Manipulation Under Anesthesia by D.C.

[2ndyear]

This is an interesting debate in California right now. I'm wondering what I would do if this was on my OR schedule. How about you?
http://drwes.blogspot.com/2007/06/california-chiropractors-anesthesia.html
http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/20746
http://www.sacbee.com/capolitics/story/168314.html
http://www.chiro.ca.gov/

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[BlackSails]

I cant wait until one of them gives their patient MH. I feel horrible for the patient of course, but quacks should not be practicing anesthesia. Id rather a nurse (RN or NP, not even CRNA) do it.

 

[bubalus]

Suppose they get a little too enthusiastic manipulating the C-spine. It's not unheard of for chiropractors to cause strokes doing that. I wouldn't want to be involved in it.

 

[VolatileAgent]

a couple of years ago, we were treating a 34 y.o. guy in our sicu who got a "complimentary" cervical spinal adjustment by a chiropractor that he called on as a sales vendor. result? he had a vertebral artery transection and was paralyzed at the level of c5.

a free "adjustment"; paralyzed for life. bet he wishes he could have that day to do all over again.

 

[2ndyear]

I don't think I would provide GA for this procedure. I'm not sure ECT works, but we do anesthesia for this because it is an accepted medical practice. I can't think of any situations, besides DDS and DPM's, where we are asked by a non-physician provider to perform anesthesia.

 

[VolatileAgent]

I'm not sure ECT works, but we do anesthesia for this because it is an accepted medical practice.

ECT works and is effective in major depression. there are sham-control studies that prove this. it may not be in the long-term, though, which creates a dependency on it. and, it is certainly being used extensively in certain pyschiatric disorders where it's effects are not clearly proven (ie, i've provided anesthesia for an 18 y.o. girl with an eating disorder and borderline personality). 😱

 

[nimbus]

I don't think I would provide GA for this procedure. I'm not sure ECT works, but we do anesthesia for this because it is an accepted medical practice. I can't think of any situations, besides DDS and DPM's, where we are asked by a non-physician provider to perform anesthesia.

I am a believer, at least in the short term. We have many bipolar and bipolar psychotic patients who can barely look at you at the start of therapy. After a couple weeks of QOD shocks, they engage you like a normal person.

 

[CremeSickle]

Chiropractic is quackery.

There has never been a single shred of proof behind anything they do.

Essentially, they are massage therapists who use the term "Doctor".

I have seen 2 cases in the ICU where patients who had car accidents went to "emergency chiropractic" center and were manipulated into paralysis. Unbelievable.

 

[VentdependenT]

You can crank someone right through their anatomical barrier if they are completely relaxed and paralyzed. End result= bad idea.

Vertebral artery tears are a real deal and this sounds like a perfect setup for them.

 

[cfdavid]

Chiropractic is quackery.

There has never been a single shred of proof behind anything they do.

Essentially, they are massage therapists who use the term "Doctor".

I have seen 2 cases in the ICU where patients who had car accidents went to "emergency chiropractic" center and were manipulated into paralysis. Unbelievable.

That's just ridiculous. I hate to blame the "victim", but wow. People never cease to amaze me as to the extent of their stupidity.

 

[UWeezl]

MUA, as they say, can be lucrative. I have heard of chiropractors and anesthesiologists teaming up for this dangerous, sham procedure and making a killing. As physicians, facilitating the practice of quackery for a quick buck is beyond the pale of decency and ethics in medicine. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard.

 

[stanleykristian]

sweet jesus what next!

 

[jwk]

http://www.asahq.org/Newsletters/2005/01-05/spinalManip01_05.html


Besides the clinical issues, a big problem with MUA was pointed out in this article. Chiropractors frequently fly without malpractice insurance of any sort. The percentage of anesthesiologists that have no malpractice coverage probably approaches zero. The attorneys will always be looking for deep pockets when the suit is filed.