SNAG (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide) are mobilizations which could improve patient pain outcomes. A study by Mohamed et al utilized cervical SNAGs to treat cervicogenic headaches and dizziness related to upper cervical joint dysfunction. Both SNAGs proved to provide symptomatic relief. “Sustained natural apophyseal glide mobilizations used in the study were effective in reducing cervicogenic headache and dizziness in all groups with a greater improvement in the combined group. The use of cervical SNAG mobilizations is encouraged as a noninvasive intervention depending on the therapist’s assessment, findings, and clinical reasoning.” (3)
SNAG treatments are mainly for self care or at home exercise plans, which is perfect if you have a busy schedule, like most people. Movements will consist of the patient moving in the direction of symptoms until the end range and then, a towel or strap will provide gentle over pressure to increase movement in this direction. It is important to note that the movement should be pain free.
There has been research to suggest that SNAG combined with spinal manipulation is very effective in providing pain relief from headaches, migraines, and vertigo.
HEADACHES:
- 381 chiropractors found that over 80% of plans for recent-onset headaches required less than ten visits scheduled at 1-2 visits per week for less than eight total weeks while using snag.
- 6-8 SMT sessions produced good outcomes for CGH.
- A Spine Journal study found that spinal manipulation cuts the number of CGH symptomatic days in half
MIGRAINES:
- Spinal manipulation is a sufficient treatment for migraine headaches. A Harvard study found that SMT reduced migraine days and pain intensity. Adding SMT to usual medical care leads to about two fewer migraine days per month.
- A paper demonstrated a “significant reduction” of migraine intensity in almost half of those receiving spinal manipulation. Nearly ¼ of migraine patients reported greater than 90% fewer attacks.
VERTIGO:
- Cervicogenic Vertigo responds well to manual therapy. Since Cervicogenic Vertigo, by definition, is a result from upper cervical dysfunction, spinal manipulation is a great treatment. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of spinal manipulation for Cervicogenic Vertigo
At Back and Body Pain Relief, our goal is and always has been, to help patients out of pain, rehabilitate from injury and for them to understand the entire process so as to help prevent future injury as well.
If you are in pain or need help to return from injury, our collaborative physical therapy and chiropractic care is for you. With our therapists, doctors and in practice gym, we are here to help you.
