Neuroplastic Responses to Chiropractic Care: Broad Impacts on Pain, Mood, Sleep, and Quality of Life

Overview

Journal Brain Sci

Publisher MDPI

Date 2024 Nov 27

PMID 39595887

Authors

Heidi Haavik

Imran Khan Niazi

Imran Amjad

Nitika Kumari

Usman Ghani

Moeez Ashfaque

Usman Rashid

Muhammad Samran Navid

Ernest Nlandu Kamavuako

Amit N Pujari

Kelly Holt

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of chiropractic care using resting electroencephalography (EEG), somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), clinical health assessments (Fitbit), and Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29).

Methods: Seventy-six people with chronic low back pain (mean age ± SD: 45 ± 11 years, 33 female) were randomised into control ( = 38) and chiropractic ( = 38) groups. EEG and SEPs were collected pre and post the first intervention and post 4 weeks of intervention. PROMIS-29 was measured pre and post 4 weeks. Fitbit data were recorded continuously.

Results: Spectral analysis of resting EEG showed a significant increase in Theta, Alpha and Beta, and a significant decrease in Delta power in the chiropractic group post intervention. Source localisation revealed a significant increase in Alpha activity within the Default Mode Network (DMN) post intervention and post 4 weeks. A significant decrease in N30 SEP peak amplitude post intervention and post 4 weeks was found in the chiropractic group. Source localisation demonstrated significant changes in Alpha and Beta power within the DMN post-intervention and post 4 weeks. Significant improvements in light sleep stage were observed in the chiropractic group along with enhanced overall quality of life post 4 weeks, including significant reductions in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that many health benefits of chiropractic care are due to altered brain activity.

Citing Articles

Neuromuscular Response to High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulation-An Overview.

Alanazi M, Degenhardt B, Kelley-Franklin G, Cox J, Lipke L, Reed W Medicina (Kaunas). 2025; 61(2).

PMID: 40005304 PMC: 11857552. DOI: 10.3390/medicina61020187.

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