[Prerequisites for the manual therapy of diseases of the cervical spine]

The authors examine the anatomical and biomechanical peculiarities of the upper and lower cervical vertebromotor segments. A differential administration of the manual therapy methods to influence various levels of the cervical spine is substantiated. It has been demonstrated that the mobilization of the atlanto-occipital joints should be carried out by means of flexion and extension movements and lateral inclinations. It is supposed that the atlanto-occipital complex of joints may be affected by means of combination of axial traction and rotation of the cervical spine. The manipulations on the lower cervical vertebromotor segments require a combined application of lateral inclinations and rotation.