How Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation at Old Mill Chiropractic Works to Ease Your Chronic Pain
If living with chronic musculoskeletal pain has you down, you're likely looking at all your options for relief. Chiropractic spinal manipulation has emerged as a valuable treatment option, and recent research is shedding light on exactly how and why it produces results.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SPINAL MANIPULATION
Spinal manipulative therapy good goes beyond your spine. According to new research, it triggers multiple beneficial mechanisms throughout your nervous system. (3) When chiropractors direct controlled force to spinal joints, it arouses sensory receptors that send signals to your brain, helping to reduce pain perception and boost joint function. The pathways through which spinal manipulation provides relief are complex and interconnected. Research shows that manipulation can decrease muscle tension, improve blood flow, and regulate pain signals moving about your spinal cord. It also appears to influence the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in your body, fostering a flow of therapeutic effects that extend throughout your musculoskeletal system.
GENTLE ALTERNATIVE: FLEXION-DISTRACTION TECHNIQUE
Not all spinal manipulation involves twisting motions and popping sounds. Old Mill Chiropractic offers a gentler, non-thrust technique called flexion-distraction (aka Cox® Technic) that uses rhythmic movements to decompress spinal joints. Recent ultrasound research has studied how this technique affects the spine via its controlled movement of spinal segments, demonstrating its precision and mechanical effects on the spine. (1) (This builds on the foundational study of the biomechanical effects of Cox® Technic.) For patients who prefer a subtler approach or have conditions that make traditional manipulation unacceptable, flexion-distraction as performed at Old Mill Chiropractic offers an effective alternative that still provides therapeutic benefits.
EVIDENCE OF EFFECTIVENESS
Multiple studies support the use of chiropractic care for chronic musculoskeletal conditions. A comprehensive review published in JBJS Reviews really looked at the evidence base and reported that spinal manipulation demonstrates meaningful benefits for many patients dealing from chronic back and neck pain. (2) The research indicates that when appropriately applied, chiropractic care can be an effective component of a comprehensive pain management plan. Another study in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association explored the underlying mechanisms, discussing how spinal manipulation affects neuroplastic changes—basically helping retrain how your nervous system processes pain signals over time. (3) The research keeps coming and gets more interesting all the time!
A SAFE, PATIENT-CENTERED APPROACH
When performed by licensed chiropractors, spinal manipulation has a strong safety profile. The key is working with a qualified practitioner like yours at Old Mill Chiropractic who performs careful assessments and develops an individualized chiropractic treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs.
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the process a chiropractic patient can expect to go through with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management toward relief.
If chronic pain is negatively impacting your quality of life in St Peters, make an appointment with us for chiropractic care that may deliver the relief you've been seeking through evidence-based care with us at Old Mill Chiropractic.
