Chiropractic Adjustment Affects the Brain
Chiropractic care could reduce your pain and stress.
A study published in the Journal for Alternative Therapeutic Health Methods found brain changes in men after chiropractic spinal manipulation (CMS) for neck pain. The researchers were interested in evaluating the effects of chiropractic on brain responses shown on imaging with positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), which shows changes in glucose metabolism (the brain uses glucose to function).
"Twelve male volunteers were recruited. Brain PET scanning was performed twice on each participant, at resting and after CMS. Questionnaires were used for subjective evaluations. A visual analogue [pain scale] was rated by participants before and after chiropractic treatment, and muscle tone and salivary amylase [saliva enzymes] were measured." The participants had neck pain and chiropractic adjustments were performed on the neck.
The imaging showed increased activity in some areas of the brain and reduced activity in other areas. "Comparisons of questionnaires indicated a lower stress level and better quality of life in the treatment condition. A significantly lower VAS [pain score] was noted after CSM." Muscle tension in the neck reduced and saliva enzymes were decreased after chiropractic treatment.
The researchers believe the changes related to pain reduction and relaxation of part of the autonomic nervous system that can be more excited with pain or stress.
Read the research abstract here.
"Twelve male volunteers were recruited. Brain PET scanning was performed twice on each participant, at resting and after CMS. Questionnaires were used for subjective evaluations. A visual analogue [pain scale] was rated by participants before and after chiropractic treatment, and muscle tone and salivary amylase [saliva enzymes] were measured." The participants had neck pain and chiropractic adjustments were performed on the neck.
The imaging showed increased activity in some areas of the brain and reduced activity in other areas. "Comparisons of questionnaires indicated a lower stress level and better quality of life in the treatment condition. A significantly lower VAS [pain score] was noted after CSM." Muscle tension in the neck reduced and saliva enzymes were decreased after chiropractic treatment.
The researchers believe the changes related to pain reduction and relaxation of part of the autonomic nervous system that can be more excited with pain or stress.
Read the research abstract here.
