Several very recent studies provide evidence that spinal manipulation and motor-skill training not only help reduce pain and improve function, but also may contribute to normalizing cortical neuroplasticity and reorganization. Sensory and cortical maps, as well as levels of corticomotor neuron excitability, can change with injury and pain. Injury, inflammation and pain arising from spinal joints not only affect the individual joints involved or a region of the spine, but also has a significant impact on the function and structure of both the sensory and motor brain. We already know that chronic pain is associated with changes in the brain that may explain why chronic pain sufferers are more sensitive to noxious input and are also more likely to suffer from depression and other conditions. This is the first time that studies have shown that cervical spinal manipulation as well as a program to develop coordination may reduce or even reverse some of the changes that take place in the brain. This is another reason to avoid ‘masking’ pain with pain killers as the structure and function of the spinal joints needs to be improved to avoid long term damage in not only the joints but also the entire nervous system.
References:
Haavik-Taylor H, Murphy B. Altered central integration of dual somato-sensory input after cervical spine manipulation. JMPT, 2010; 33: 178-188.
Haavik-Taylor H, Murphy B. Cervical spine manipulation alters sensorimotor integration: a somatosensory evoked potential study. Clin Neurophysiol, 2007; 118: 391-402.
Imagine your roof is leaking and you develop wet spots in your ceiling. The water starts to affect your pot lights and causes mould to grow in the insulation. The integrity of the structure of the ceiling can be compromised. The ‘masking’ solution would be to paint over the wet spot in the ceiling or patch it. The pot light would still not work because the wiring is damaged and the structure of the ceiling and roof will still be weakened. The insulation would be hazardous to your health as well. Is this such a good idea? You would never treat your home this way so why would you treat your body this way and cause wiring problems (nervous system) and structural damage (premature arthritis and motor dysfunction). Pain and inflammation need to be dealt with properly so see your chiropractor to discuss the best treatment plan to fix the problem (fix the roof damage that caused the leak in the first place) instead of ‘masking’ the problem with pain killers.
About Us
At Peak Performance we take a natural and holistic approach to restore proper function and enhance your ability to enjoy all of your activities without pain. We work to determine the underlying cause of your problem, relieve pain quickly, and include rehabilitation to ensure correction of the problem. We use a multi-disciplinary team approach for the most effective and efficient patient care. By working with medical doctors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, personal trainers and acupuncturists, we are able to address your concern in our clinic or refer you to the appropriate practitioner. Book Now