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YOU are here : Home > Spinecare Topics > Options for Spine Treatments > Benefits of Spinal Manipulation
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Options for Spine Treatments
Benefits of Spinal Manipulation
Neurological Benefits of Spinal Manipulation
The classical theory of the "pinched nerve" has been replaced by a model that includes direct and indirect effects of manipulation on the function of the peripheral and central nervous system. There are many areas within a spinal segment where nerve structures can be physically compressed or entrapped. This includes small nerve structures not just the large spinal nerves. Neural structures are responsible for pain, sensation, muscle control and autonomic nervous system function.
Two proposed neurological mechanisms of spinal manipulation include:
Spinal manipulation causes dynamic stretching of deep spinal muscles and gapping of the spinal joints with mechanical stimulation of nerve receptors in the spinal joint capsule. Both of these mechanisms simulate nerve endings, which through a reflex arc influence muscle tone and inhibit pain.
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Benefits of Spinal Manipulation
The mechanical benefits of manipulation include:
- Release of entrapped synovial tissue
- Release of entrapped/migrated disc tissue
- Stretching and breaking up of scar/adhesions
- Dynamic stretching of muscle/myofascial tissues
- Dynamic stretching of the muscle spindles and Golgi Tendon apparatus
Neurological Benefits of Spinal Manipulation
The classical theory of the "pinched nerve" has been replaced by a model that includes direct and indirect effects of manipulation on the function of the peripheral and central nervous system. There are many areas within a spinal segment where nerve structures can be physically compressed or entrapped. This includes small nerve structures not just the large spinal nerves. Neural structures are responsible for pain, sensation, muscle control and autonomic nervous system function.
Two proposed neurological mechanisms of spinal manipulation include:
- Reduction of compressive insult on nerve tissues
- Creation of stimulus-induced reflex changes at the spinal level
Spinal manipulation causes dynamic stretching of deep spinal muscles and gapping of the spinal joints with mechanical stimulation of nerve receptors in the spinal joint capsule. Both of these mechanisms simulate nerve endings, which through a reflex arc influence muscle tone and inhibit pain.
1 2 3
