what is spinal HVT?

Answer 1

Spinal Nerve Root Pain

HVT Spinal Manipulation is a useful technique for a range of spinal nerve root complaints. However, whenever manipulation is considered in the presence of nerve root symptoms, these tests should always be performed to reassure the patient and the doctor that nerve root function is normal:-
Normal reflexes
biceps reflex = C5/6 nerve function
brachioradialis reflex = C6 nerve root function
triceps reflex = C7/8 nerve root function
knee reflex = L3 nerve function
ankle reflex = S1 nerve function
Normal motor power
normal power in the leg motor groups L1 to S1
normal power in the arm motor groups C4 to T1
No dural tension signs in the legs using the slump test (sitting straight leg raising with trunk flexion)
No root pain down the arm using the nerve root provocation test (neck extension combined with side bending and rotation to the same side)
Normal S2/3/4 nerve root function - normal buttock muscle tone, and saddle sensation
If there is any doubt about neurological function, then an MRI scan should be performed before HVT manipulation is performed. See Contra-indications for more information about when not to perform HVT spinal manipulation.
Disc Prolapse - after a bout of nerve root pain caused by annular tears and disc prolapses there is often persisting back or neck pain and restricted spinal movements (Spinal Dysfunction). After a series of Epidural Injections when the nerve root pain component has recovered, HVT Spinal Manipulation is a useful treatment for the spinal pain component.
Spinal Stenosis - in this condition the internal diameter of the spinal canal can be reduced by excessive lumbar extension (backwards bending). Lumbar muscle spasm holds the spine in extension and therefore can worsen spinal stenosis. An exaggerated thoracic spinal curve (round shouldered posture) tends to produce a compensatory opposite curve in the lumbar spine (hollow backed), which can again worsen spinal stenosis. HVT Spinal Manipulation can be useful for reducing lumbar extension caused by lumbar muscle spasm. Freeing up the thoracic spinal movements can also unlock the movements in the lumbar area, reducing the hollow lumbar curve.
Foraminal Stenosis - narrowing of the spinal nerve root exit holes can be worsened by additional paravertebral muscle spasm, worsening the degree of spinal nerve root irritation. HVT Spinal Manipulation can be a useful technique to reduce the local muscle spasm, allowing the foramen to open up again, giving the nerve root more room as it exits. If there is severe nerve root pain with weakness, an MRI scan would be advisable, and either an Epidural Injection OR Nerve Root Block for pain relief before considering manipulation.
Spinal Muscle Spasm and Facet Joint Syndrome can cause Non Nerve Root Referred Pain in the arms and legs. HVT Spinal Manipulation is the treatment of choice for this condition once a annular tear / disc prolapse has been ruled out.

Answer 2

Manipulation involves encouraging the "stiff" area of the spine to begin moving again, and comprises soft tissue massage, gentle mobilisation movements (articulation), and firmer carefully controlled movements (high velocity low amplitude thrusts - HVT's) which stretch the stiff part often accompanied by a series of "clicks" or "pops".

So, Spinal HVT is high velocity low amplitude thrusts to the spine.

Answer 3

spinal HVT- high velocity low amplitude thrust- is what chiropractors do all day long. the first post gave a nice detailed article from the web, but it's a gentle, quick impulse directed in the correct line of drive to restore proper motion to a vertebral segment that has lost proper motion.
There are lots of different ways to do this/ varied techniques, but that's what chiropractors specialize in.

Answer 4

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