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Cervical arterial dysfunction and manual therapy: A critical literature review to inform professional practice

Taylor, Alan J.; McCarthy, Chris; Kerry, Roger; Mitchell, Jeanette

Authors

Alan J. Taylor

Chris McCarthy

Roger Kerry

Jeanette Mitchell



Abstract

An abundance of literature has attempted to provide insight into the association between cervical spine manual therapy and cervical artery dysfunction leading to cerebral ischaemic events. Additionally, specific guidelines have been developed to assist manual therapists in clinical decision-making. Despite this, there remains a lack of agreement within the profession on many issues. This paper presents a critical, re-examination of relevant literature with the aim of providing a contemporary, evidence-informed review of key areas regarding the neurovascular risks of cervical spine manual therapy. From a consideration of case reviews and surveys, haemodynamic principles, and blood flow studies, the authors suggest that: (1) it is currently impossible to meaningfully estimate the size of the risk of post-treatment complications; (2) existing testing procedures have limited clinical utility; and (3) a consideration of the association between pre-existing vascular risk factors, combined with a system based approach to cervical arterial haemodynamics (inclusive of the carotid system), may assist manual therapists in identifying at-risk patients. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Taylor, A. J., McCarthy, C., Kerry, R., & Mitchell, J. (2008). Cervical arterial dysfunction and manual therapy: A critical literature review to inform professional practice. Manual Therapy, 13(4), 278-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2007.10.006

Journal Article Type Review
Publication Date Aug 1, 2008
Journal Manual Therapy
Print ISSN 1356-689X
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 13
Issue 4
Pages 278-288
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2007.10.006
Keywords manual therapy, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, internal carotid artery dissection, cervical arterial dysfunction, atherosclerosis
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1010596
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2007.10.006


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