Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: The effectiveness of cervical spine adjustments for improving spinal
function and relieving pain has been well established. However, the mechanisms
responsible for these changes after spinal adjustments are still being researched.
Further scientific evidence regarding the neurological and physiological effects
following spinal adjustments is warranted. Evidence suggesting that spinal
dysfunction has an effect on central neural processing is growing. A number of palpation from the first to the sixth visit. The seventh visit consisted of gathering data
only.
Results: Clinical and statistical improvements in the entire group were shown over
the course of the treatment with regards to cervical spine range of motion, touch
pressure threshold and neck pain and disability.
Conclusion: The results show that lower cervical spine adjustments do have an effect
on touch pressure threshold, cervical spine range of motion and neck pain and
disability in patients with chronic cervical facet syndrome. Touch pressure threshold
returned to optimal function, cervical spine range of motion increased and neck pain
and disability decreased in all participants over time.
authors have suggested that spinal dysfunction may lead to altered sensory input to
the central nervous system (Murphy and Taylor, 2008).
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of C6, C7 and T1 spinal
adjustment therapy on those individuals with posterior neck pain due to chronic
cervical facet syndrome and its influence on touch pressure threshold, neck pain and
disability as well as cervical spine range of motion.
Method: This study consisted of a single group of thirty participants between the
ages of eighteen and fourty-five. The potential participants were examined and
accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The only method of
treatment administered to each participant was cervical spine adjustments delivered to
restricted C6, C7 and Tl segments in the lower cervical spine. Subjective and
objective findings followed.
Procedure: Treatment consisted of seven visits. Subjective and objective data was
taken at the first, fourth and seventh visit. Objective data consisted of cervical spine
range of motion readings taken using a Cervical Range of Motion measuring
instrument (CROM), and touch pressure threshold results obtained via the Semmes
Weinstein monofilaments. Subjective data was taken in the form of a Vernon Mior
Neck Pain and Disability Index. Cervical spine adjustments were applied to restricted
segments in the lower cervical spine (C6, C7, Tl), identified through motion