Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Pain Sensitivity
Author Information
Author(s): George Steven Z, Bishop Mark D, Bialosky Joel E, Zeppieri Giorgio Jr, Robinson Michael E
Primary Institution: University of Florida
Hypothesis
Does spinal manipulation produce hypoalgesia that is localized to lumbar innervated areas and differs from hypoalgesia induced by physical activity?
Conclusion
Spinal manipulation may provide a localized hypoalgesic effect specifically for C-fiber mediated pain in asymptomatic subjects.
Supporting Evidence
- Spinal manipulation produced hypoalgesia in lumbar innervated areas but not in cervical areas.
- Hypoalgesic response was not strongly correlated with psychological variables.
- C-fiber mediated pain perception showed greater hypoalgesia from spinal manipulation compared to stationary bicycle riding.
Takeaway
This study found that spinal manipulation can help reduce pain in specific areas of the body, especially for certain types of pain signals.
Methodology
Asymptomatic subjects underwent thermal pain sensitivity testing before and after receiving spinal manipulation, stationary bicycle riding, or lumbar extension exercises.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to lack of a sham manipulation group.
Limitations
Findings may not be generalizable to patients with low back pain, and the study only assessed immediate effects without a control group.
Participant Demographics
Undergraduate and graduate students, asymptomatic, not currently experiencing low back pain.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.040
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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