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Papers of the Week


Papers: 27 Mar 2021 - 2 Apr 2021


2021 Mar 31


Eur J Pain

Neurophysiological mechanisms of chiropractic spinal manipulation for spine pain.

Authors

Gevers-Montoro C, Provencher B, Descarreaux M, Ortega de Mues A, Piché M
Eur J Pain. 2021 Mar 31.
PMID: 33786932.

Abstract

Together, neck pain and back pain are the first cause of disability worldwide, accounting for more than 10% of the total years lived with disability. In this context, chiropractic care provides a safe and effective option for the management of a large proportion of these patients. Chiropractic is a healthcare profession mainly focused on the spine and the treatment of spinal disorders, including spine pain. Basic studies have examined the influence of chiropractic spinal manipulation on a variety of peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal mechanisms involved in spine pain. While spinal cord mechanisms of pain inhibition contribute at least partly to the pain-relieving effects of chiropractic treatments, the evidence is weaker regarding peripheral and supraspinal mechanisms, which are important components of acute and chronic pain. This narrative review highlights the most relevant mechanisms of pain relief by spinal manipulation and provides a perspective for future research on spinal manipulation and spine pain, including the validation of placebo interventions that control for placebo effects and other non-specific effects that may be induced by spinal manipulation.