Spinecare Topics
Benefits of Spinal Manipulation
Spinal
manipulation refers to the movement of a spinal segment by applying a force to
the area. Spinal manipulative
therapy (SMT) can be performed using a variety of different techniques. Manipulation improves spinal segmental
movement and influences the nervous system.
Chiropractic
physicians are well trained and experienced in the art of spinal and
extra-spinal manipulation.
Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between musculoskeletal structure
(primarily the spine) and bodily function (primarily nervous system function)
and on how this relationship affects health. Most spinal manipulation is performed by chiropractors. It is estimated that there may be more
than one hundred chiropractic and spinal manipulation techniques. Healthcare specialists of different
disciplines may differ in their approach to manual treatment of the spine.
Research
on animals and humans has revealed that abnormal positioning or spinal movement
of the spine can change the function of nerves coming from the spine and may
alter heart rate and blood pressure.
Spinal manipulation reduces pain by improving spinal joint mobility and
by decreasing muscle spasm/guarding.
It has also been proposed that SMT reduces pain through the release of
chemicals that suppress pain such as substance P and endorphins.
Spinal manipulation is
performed to help improve the mobility of spinal segments. Improved spinal mobility is associated
with improved stimulation of sensory nerve endings around the spinal joint
(facets), which sends nerve messages to specialized nerve centers within the
spinal cord and brain. Good joint
movement and normal sensory input increases the likelihood of appropriate
muscle function and muscle reactivity around spinal segments.
Good spinal segment
mobility reduces the risk for developing scar tissue or adhesions around the
spinal joints (facets). Normal
spinal joint mobility also helps to reduce pressure within the intervertebral
foramen. Spinal movement prevents
the adverse effects of immobilization degeneration.
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