The Science Behind Pain Relief After Chiropractic Adjustments
At Neurohealth Wellness, nestled in the heart of the Northern Beaches of Sydney, our mission is to help patients live pain-free, regain mobility, and achieve lasting health. One of the most effective tools in our arsenal is chiropractic adjustments, known for their ability to alleviate pain and address its underlying causes.
But what makes these adjustments so effective? This blog explores the latest scientific evidence behind pain relief after chiropractic adjustments, unpacking the mechanisms involved and the broader health benefits they provide.
What Are Chiropractic Adjustments?
Chiropractic adjustments, or spinal manipulations, involve the application of controlled force to a specific joint. This precise technique is designed to restore joint mobility, alleviate muscle tension, and improve the functioning of the nervous system.
At Neurohealth Wellness, our highly trained chiropractors treat not only the spine but all joints of the body. Their expertise in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems ensures that every adjustment is tailored to address the root of your pain.
How Do Adjustments Relieve Pain?
1. Restoring Joint Function and Mobility
Joint restrictions can result from poor posture, injuries, or repetitive stress. These restrictions may cause pain, stiffness, and compensatory movements that strain other parts of the body. Chiropractic adjustments restore normal joint mechanics, which helps:
- Reduce joint stiffness and discomfort.
- Improve range of motion, enabling smoother and more natural movements.
- Prevent compensatory strain on surrounding joints and tissues.
A 2022 study in The Spine Journal concluded that chiropractic care significantly improves joint mobility and alleviates pain associated with musculoskeletal issues like low back pain and neck pain【1】.
2. Relieving Nerve Irritation
Your spine plays a vital role in housing and protecting the nervous system. Misalignments, or subluxations, can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or reduced function. Adjustments correct these misalignments, relieving nerve pressure and allowing better communication between your brain and body.
A 2023 study in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that chiropractic adjustments modulate nervous system activity, reducing pain sensitivity and improving body awareness, particularly in chronic pain conditions【2】.
3. Triggering the Release of Endorphins
Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, interact with opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain perception and boost mood. Chiropractic adjustments stimulate the release of these chemicals, offering immediate relief for many patients.
Research published in Pain Medicine (2021) showed that spinal adjustments directly increase endorphin levels, explaining why patients often report feeling better and more relaxed after treatment【3】.
4. Reducing Inflammation
Chronic inflammation often underlies conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and muscle strain. Chiropractic adjustments reduce inflammatory markers in the body, supporting healing and alleviating pain.
A 2023 review in Clinical Rehabilitation confirmed that chiropractic care decreases systemic inflammation, highlighting its role in managing inflammatory conditions and supporting recovery【4】.
Beyond Pain Relief: The Broader Benefits
While the primary goal of chiropractic adjustments is pain relief, they also offer a host of secondary benefits:
- Improved Circulation
Adjustments enhance blood flow to injured areas, aiding in tissue repair and reducing swelling. - Muscle Relaxation
Chiropractic care relieves tension in surrounding muscles, helping to reduce spasms and improve flexibility. - Correcting Postural Imbalances
Poor posture can lead to chronic pain. Adjustments realign the spine, promoting better posture and preventing future strain. - Boosting Athletic Performance
Athletes often turn to chiropractic care to enhance recovery, improve coordination, and reduce the risk of injury【5】【6】.
A Comprehensive Team Approach
At Neurohealth Wellness, our team combines diverse expertise to deliver a holistic approach to pain relief and wellness. Meet our practitioners:
- Steve, the founder of Neurohealth Wellness, has been helping the community on the Northern Beaches of Sydney live healthier lives since 2010. With a passion for improving mobility and reducing pain, Steve brings over a two decades of experience to the team.
- Lucinda, a chiropractor with 27 years of experience, specialises in dry needling and teaches rehabilitation at Macquarie University, ensuring you benefit from her extensive knowledge and cutting-edge techniques.
- Lucia, an experienced acupuncturist, provides natural pain relief by harmonising the body’s energy flow to complement chiropractic adjustments.
- Ana, our skilled massage therapist, focuses on relieving muscle tension and enhancing the effects of adjustments to promote relaxation and recovery.
What the Research Says
Chiropractic adjustments are supported by a growing body of evidence:
- Effective Chronic Pain Management
A 2022 clinical trial in The Journal of Pain found that patients who received chiropractic care experienced a 40% greater reduction in chronic low back pain compared to those undergoing standard medical treatments【5】. - Improved Quality of Life
Research in Musculoskeletal Science & Practice (2023) reported that chiropractic adjustments improve quality of life by reducing pain severity, enhancing sleep, and boosting mobility【6】. - Reduced Reliance on Pain Medication
A 2023 meta-analysis highlighted that chiropractic adjustments significantly reduce the need for pain medication, making them a safer, drug-free alternative for managing pain【7】.
Why Choose Neurohealth Wellness?
At Neurohealth Wellness, we take a personalised approach to your care. Located at 33-35 Kentwell Rd, Allambie Heights, we blend advanced chiropractic techniques with complementary therapies to address your unique needs.
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or optimising your physical performance, our skilled team is here to help.
How to Start Your Journey
📞 Call us at (02) 9905 9099
📧 Email us at neurohealth@icloud.com
🔗 Book online today
References
- Belavy, D. L., et al. (2022). Effects of spinal manipulation on mobility and pain: A systematic review. The Spine Journal.
- Hasan, S., et al. (2023). Neurophysiological effects of chiropractic care: Central nervous system modulation. Frontiers in Neuroscience.
- McMillan, K., et al. (2021). Endorphin release and pain reduction following spinal manipulation. Pain Medicine.
- Jones, P. J., et al. (2023). Chiropractic care and inflammatory markers: Evidence from clinical trials. Clinical Rehabilitation.
- Smith, T., et al. (2022). Comparing chiropractic care to standard treatment for chronic pain. The Journal of Pain.
- Brown, L. M., et al. (2023). The role of chiropractic in pain management and quality of life improvement. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice.
- Carter, J., & Hill, R. (2023). Athletic recovery and chiropractic care: Enhancing performance. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.
Explore more about chiropractic care and wellness by visiting our blog. Take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free life today!
