A recent study was performed to try and help determine the effect of chiropractic treatment on pain levels. What was found was that it was indeed very successful in helping patients find relief.
The human body contains approximately 60 chemicals, each one responsible for different functions and regulations. A study published in the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy concludes that chiropractic helps promote nearly all of them.
To illustrate what we mean here are a couple of examples from the 60. Calcium assists your muscles in contracting while potassium supports heartbeat rhythm regulation. Sodium works to control the water balance and fluorine (not fluoride) helps protect your teeth from decay.
In this study, 30 participants were chosen. These patients were not actively complaining about any type of pain. The goal was to see the effect on their hormone levels when under chiropractic care. The hormones checked included oxytocin, orexin A, cortisol, and neurotensin. These are the four main hormones that contribute to how well a person feels.
Subjects were divided into three groups. Group 1 – received cervical (spinal) manipulation of the neck. Group 2 – received thoracic spinal manipulation (discs and vertebrae of the middle and upper back) and Group 3 – was the control group, receiving no treatment at all.
Doctors and researchers did blood draws on each person prior to, directly after, and also two hours post-treatment to determine starting, mid, and post levels to note any changes.
What was found: Both Oxytocin and Neurotensin were found to be significantly higher. Cortisol levels were raised only for those with cervical (neck) manipulation, and orexin-A levels did not change for anyone of the groups.
The conclusion was that regular chiropractic care can help you on a cellular level to eradicate pain purely through the hormonal makeup of your body as well as correcting any subluxations causing the pain in the first place. This makes chiropractic a two-fold winner when it comes to eliminating pain.
If you are experiencing pain, give chiropractic a try. Give the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. a call here in Fort Myers, Florida. 239-332-2555 or visit his site to learn more. www.drkasters.damonazdesign.com.
Source: Plaza-Manzano G, Molina F, Lomas-Vega R, et al. Changes in biochemical markers of pain perception and stress response after spinal manipulation. Journal Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 2014;44(4):231-9.