Chiropractic Adjustments and the Brain: What Three Studies Show

Chiropractic adjustment?

What Does the Science Say?

Adjustments and the Brain: What the Research Says

Researchers have measured changes in the brain after spinal adjustments. Here's what three papers found, in plain language, and what they can't tell us yet.

Book an assessment

If you've had a chiropractic adjustment, you may have felt a quick “pop”. Researchers have also looked at whether adjustments affect how the brain and nervous system process information from the body [1–3].

Here's what three papers tell us, and what it means if you have back pain, neck stiffness or headaches.

What three research papers show

Paper 1

Brain signal processing

A small study using brain-wave recordings found short-term changes in how the prefrontal cortex processed sensory signals after spinal manipulation, in people with mild recurring spinal pain [1].

Paper 2

Joints and muscles

A review of laboratory and animal research describing how restricted spinal joints may affect nerve signals and muscle activity, and how a high-velocity thrust might influence them. It proposes a model; it doesn't test patient outcomes [2].

Paper 3

Sensorimotor integration

A review of mostly small studies suggesting spinal manipulation may change how the brain combines sensory and movement information. The authors call for larger trials to find out whether this matters clinically [3].

These findings are early. They show measurable short-term changes in the lab, not proof that adjustments improve balance, coordination or long-term outcomes.

What this means for you

For back and neck pain, clinical trials show spinal manipulation gives small to moderate, mostly short-term improvements, similar to other recommended treatments such as exercise. The best results usually come from combining hands-on care with exercise and staying active.

Pain and stiffness

Manipulation can ease pain and stiffness in the short term for some people with back or neck pain.

Getting moving

Short-term relief can make it easier to start moving and exercising again.

Exercise does the long-term work

The strongest evidence for fewer flare-ups is for regular exercise, so it's part of every plan.

Brain effects

Interesting, but not yet shown to change how you function day to day.

Who might it help?

Hands-on care may be worth considering if you have:

• Back or neck pain that has lasted more than a few weeks
• Headaches that start in the neck (cervicogenic headache)
• Stiffness after an injury or long periods of sitting

It isn't a treatment for balance problems or clumsiness. If you notice those, see your GP.

What your assessment includes

At your first visit, we take your history, examine your spine and movement, and explain what we find. If hands-on care suits you, we combine it with exercises you can do at home, and we'll tell you if something needs a referral instead.

Want an honest assessment?

We'll tell you what's likely going on and whether chiropractic care, exercise or a referral is the right next step.

Book an assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Do chiropractic adjustments affect the brain?

Small studies have measured short-term changes in how the brain processes sensory and movement information after adjustments. Whether these changes lead to real-world benefits isn't yet known.

Can chiropractic care improve balance or coordination?

This hasn't been shown in good-quality trials. If you have balance problems or feel clumsy, see your GP first.

Is it normal to feel off after a chiropractic adjustment?

Some people feel briefly tired, light-headed or sore. It usually passes within a day. Seek care for severe dizziness, a severe headache, or numbness or weakness.

Is it normal to feel sick after an adjustment?

Mild nausea occasionally happens and passes quickly. Let us know if it persists, so we can adjust your care.

Does chiropractic care cause an emotional release?

There is no good evidence that adjustments release stored emotions. Some people do feel emotional after treatment, especially after a long period of pain.

References

1. Lelic D, Niazi IK, Holt K, Jochumsen M, Dremstrup K, Yielder P, Murphy B, Drewes AM, Haavik H. Manipulation of dysfunctional spinal joints affects sensorimotor integration in the prefrontal cortex: a brain source localization study. Neural Plast. 2016;2016:3704964.

2. Pickar JG, Bolton PS. The contemporary model of vertebral column joint dysfunction and impact of high‑velocity, low‑amplitude controlled vertebral thrusts on neuromuscular function. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012;22(5):677–688.

3. Haavik H, Murphy B. The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012;22(5):768–776.