Spinal manipulation, which is also referred to as manual therapy, spinal manipulative therapy or joint therapy is a technique that treats neck pain, back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions by combining exercises that involve movement of joints, massage and physical therapy. The purpose of physical therapy spinal manipulation is to reduce inflammation,ease pressure in joints, improve nerve function and may also help in treating problems such as sinus problems and menstrual pain as well as improve physical functioning. You can visit a chiropractor or a physical therapist should you want to recieve this type of therapy.
Performing spinal manipulation therapy requires a fairly high level of proficiency and skill. As mentioned above, it is practiced by health professionals such as chiropractors, physical therapists, osteopathic physical, pnaturopathic physicians, and also some medical doctors. These practitioners use their hands or a device to apply regulated pressure to a joint of the spine.
There are over 100 spinal adjustment techniques used worldwide like force and twisting while others use a more gentle approach. Other methods such as lectric stimulation and ice, heat therapy and also ultrasound for tissue heating may be applied. 
There are two main types of physical therapy spinal manipulation; Spinal manipulation, which involves the use of hands to regulate pressure and patients in this type of therapy may sometimes hear crackling sounds. Spinal mobilization on the other hand involves more stretching. Sometimes, use of an activator helps. An activator a small metal tool that applies pressure to vertebrae.When performed by a professional who is trained and licensed, it is usually safe although in rare cases, serious complications such as compressed nerves, herniated disks and suffering a stroke after a neck manipulation may arise. It is recommended for people who are suffering from conditions such as an unstable spine to avoid these treatments.
It has an added advantages of helping lower back pain and avoid surgery along with the unwanted side effects that it may have, improving range in motion and helps a person to reduce over dependence on drugs such as over the counter pain relief medication.
