The prevalence of neck pain is significant in the general population, affecting 30-50 percent in a 12-month period, with a lifetime prevalence exceeding 70 percent.1-2 With that said, let's focus on the effects of chiropractic spinal adjustments (CSA) on cervical spine outcomes regarding pain and biomechanical functional outcomes.
When considering intervertebral kinematics (specifically joint movement and residual gapping), manipulation is considered an effective treatment for neck pain. The problem with the generalized descriptor "manipulation" in a high-velocity, low-amplitude "quick thrust" is that it conflates providers, as physical therapists, osteopaths and chiropractors all utilize similar descriptions in treatment. This can be confusing and often misleading when considering care paths.
The original reporting of joint gapping by Cramer, et al. (2002),3 and more recent reporting by Anderst, et al. (2018),4 utilized a chiropractic spinal adjustment performed by an experienced chiropractor. Therefore, we focus on chiropractic to prevent confusion when considering a care path based on an evidence-based model.
Cramer, et al., reported that "the thrust given during the chiropractic procedure had the effect of increasing the gapping of the Z joints. The average difference between the control subjects…and the subjects that received a chiropractic adjustment and remained in the side-posture position was 1.33 mm ... a difference of 0.71 mm was found between the side-posture group." Anderst, et al., reported, "The facet gap increased 0.9 +/- 0.40.")
The evidence 16 years apart is consistent, with the most current article validating biomechanical changes as a direct result of a chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anderst, et al., also reported, "The results suggest that clinical and functional improvement after manipulation (CSA) may occur as a result of small increases in intervertebral ROM across multiple motion segments. This study demonstrates the feasibility of characterizing in real-time the manual inputs and biological responses that comprise cervical manipulation (CSA), including clinician-applied force, facet gapping, and increased intervertebral ROM."
Beyond post-MRI, which is unrealistic in clinical practice due to the cost, there are algorithms based on X-ray to help diagnose biomechanical changes and normalization of the spine. Muth-Seng, et al. (2022),5 reported, "The study of the subsequent subject-specific spinal loading could help further the understanding of cervical spine biomechanics, degeneration mechanisms, and complications. We also know, despite the political rhetoric, that diagnostic x-ray is safe and has no carcinogenic effect."
Tubiana, et al. (2009),6 reported, "Among humans, there is no evidence of a carcinogenic effect for acute irradiation". Diagnostic x-rays have had virtually no negative adverse health sequelae based upon this and the totality of other literature."
There are digitizing tools that render pre- and-post spinal biomechanics based on X-ray and ligamentous physiology to demonstratively document changes. They also render visual evidence of permanent changes. Note the green line on the graph, indicating the ligament's para physiological pathological limit.7
This is a clinical demonstrative indicator, based upon X-ray and devoid of side effects, to show the facets reintegrating (or lack thereof) post-CSA based upon normalizing spinal biomechanics.
Take-Home Points
Anderst, et al., concluded: "The results demonstrate that target and adjacent motion segments undergo facet joint gapping during manipulation and that intervertebral ROM is increased in all three planes of motion after manipulation. The results suggest that clinical and functional improvement after manipulation (CSA) may occur as a result of small increases in intervertebral ROM across multiple motion segments. This study demonstrates the feasibility of characterizing in real-time the manual inputs and biological responses that comprise cervical manipulation, including clinician-applied force, facet gapping, and increased intervertebral ROM."
Studies implicate the cervical facet joint and its capsule as a primary anatomical site of injury during whiplash exposures to the neck. Biomechanical investigations of the neck during whiplash simulations indicate that the cervical spine exhibits an abnormal S-shaped curve in which the primary motions of the vertebrae in the lower cervical spine is posterior retraction relative to their inferior adjacent vertebrae.8
Hauser, et al., reported that once ligaments have been compromised, they never heal. They would repair with collagen replacing collagen and elastin, leaving "Strain/Sprain injury permanent no matter how minimal the tissue damage.9 Contemporary analytical digitizing tools can assess the locations of facet compromise for accurate treatment planning of the primary spinal lesion and the necessity for care.
DISCLOSURE: The authors declare that they have a financial interest that relate to the findings described in this paper.
References
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
