The Science Behind Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic care is frequently misunderstood and, regrettably, dismissed as “pseudoscience.” Many people don’t fully understand what chiropractors do and there is even a widespread misconception that chiropractors lack adequate qualifications or training. In truth, chiropractors undergo an intensive five-year university program at a minimum and continue their education to stay at the cutting edge of healthcare. This blog will delve into the science behind chiropractic care and how it can benefit you. 

What is chiropractic care, and how do adjustments work?

Chiropractic adjustments, sometimes called spinal manipulations, involve applying quick, controlled force to a joint (typically in the spine) which normalizes the way the segment moves and therefore improves the function of the nerves associated with that area. There are a variety of ways this can be accomplished, either by hand alone or by mechanically assisted approaches. 

The chiropractic objective focuses on the ability of the body to self manage and heal when these dysfunctional segments of the spine are adjusted to remove interference to spinal nerves. Care encompasses diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal and systemic disorders and a holistic approach is taken where exercise and lifestyle modifications are prioritized as well as manual therapies in order to reach health goals. 

Adjustments help in a variety of ways

• Joint Mobility

Over time, joints can become restricted due to poor posture, repetitive strain, or even injury. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore normal motion in these joints, enabling more appropriate movement and reducing associated inflammation and stiffness.

• Pain reduction 

Adjustments can also help alleviate pain by normalizing these misalignments (called subluxations) that may irritate nerves. This can lead to relief from pain in any area those nerves travel to.

• Postural Alignment

Poor posture can strain muscles and joints and reduce nerve function. Chiropractors assess and correct the spine to improve posture, reducing stress on the system.

• Injury Recovery Support

Adjustments can also assist in recovery from whiplash or sports injuries. By improving joint mobility and reducing inflammation, chiropractic care can enhance healing and prevent long-term dysfunction.

• Reduce Muscle Tension

Dysfunctional joints and irritation to the nerves can lead to muscle imbalance and tension. Chiropractic adjustments restore nerve function and balanced musculature

• Prevention

Regular chiropractic care also helps to identify and address potential issues quickly before they become significant problems. This promotes long-term musculoskeletal and systemic health and reduces the risk of injuries 

What scientific evidence supports chiropractic adjustments?

Scientific research into the effectiveness of chiropractic care is ongoing and the body of research has grown significantly in the last few decades as methods are refined. There are a multitude of high level published studies including randomized controlled trials and meta analyses. These studies incorporate a wide range of populations from babies to older adults and many different disorders and diagnoses. Some of these are highlighted below.

Pain Relief: Evidence suggests that chiropractic adjustments can be effective in treating certain types of pain, particularly musculoskeletal pain and tension-type headaches. A systematic review published in journals like “Spine” and “The Journal of the American Medical Association” (JAMA) concluded that spinal manipulation is effective for acute and chronic lower back pain. Research also indicates that it may help alleviate acute neck pain although the long term benefits haven’t been studied as rigorously as those focussing on lower back pain. Studies have also shown that chiropractic care can be beneficial for reducing the frequency and severity of tension-type headaches and migraines. In 2019 a systematic review was published that looked at all clinical trials that focussed on migraines and the findings were that those under chiropractic care had fewer migraines and less pain. One study also found that 1 in 5 people with migraines who utilised chiropractic care had complete resolution of their symptoms after 2 months under care.

Functional Improvement: Some studies suggest that chiropractic adjustments can lead to improvements in function and quality of life and overall physical performance. Studies show increased range of motion, muscle strength and function, improvement in movement patterns for balance and coordination and a systematic review published in “Sports Medicine” showed a positive effect on athletic performance.

Brain function: Studies have also shown that chiropractic care influences the prefrontal cortex of the brain. In a 2015 study in Denmark, scientists recorded an average 20% change in brain function after a chiropractic session compared to a control group receiving a sham treatment. This was the 4th time the same findings have been researched and published. Research shows improvement in the way the brain functions overall, which means an impact to all sorts of neurological conditions. A study published this year (2024) in fact, highlights the impact of chiropractic care on people living with Alzheimer's mild cognitive impairment as it is shown to slow down the progression.

Mental Health: Some studies are also showing other exciting findings relating to mental health. Recently ectroencephalogram (EEG) was utilized on 76 patients to assess brain activity in response to chiropractic care over a 4 week period. Analysis of the chiropractic group versus the control group displayed significant differences in brain activity and function. One of the most exciting findings in the chiropractic group was improvements in mental health. Those receiving chiropractic adjustments reported significant reductions in anxiety, depression, fatigue and pain and an increase in quality of life. Data from the wearable devices utilised in the study also showed improved light sleep stages in those receiving chiropractic adjustments over this time. Importantly, none of these findings were found in the control group which demonstrates the benefit of chiropractic care is linked to activity in the brain and neural processing.    

How does chiropractic care align with evidence-based medicine?

Evidence based medicine is the approach of using the best available evidence combined with clinical expertise and patient values in order to make healthcare decisions. Many clinical practice guidelines incorporate chiropractic care as a part of their patient care and recovery. As chiropractic emphasizes a holistic approach it aligns with the evidence based principles of incorporating patient values and preferences into their decision making. Chiropractic care is often utilized in collaboration with other health care providers and works alongside physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to provide an integrated patient centered program. This allows the patient to reach their health goals faster and within their own ideals whilst also basing decisions on the sound scientific evidence on hand.