Acute Paraparesis in a Patient after High Velocity Manipulation of Cervical Spine and its Management

This case report discusses a patient who experienced paraparesis after receiving a neck manipulation from a barber. Such manipulations, especially when performed by non-professionals, can lead to rare but serious complications. The patient, who had pre-existing degenerative changes in his cervical spine, suffered a disc extrusion and spinal cord compression following the manipulation. This resulted in neurological deficits that required surgical intervention. The report emphasizes the need for caution regarding alternative therapies involving forceful neck manipulations, particularly in individuals with underlying spinal conditions. It also underscores the importance of seeking treatment from qualified professionals.

• 1
  A 57-year-old male developed paraparesis following a neck manipulation by a non-registered person (barber).
• 2
  MRI revealed multilevel degenerative changes, disc extrusion at C4-C5 level, and high signal change (cord edema) in the spinal cord.
• 3
  Surgical intervention (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) was required to remove disc fragments compressing the spinal cord, leading to the patient's recovery.