Physiological Therapeutic Modalities: Nervous System Target Sites

Dynamic Chiropractic Staff

Physiological Therapeutic Modalities: Nervous System Target Sites

Modality

Superfical Heat

Cryotherapy

Axial Traction

Massage

Intersegmental Traction

Low Frequency (1-1000 Hz)

Low Volt
High Volt

Medium Frequency

T.E.N.S.

Acupuncture ---------------------------------------------------------------

Decreased Response From Peripheral Structures

Minimal Increased Threshold of Cutaneous Receptors

Through Spindle Cell Relaxation

Decreases in Motor and Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity

Analgesia Via Decreases in Muscle Afferent Activity

Minimal Through Muscle Stretch

Through Attenuation of Muscle Stretch Reflexes by Mechanical Massage and Trigger Point Deactivation

Through Attenuation of Muscle Stretch Reflexes by Mechanical Massage and Trigger Point Deactivation

Indirect Through Motor Fatigue
 " "

Indirect Through Motor Fatigue

Minimal

Minimal --------------------------------------------------

Presynaptic Inhibition

Minimal

Minimal

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes
Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Enkephalin Mediated Pain Control

Minimal

Minimal

No

Minimal

Minimal

Yes
Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

May 1991
print pdf
Trending
News / Profession
MAHA Meets Chiropractic: Historic Meeting in Washington, D.C.
MAHA Meets Chiropractic: Historic Meeting in Washington, D.C.

A historic meeting between chiropractic and Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) leadership took place on March 10th, 2026, in Washington, D.C., featuring representatives from chiropractic national organizations, professional associations and policy principals. The collective goal: advancing the role of chiropractic in improving the health of Americans. Meeting participants focused on long-standing issues that have affected the chiropractic profession for decades, including access to care, reimbursement parity, and ensuring DCs have an appropriate role in national health policy discussions.

 |  Digital Exclusive
Dynamic Chiropractic Staff
Diagnosis & Diagnostic Equip
When Radiculopathy Isn't Radiculopathy: A Clinical Series (Pt. 1)
hen Radiculopathy Isn’t Radiculopathy: A Clinical Series

Radicular-like pain of the upper and lower extremities is among the most common presentations in musculoskeletal and spine-related practice. Traditionally, these symptoms are interpreted through a disc-centric and dermatomal framework, often leading clinicians to attribute limb pain, paresthesia or perceived weakness to spinal nerve-root pathology. While this approach is appropriate in cases of true radiculopathy, it frequently falls short when symptoms fail to follow consistent dermatomal patterns or correlate poorly with imaging findings.

Ken Kaufman, DC
Chronic / Acute Conditions
Chronic Sciatica: Ending the Relapse Cycle
Chronic Sciatica: Ending the Relapse Cycle

A 46-year-old male presented to our clinic with a seven-year history of recurrent low back pain with sciatica. He reported stiffness and discomfort that worsened with prolonged sitting both at his desk job and during evening television time. The patient had seen multiple chiropractors over the years. In every case, spinal manipulation and other passive treatments would bring gradual symptom relief over 2-3 months. However, within another 3-6 months, the symptoms would return. Frustrated – and now considering a spinal injection and possibly surgery if that failed, he came to our office seeking a different approach.

Ronald Feise, DC