Chiro Adjustment Reduces Inflammatory Response

A single chiropractic adjustment reduces inflammatory cytokines in asymptomatic people. The January 2006 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics published a research study that demonstrated that a single chiropractic adjustment in the thoracic spine reduces the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha) and IL-1beta (interleukin- 1beta). 64 asymptomatic patients were assigned to 3 groups: chiropractic adjustment, sham adjustment, or control group. Blood and serum samples were obtained before and at 20 and 120 minutes after treatment. Whole blood cultures were activated with lipopolysaccharide. A significant proportion of the sham and control group participants demonstrated progressive increases in the synthesis of TNF- alpha and IL-1beta. Conversely, in the group that received a chiropractic adjustment, the production of both cytokines decreased gradually. Note: TNF- alpha is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis and asthma. It has also been implicated in cancer. IL-1beta leads to chronic pain.