How Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation at Satterwhite Chiropractic Works to Ease Your Chronic Pain
If you're living with chronic musculoskeletal pain, you're likely exploring every avenue for relief. Chiropractic spinal manipulation has surfaced as a valuable treatment option, and new research is shedding light on exactly how and why it produces results.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SPINAL MANIPULATION
Spinal manipulative therapy good goes beyond your spine. According to recent research, it triggers multiple advantageous mechanisms throughout your nervous system. (3) When chiropractors apply controlled force to spinal joints, it stimulates sensory receptors that send signals to your brain, helping to decrease pain perception and improve joint function. The pathways through which spinal manipulation provides relief are complex and intertwined. Research shows that manipulation can decrease muscle tension, improve blood flow, and modulate pain signals traveling through your spinal cord. It also seems to prompt the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in your body, creating a flow of therapeutic effects that extend beyond the immediate treatment area.
GENTLE ALTERNATIVE: FLEXION-DISTRACTION TECHNIQUE
Not all spinal manipulation involves twisting motions and popping sounds. Satterwhite Chiropractic offers a gentler, non-thrust technique called flexion-distraction (aka Cox® Technic) that utilizes easy movements to decompress spinal joints. Recent ultrasound research has studied how this technique affects the spine via its controlled movement of spinal segments, showing its precision and mechanical effects on the spine. (1) (This builds on the foundational study of the biomechanical effects of Cox® Technic.) For patients who prefer a softer approach or have conditions that make traditional manipulation unsuitable, flexion-distraction as performed at Satterwhite Chiropractic offers delivers meaningful pain relief through controlled, comfortable movements.
EVIDENCE OF EFFECTIVENESS
Multiple studies champion the use of chiropractic care for chronic musculoskeletal conditions. A comprehensive review published in JBJS Reviews examined the evidence base and found that spinal manipulation exhibits meaningful benefits for many patients suffering from chronic back and neck pain. (2) The research indicates that when properly applied, chiropractic care can be a helpful component of a comprehensive pain management strategy. Another study in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association explored the underlying mechanisms, discussing how spinal manipulation affects neuroplastic changes—essentially helping re-educate how your nervous system processes pain signals over time. (3) The research keeps coming and gets more interesting all the time!
A SAFE, PATIENT-CENTERED APPROACH
When performed by licensed chiropractors, spinal manipulation has a robust safety profile. The key is working with a qualified practitioner like yours at Satterwhite Chiropractic who conducts careful assessments and develops a personalized chiropractic treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs.
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the process a chiropractic patient can anticipate going through with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management toward relief.
If chronic pain is negatively impacting your quality of life in Oxford, make an appointment with us for chiropractic care that may deliver the relief you've been wanting through evidence-based care with us at Satterwhite Chiropractic.
