The Effect of Expectation on Pain Relief from Spinal Manipulation
Author Information
Author(s): Bialosky Joel E, Bishop Mark D, Robinson Michael E, Barabas Josh A, George Steven Z
Primary Institution: University of Florida
Hypothesis
Does the expectation of pain relief influence the hypoalgesic effect of spinal manipulation?
Conclusion
Expectation can influence pain perception following spinal manipulation, with negative expectations leading to increased pain in the low back.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants receiving a negative expectation reported increased pain after spinal manipulation.
- Those with positive expectations experienced less pain in the low back.
- Hypoalgesia was observed in the lower extremity regardless of expectation.
Takeaway
If you think spinal manipulation will help your pain, it might! But if you think it will make it worse, it could actually hurt more.
Methodology
Participants underwent quantitative sensory testing and were assigned to different expectation groups before receiving spinal manipulation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the influence of expectations on pain perception.
Limitations
The study used a healthy sample and only one session of spinal manipulation, which may not reflect outcomes in clinical populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were healthy adults aged 18-60, with a mix of males and females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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