在整脊疗法（一种操作及身体疗法）中，脊椎和其他关节面的结构之间的关系以及它们与神经系统的相互作用被认为是保持或恢复健康的关键。恢复这种关系的主要手段是对脊柱、其他关节和软组织进行推拿。整脊治疗师可提供物理治疗（例如，冷热疗法、电刺激、康复方案）、按摩或穴位按压，并可能建议进行运动、采取人体工学措施或改变生活方式。
一些脊医强调活力医学（身体自愈的能力）。他们运用手法矫正假设中错位的椎骨，试图恢复生命能量（称为先天之气）的流动，从而治愈大多数疾病。其他整脊治疗师不同程度地拒绝这一概念；一些只限于循证的肌肉骨骼治疗。
整脊疗法的应用
可能出现的不良反应
脊柱推拿导致的严重并发症（如腰痛、颈神经损伤、颈部动脉损伤）较为罕见 (6)。脊柱推拿不推荐用于患有骨质疏松症或神经病变症状（如感觉异常、肢体无力）的患者。对于曾接受脊柱手术、中风或患有血管疾病的患者来说，手法治疗是否安全尚不明确。
参考文献
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