How Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation at Layden 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 showing just how and why it works.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SPINAL MANIPULATION
Spinal manipulative therapy benefit goes beyond your spine. According to recent research, it triggers multiple beneficial mechanisms throughout your nervous system. (3) When chiropractors apply controlled force to spinal joints, it rouses sensory receptors that send signals to your brain, helping to decrease pain perception and boost joint function. The pathways through which spinal manipulation provides relief are complex and intertwined. Research shows that manipulation can decrease muscle tension, improve blood flow, and regulate pain signals traveling through your spinal cord. It also seems to prompt the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in your body, creating a cascade of therapeutic effects that extend throughout your musculoskeletal system.
GENTLE ALTERNATIVE: FLEXION-DISTRACTION TECHNIQUE
Not all spinal manipulation involves twisting motions and popping sounds. Layden 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 analyzed how this technique affects the spine via its controlled movement of spinal segments, showing 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 like a subtler approach or have conditions that make traditional manipulation unacceptable, flexion-distraction as performed at Layden Chiropractic offers delivers meaningful pain relief through controlled, comfortable movements.
EVIDENCE OF EFFECTIVENESS
Research consistently validates chiropractic care as an effective treatment for chronic musculoskeletal conditions. A comprehensive analysis in JBJS Reviews evaluated the scientific evidence and determined that spinal manipulation provides significant relief for numerous patients experiencing persistent back and neck pain. (2) The research explains that when appropriately applied, chiropractic care can be a helpful part of a comprehensive pain management plan. Another study in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association explored the underlying mechanisms, revealing that spinal manipulation affects neuroplastic changes—essentially helping retrain how your nervous system processes pain signals over time. (3) The research keeps evolving and gets more interesting all the time!
A SAFE, PATIENT-CENTERED APPROACH
When performed by licensed chiropractors, spinal manipulation has a robust safety profile. The key is working with a qualified practitioner like yours at Layden Chiropractic who performs thorough 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 affecting your quality of life in Plainville, schedule an appointment with us for chiropractic care that may deliver the relief you've been wanting through evidence-based care with us at Layden Chiropractic.
