
07/12/2024
Chiropractic care has been shown to modulate pain through various mechanisms involving both physiological and psychological factors. Recent research highlights several key aspects of how chiropractic interventions impact pain management:
1. **Neural Mechanisms**: Chiropractic care involves manual techniques that influence neural pathways associated with pain. This includes activating cutaneous mechanoreceptors and altering spinal processing of sensory inputs, which can modulate pain perception and response. There is also evidence suggesting that chiropractic manipulation may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), facilitating synaptic plasticity in pain pathways [[❞]](https://lnkd.in/gK_qtvB2).
2. **Inflammation and Circulation**: Chiropractic adjustments may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve circulation through somato-autonomic reflexes. These effects can help mitigate inflammation and enhance overall pain relief [[❞]](https://lnkd.in/gK_qtvB2).
3. **Central Sensitization**: By addressing biomechanical and somatic dysfunctions, chiropractic care may reverse central sensitization—a condition where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive to pain. This can lead to significant improvements in chronic pain conditions [[❞]](https://lnkd.in/gK_qtvB2).
4. **Multimodal Approaches**: Combining chiropractic care with other treatments like NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and physical therapies has been shown to enhance pain relief and functional outcomes. Such integrated approaches target multiple facets of chronic musculoskeletal pain, offering a more comprehensive treatment strategy [[❞]](https://lnkd.in/gpTKXjbc) [[❞]](https://lnkd.in/g4RYgkNp).
5. **Evidence and Guidelines**: Clinical practice guidelines emphasize the use of high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) techniques and other manual therapies as part of an initial chiropractic care plan. These interventions are supported by evidence for their short- to medium-term benefits in pain reduction and improved function, particularly for low back pain. However, the long-term effectiveness and the best combination of techniques remain areas for further research [[❞]](https://lnkd.in/gpTKXjbc) [[❞]](https://lnkd.in/g4RYgkNp).