01/09/2026
12 weeks of Chiropractic Care Modulates Biomarkers Linked to Neuroplasticity, Inflammation, and Stress: Increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-6 suggest enhanced neuroplasticity and inflammatory responses, while decreases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha indicate a regulatory effect on systemic inflammation. These findings support the notion that chiropractic care modulates physiological systemic biomarkers, which may underscore its benefits on clinical outcomes.
Takeaway: Chiropractic care has systemic effects and is more than just for pain relief.
Amjad I, Niazi IK, Kumari N, Ghani U, Rashid U, Duarte FCK, Fortuna F, Iglesias S, Gonzalez D, Sumich A, Fabre B, Holt K, Haavik H. The effects of 12 weeks of chiropractic spinal adjustments on physiological biomarkers in adults: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2025 Dec 11;20(12):e0338730.
Background Longer-term effects of chiropractic care on neuroplasticity, stress, and immune biomarkers remain unclear. Objective This study evaluates the effects of chiropractic care on physiological biomarkers, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cortisol (saliva, blood, hair), and i...