instrument is also used for this
 purpose in the chiropractic profession (2) There are several published case reports that
 relate to neck manipulation to vertebral artery dissection and stroke. The prevailing theory
 is that the neck extension and / or rotation may damage the vertebral artery in the foramen
 transversarium, especially at the C1-C2 level (2). However, most cases of extracranial
 vertebral artery dissection are thought to be spontaneous (3).

 In the literature, there have been no studies investigating the effects of
 instrument-assisted spinal manipulation on vertebrobasilar and internal carotis arteries. the
 aim of this study to compare the effect of manual and instrumental spinal manipulation on
 blood flow parameters of vertebrobasilar and internal carotis arteries on healthy persons
 which have mechanical neck pain and asymptomatic in vertebrobasilar insufficiency test.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Being between 20-40 years of age

 -  Having non-specific mechanical neck pain for more than 3 months with symptoms provoked
 by neck postures, movements, or palpation

 -  Willingly participating to the study

 -  Signing the confirmation form.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Spinal root compression (radiculopathy)

 -  Neurological symptoms like weakness and numbness in extremities and face, uncontrolled
 movements, abnormal gait, dizziness, undefined nausea/vomiting, swallowing and
 speaking difficulties

 -  Acute inflammatory disease

 -  Spontaneously vertebral artery dissection in family

 -  Tested positive in premanipulative vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency test

 -  Being on anticoagulant and antiaggregant medication.