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Review
. 2022 Apr 23;12(5):1056.
doi: 10.3390/diagnostics12051056.

Cervical Spine Manipulations: Role of Diagnostic Procedures, Effectiveness, and Safety from a Rehabilitation and Forensic Medicine Perspective: A Systematic Review

Andrea Bernetti  1   2 , Raffaele La Russa  3 , Alessandro de Sire  2   4 , Francesco Agostini  1 , Stefania De Simone  3 , Giacomo Farì  5 , Giorgia Viola Lacasella  6 , Gabriele Santilli  7 , Stefania De Trane  8 , Michele Karaboue  3 , Pierangela Ruiu  1 , Massimiliano Mangone  1 , Massimiliano Leigheb  9 , Valter Santilli  1 , Pietro Fiore  2   3   8
Affiliations
Review

Cervical Spine Manipulations: Role of Diagnostic Procedures, Effectiveness, and Safety from a Rehabilitation and Forensic Medicine Perspective: A Systematic Review

Andrea Bernetti et al. Diagnostics (Basel). .

Abstract

Background: Cervical spine manipulations (CSM) have been performed for centuries and are a widely practiced intervention to manage cervical spine musculoskeletal disorders. We aimed to perform an overview of the literature concerning the effects and the adverse events of CSM in the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) field with a forensic medicine perspective.

Methods: A search in the scientific literature (PubMed, Google Scholar, PEDro and Cochrane) was carried out from inception until October 2020.

Results: Fourteen articles were included in this narrative summary. The possible development of side effects requires a careful mandatory balance of benefits and risks even when there is an indication for this approach. Moreover, a qualified professional is essential to perform CSM-a non-invasive therapeutic procedure that can be potentially harmful.

Conclusions: In conclusion, it is essential to perform the diagnosis, to treat, and to manage complications within the PRM field, both for the reduction of malpractice claims and, most importantly, for the safety of the patient.

Keywords: cervical artery dissection; cervical spine manipulations; forensic medicine; manipulative therapy; rehabilitation; side effects; spine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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