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Neurological effects of the adjustment
1Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Santa Ana 92701, USA.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
|March 14, 2000
Summary
Chiropractic adjustment theories, including nerve compression and reflex mechanisms, are supported by sufficient research to be considered working models. However, current evidence is insufficient to validate these chiropractic theories definitively.
Area of Science:
- Chiropractic and manual therapies
- Neuroscience
- Pain management
Background:
- The precise mechanisms underlying the effects of chiropractic adjustments remain a subject of scientific inquiry.
- Several theoretical models have been proposed to explain how spinal manipulation influences health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate the scientific evidence supporting prominent theories of chiropractic adjustment.
- To assess the current validity of nerve compression, reflex, and pain relief theories.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of peer-reviewed scientific studies.
- Analysis of research supporting proposed chiropractic adjustment mechanisms.
- Evaluation of the sufficiency of evidence for theoretical models.
Main Results:
- Scientific research provides reasonable support for nerve compression, reflex, and pain relief theories as working models.
- Current evidence is deemed insufficient to establish the definitive validity of these chiropractic theories.
Conclusions:
- The discussed theories offer plausible explanations for the effects of chiropractic adjustments.
- Further rigorous research is necessary to validate these theoretical models in chiropractic practice.