The assessment of cervical intersegmental mobility before and after spinal manipulative therapy

The objective of this study is to assess the changes in cervical intersegmental spinal mobility before and after the use of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). Two systems of mensuration are utilized in 58 case studies. The results are then compared to previously defined normal values and the efficacy of SMT is objectively assessed. Of the 58 case studies presented, results reveal that post-SMT mobility is significantly (p less than .05) greater than the pre-SMT data, with exception of the C1 segment of both the male and female treatment groups utilizing the Henderson et al. mensuration method. Although both systems displayed improved post-SMT scores, one system appeared to be a more sensitive form of mensuration, while the other is more inclusive, not depending on radiographic findings alone.