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#381 Back Pain & Brain Chemistry

This week we found a fascinating study from the Irish Journal of Medical Science examining spinal manipulation (we would like to see one looking at specific chiropractic care), brain chemistry, and comparing pre and post groups.   The randomized control trial involved 25 patients diagnosed with generalized, nonspecific low back pain. The group was divided into an active group (which received the manipulations) and the sham group (which received a fake manipulation).   The evaluations occurred before the study began and after the study concluded. Measurement included: Numerical Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index and Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.   It's important to remember that the latest data and model surrounding pain involve a Central Nerve System centered theme.   That means that antiquated pain models used to believe that the level of pain someone felt was directly proportional to the damage that occurred on the tissues.   Now we understand that pain is a personal response stemming from the Central Nerve System's interpretation of a multitude of factors.   What we covered
  • A general overview of the study, how it was performed, and the results.
  • An interpretation of the results including a review of the current model used to explain the sensation of pain and the most up to date data and the current model of chiropractic.
  • The difference between a manipulation and a chiropractic adjustment/correction.
  • How these results translate into chiropractors saying crazy things.
  • Why pain is much more complicated than we previously thought.
  • Why chiropractic might be more applicable to more areas than originally thought.