Tag: research

Study Finds Spinal Manipulation Improves Cardiac Autonomic Control

A randomized placebo-controlled trial published in Spine by researchers in Brazil compared supine upper thoracic spine manipulation to myofascial release and placebo in 59 patients with musculoskeletal pain. Only those receiving manipulation had improvement in heart rate variability, indicative of positive change in resting cardiac autonomic control, but with no change in blood pressure. The change was immediate after one session of manipulation. Interestingly, myofascial release and placebo did not change HRV.

Doctors of chiropractic have long argued that chiropractic adjustments not only relieve pain but also improve function of the nervous system. Other studies, including those by my colleague, Dr. Hart, have found that chiropractic adjustments may lead to improvement in heart rate variability and lower resting pulse rate, which are associated with improved health and longevity. The old saying is, “Chiropractic adds years to life and life to years”.

 

Reference: Rodrigues, Corrêa, Reis et al. One Session of Spinal Manipulation Improves the Cardiac Autonomic Control in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain, SPINE: July 15, 2021 – Volume 46 – Issue 14 – p 915-922

The abstract is available at:

https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2021/07150/One_Session_of_Spinal_Manipulation_Improves_the.2.aspx

 

Greenville Chiropractor Authors New Nonsurgical Decompression Treatment for Herniated Discs

A new nonsurgical approach may offer the answer to back or leg pain from herniated discs without surgery. Dr. Luke Henry’s paper, “Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report And Proposed Multimodal Chiropractic Treatment Approach” has been published in the Internet Journal of Chiropractic, an open access, peer-reviewed research journal. The paper describes the nonsurgical care of a patient with a 16 mm lumbar disc herniation producing nerve compression. The patient’s lower back and leg pain, weakness and numbness resolved with a treatment plan combining chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression and cold laser therapy. The patient was able to resume work after three visits and he experienced progressive improvement in his ability to sleep, stand and walk. Symptomatic and functional improvement was maintained at a 6 month follow up. Dr. Henry encouraged further research on this new noninvasive approach. Dr. Henry is a graduate of Clemson University and Sherman College of Chiropractic. He is a member of the South Carolina Chiropractic Association and practices in Greenville, South Carolina.

Dr. Henry’s paper is available at:
http://ispub.com/IJCH/4/1/31697