Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Introduction: Mechanical neck pain is defined as pain in the posterior region of the cervical spine, from the superior nuchal line to the first thoracic spinous process. It has been suggested that one of the most common causes of mechanical neck pain is a mechanical dysfunction, or motion restriction of the zygapophyseal joints of the cervical spine. The effect of a chiropractic motion restriction on the nervous system is based on theoretical models in animal and cadaver studies. Limited research exists, thus the immediate effect on the sensory nervous system following a cervical spine manipulation is unknown. The recommendation of past research states that research questions should determine whether chiropractic spinal manipulation produces effects on the biomechanics and/or neurophysiology. One of the proposed methods, amongst many forms of treatment for any neuro-musculoskeletal disease or syndrome, is a spinal manipulation. It has been suggested to mechanically change the compressional pressures and inflammatory processes in the Intervertebral Foramen (IVF), posing the question: Could a spinal manipulation alleviate nerve root irritation, (caused by a motion restriction, which could cause an effect in nerve function)? The possible benefit of this study was to determine whether sub-acute mechanical neck pain, with a motion restriction, could potentially alter the nerve conduction velocity of the radial nerve and thus possibly have an effect on nerve function. This could give a possible insight in to the possible mechanism of spinal manipulation using a quantifiable experimental technique of surface electrode readings in sensory nerve conduction velocity.
Method: This was an experimental once-off study to determine the immediate effect of a cervical spine manipulation on the nerve conduction velocity of the radial nerve. The research sample was 100 male and female participants, between the ages of 18 and 45, who meet all inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participant had to have a lower cervical spine motion restriction, identified through motion palpation, between C5 and T1 vertebral levels. This was identified during the examination using motion palpation where they had a decrease in the range of motion of the facet joint and/or abnormal end feel of levels between C5-T1.
Procedure: The participants had their sensory nerve conduction velocity measured and then, the participant had their motion restriction on the ipsilateral side manipulated. Immediately post-manipulation, the measurements where captured. At 5 minutes post-manipulation, the final nerve conduction readings were captured...