The Effect of Manipulation of the Cervical Spine on Pain Biomarkers

A high-velocity low-amplitude thrust (HVLAT) manipulation or commonly known as a spinal manipulation, is an intervention frequently used by physical therapists and other healthcare practitioners as an alternative treatment to help relieve spinal pain The mechanism by which HVLAT manipulation modulates pain remains undefined, although this does not contradict the clinical effects from HVLAT manipulation. Furthermore, there is evidence that suggests analgesia after HVLAT manipulation. There is a variety of observed and proposed phenomena that can explain the mechanisms for the psychological, mechanical, or neurophysiological responses from a HVLAT manipulation associated with alterations in pain processing or sympathetic and motor systems' excitation.

Inclusion criteria

• 20 - 45 years of age
• A score of 10 or more out of 50 on the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire
• Symptoms of pain present for 30 days or less and no pain symptoms below your shoulder

Exclusion criteria

• Serious condition (such as cancer, spondylolisthesis, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis)
• Cervical spinal stenosis signs (such as incoordination in hands, arms and legs, inability of walking at a brisk pace, or bowel and bladder incontinence)
• Nerve root compression (such as changes in sensation, muscle weakness, or decreased reflexes)
• Works the night shift
• Steroid medication within 3 months
• Pregnancy or postpartum
• Pending legal action regarding their neck pain
• History of whiplash associated disorder and/or cervical spine surgery