12/09/2025
Dr Ben talking about a media release due to be released this weekend
11 Things You Didn’t Know About Chiropractic
(Beyond Just Back Pain)
The New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association (NZCA) is highlighting eleven science-supported benefits of chiropractic care that go far beyond simply managing back pain. As growing numbers of Kiwis seek natural, drug-free approaches to support active lifestyles, chiropractic offers a valuable option for improving mobility, reducing tension and enhancing overall wellbeing.
“People often think chiropractic is just about sore backs, but modern chiropractic care is focused on whole-body health and function,” says Dr. Jenna Duehr, chiropractor and NZCA spokesperson. “Evidence-based care can help with movement, posture, headaches and much more. It’s about helping New Zealanders live well and stay active.”
1. Chiropractic Care Focuses on Your Nervous System
Chiropractors work with the spine to influence the nervous system, which coordinates every function in your body—from digestion to immune response.
Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2012). The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 22(5), 768-776.
2. Adjustments May Improve Brain-Body Communication
Research using advanced imaging has shown that spinal adjustments can alter brain activity, potentially improving sensory processing and motor control.
Haavik, H., Kumari, N., Holt, K., Niazi, I. K., Amjad, I., Pujari, A. N., ... & Murphy, B. (2021). The contemporary model of vertebral column joint dysfunction and impact of high-velocity, low-amplitude controlled vertebral thrusts on neuromuscular function. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 121(10), 2675-2720.
3. Chiropractic May Help Reduce Stress Responses
Studies suggest chiropractic adjustments can affect the autonomic nervous system, supporting a shift towards a calmer, more balanced state.
Welch, A., & Boone, R. (2008). Sympathetic and parasympathetic responses to specific diversified adjustments to chiropractic vertebral subluxations of the cervical and thoracic spine. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 7(3), 86-93.
4. It’s Not Just About Pain Relief
Patients often report improvements in sleep, energy, mood, and focus following chiropractic care—areas directly influenced by nervous system function.
Haavik, H., Niazi, I. K., Amjad, I., Kumari, N., Ghani, U., Ashfaque, M., ... & Holt, K. (2024). Neuroplastic Responses to Chiropractic Care: Broad Impacts on Pain, Mood, Sleep, and Quality of Life. Brain Sciences, 14(11), 1124.
5. Kids May Benefit Too
Preliminary evidence suggests chiropractic care may support motor development, coordination, and even colic relief in infants.
Alcantara, J., Ohm, J., & Kunz, D. (2009). The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic: a survey of chiropractors and parents in a practice-based research network. Explore, 5(5), 290-295.
6. Can Support Athletic Performance
From weekend joggers to elite athletes, chiropractic adjustments have been linked to improvements in reaction time, strength, and flexibility—likely due to more efficient nerve signaling.
Lin, A. F. C., Piong, S. Z., Wan, W. M., Li, P., Chu, V. K., Chu, E. C. P., & Chu, V. (2023). Unlocking athletic potential: the integration of chiropractic care into the sports industry and its impact on the performance and health of athletes and economic growth in China and Hong Kong. Cureus, 15(4).
DeVocht, J.W., Vining, R., Smith, D.L. et al. Effect of chiropractic manipulative therapy on reaction time in special operations forces military personnel: a randomized controlled trial. Trials 20, 5 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-018-3133-2
7. May Influence Immune Function
While research is still developing, some studies show spinal adjustments can affect immune markers and white blood cell activity.
Haas, A., Chung, J., Kent, C., Mills, B., & McCoy, M. (2024). Vertebral Subluxation and Systems Biology: An Integrative Review Exploring the Salutogenic Influence of Chiropractic Care on the Neuroendocrine-Immune System. Cureus, 16(3).
8. Drug-Free and Holistic
Chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that aims to restore natural body function by removing interference to the nervous system. People who are under chiropractic care are less likely to use potentially harmful opioid medications.
Corcoran, K. L., Bastian, L. A., Gunderson, C. G., Steffens, C., Brackett, A., & Lisi, A. J. (2020). Association between chiropractic use and opioid receipt among patients with spinal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain Medicine, 21(2), e139-e145.
9. Could Help With Headaches and Migraines
Spinal adjustments can reduce the frequency and intensity of certain headaches by addressing nerve irritation and muscle tension.
Rist, P. M., Hernandez, A., Bernstein, C., Kowalski, M., Osypiuk, K., Vining, R., ... & Wayne, P. M. (2019). The impact of spinal manipulation on migraine pain and disability: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 59(4), 532-542.
10. Patients Often Choose It for Wellness, Not Just Injury
Surveys show many people seek chiropractic care for overall wellness and preventive health—not only after pain starts.
Beliveau, P. J., Wong, J. J., Sutton, D. A., Simon, N. B., Bussières, A. E., Mior, S. A., & French, S. D. (2017). The chiropractic profession: a scoping review of utilization rates, reasons for seeking care, patient profiles, and care provided. Chiropractic & manual therapies, 25(1), 35.
11. May reduce falls risk in older adults and promote healthy ageing
Chiropractic care can also be modified for older adults and research has shown it can improve body awareness and sensory processing, which are important factors in reducing falls risk.
Holt, K. R., Haavik, H., Lee, A. C. L., Murphy, B., & Elley, C. R. (2016). Effectiveness of chiropractic care to improve sensorimotor function associated with falls risk in older people: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 39(4), 267-278.
About the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association
The NZCA represents qualified, registered chiropractors dedicated to high standards of patient care. Our members support evidence-informed, holistic, patient-centred approaches to musculoskeletal health and overall wellbeing. To learn more about the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association and find a NZCA chiropractor near you, visit: www.chiropractic.org.nz
