By Brighton chiropractor Matthew Bennett
Although our chiropractors have been here in Brighton for over 30 years and chiropractic care itself has been around for well over a century, it is only now that studies are revealing how chiropractic manipulation works. These studies look at its effects on pain management, longer term outcomes and the biomechanics of the spine.
Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are not just about cracking backs; they influence the nervous system, muscle function and overall biomechanical health.
The core principle of chiropractic care is that the spine plays a vital role in overall health. When joints in the spine become restricted or dysfunctional, they can cause pain and disrupt nervous system function.
By restoring movement in these joints, chiropractic adjustments help reduce pain and improve function. Let’s break it all down.
The Science Behind Chiropractic Manipulation
Recent research underscores the effectiveness of spinal manipulation and patient-centred approaches, such as our approach at Sundial Clinics, in managing back pain. A comprehensive review published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine analysed 301 randomised controlled trials encompassing 56 non-invasive treatments for non-specific back pain. The findings revealed that only 10% of these treatments provided slight relief over placebo, with spinal manipulative therapy among the few demonstrating efficacy for chronic pain. This demonstrates that chiropractic treatment can offer benefits in chronic back pain management.
Another study, featured in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, explored the roles of patient-centred care and manipulative treatment in treating chronic low back pain. The research indicated that while patient-centred care alone did not mediate clinical outcomes, the inclusion of spinal manipulation led to significant improvements in pain intensity. This highlights the potential of combining spinal manipulation with a patient-focused approach to enhance treatment outcomes. (1)
These studies contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the integration of spinal manipulation within patient-centred care frameworks for back pain management. By tailoring treatments to individual patient needs and incorporating spinal manipulative techniques, healthcare providers can offer more effective, personalised interventions for those suffering from chronic back pain.
Joint Mechanics and Pain Relief
Joints, especially those in the spine, rely on proper movement to function well. When a joint becomes restricted, it can cause inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness. Manipulation helps restore normal motion, reducing joint stress and irritation.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that spinal manipulation was effective for acute lower back pain, providing similar relief to other recommended treatments. By restoring joint motion, chiropractic adjustments reduce pain sensitivity and improve mobility.
Nervous System Regulation
The spine houses the spinal cord, a key part of the nervous system. Nerve roots exit the spine, sending signals to and from the brain. If spinal joints are not moving correctly, they may irritate these nerves, causing pain or dysfunction in different parts of the body.
Chiropractic manipulation stimulates the nervous system, affecting how pain signals are processed. A 2016 study in Spine Journal showed that spinal adjustments can modulate pain perception by influencing the central nervous system. This explains why some patients report improvements not just in pain but also other symptoms like headaches, digestive issues or even sleep quality.
Muscle Function and Movement Patterns
Restricted motion in the spine doesn’t just affect joints; it also impacts surrounding muscles. When a spinal joint is stiff, nearby muscles often compensate by tightening or weakening. Over time, this leads to muscular imbalances, which can cause chronic pain and dysfunction.
By restoring normal joint movement, chiropractic care helps reset muscle tone and coordination. Research has shown that spinal manipulation affects muscle activation patterns, improving overall movement efficiency. This is why athletes often use chiropractic adjustments to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
What Happens During an Adjustment?
Chiropractors use precise, controlled forces to restore movement to joints. This can be done using hands or specialised instruments. A typical adjustment may produce a popping sound, which is simply gas being released from the fluid in the joint.
Although the pop is satisfying, it’s not the source of the benefits. The real impact comes from improved joint function, reduced nerve irritation and better muscle coordination.
Does Chiropractic Manipulation Work for Everyone?
While many people experience significant relief, chiropractic care isn’t a universal fix. Some conditions, like severe spinal degeneration, fractures or certain neurological disorders, may require other medical interventions. However, for mechanical pain related to joint dysfunction, chiropractic adjustments can be highly effective.
A 2018 review by the Cochrane Library concluded that spinal manipulation provides moderate relief for chronic back pain and may reduce the need for pain medication. Given the opioid crisis, non-drug pain management approaches like chiropractic care have become increasingly important.
Chiropractic Care as Part of Conservative Management
Modern chiropractic care follows an evidence-based approach, integrating with other forms of conservative management such as physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation. Here at Sundial Clinics, our practitioners work alongside each other to provide comprehensive care for musculoskeletal conditions.
A growing body of research supports chiropractic adjustments as an effective intervention for back pain, neck pain and certain types of headaches. Guidelines from organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend spinal manipulation as part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing musculoskeletal pain.
Final Thoughts
Chiropractic manipulation works by improving joint mechanics, reducing nerve irritation and optimising muscle function. Scientific research supports its effectiveness, particularly for back pain, neck pain and headaches. While it’s not a cure-all, it’s a valuable tool for managing musculoskeletal conditions.
If you’re considering chiropractic care, our practitioners here at Sundial use an evidence-based approach. Combined with exercise, good posture and lifestyle adjustments, chiropractic treatment can be a powerful way to maintain spinal health and overall well-being.