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Cervical SNAGs: a biomechanical analysis.

A Hearn1, D A Rivett

  • 1SportsMed, 156 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand. nippercity@yahoo.com

Manual Therapy
|August 2, 2002
PubMed
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Sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) are used for cervical spine pain, but their biomechanical basis remains unclear. This study suggests clinical effectiveness may not solely stem from observed biomechanical effects on spinal joints.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Manual Therapy
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Cervical spine pain and restricted movement are common complaints.
  • Sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) are a manual therapy technique frequently employed for these conditions.
  • The underlying biological mechanisms and empirical evidence supporting cervical SNAGs are not well-established in scientific literature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential biomechanical effects of unilateral cervical SNAGs applied ipsilaterally for painful, restricted cervical rotation.
  • To stimulate informed discussion regarding the biological basis of cervical SNAGs.
  • To critically evaluate whether observed biomechanical effects can fully explain the reported clinical efficacy of SNAGs.

Main Methods:

  • The study focuses on the accessory and physiological movement components of a specific SNAG technique.

Related Experiment Videos

  • It analyzes the biomechanical interactions within the zygapophyseal joints and uncovertebral cleft during the described SNAG application.
  • The analysis excludes SNAGs involving flexion, extension, or contralateral rotation.

    • Main Results:

    • The biomechanical analysis suggests SNAGs involve distraction and compression of the ipsilateral zygapophyseal joint.
    • A potential slight distraction of the uncovertebral cleft is also considered.
    • The observed biomechanical actions are questioned as a sole explanation for clinical success compared to other mobilization techniques.

    Conclusions:

    • The precise biomechanical effects of unilateral cervical SNAGs on the zygapophyseal joints and related structures are complex.
    • The study posits that the clinical effectiveness of cervical SNAGs may not be entirely attributable to the hypothesized biomechanical outcomes.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the complete mechanism of action for cervical SNAGs in treating restricted cervical spine movement.