Category: Chiropractic Research

Multiple sclerosis is a challenging neurological condition that can affect many different parts of the body. People living with MS may experience dizziness, numbness, fatigue, headaches, balance problems, and difficulty walking. A recent case study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research on April 21, 2026, explored how chiropractic care may help support people with MS by focusing on spinal alignment and nervous system function. The report followed a 30-year-old man with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who continued to struggle with symptoms even while receiving standard medical treatment.

Before beginning chiropractic care, the patient experienced frequent dizziness, tingling sensations in his feet and arm, severe fatigue, headaches, and poor balance. MRI scans showed lesions in the brain and cervical spine that are commonly associated with MS. The patient also demonstrated postural imbalance, reduced neck curvature, and signs of vertebral subluxation in the upper neck and throughout the spine. These findings suggested that spinal dysfunction may have been contributing to stress on the nervous system.

Over several months of chiropractic care, the patient reported major improvements in multiple areas of his health. His overall symptom burden dropped dramatically, and he experienced far less fatigue and dizziness. Walking and balance improved, headaches became less frequent, and he felt more stable during everyday activities. The patient described himself as “very much improved” and reported feeling clearer, more energetic, and more comfortable physically.

One especially interesting finding involved follow-up MRI imaging. After receiving chiropractic care alongside his ongoing medical treatment, the patient’s MRI showed improvement in one of the cervical spinal cord lesions that had previously worsened. Researchers noted reduced inflammation and decreased lesion intensity compared to earlier scans. While this was only a single case report and more research is needed, the findings suggest that improving spinal alignment and nervous system function may play a supportive role in overall neurological health.

The study discussed several possible explanations for these improvements. Researchers explored how correction of subluxation in the upper neck may help support healthier cerebrospinal fluid flow, improved circulation, better nervous system communication, and reduced stress on delicate neurological structures. Proper spinal alignment may also help improve balance and coordination by supporting normal communication between the brain, spinal cord, and body. These ideas are still being studied, but they offer promising areas for future research.

Although this report involved only one patient, it highlights the growing interest in conservative, supportive approaches to neurological health. Chiropractic care is not presented as a cure for multiple sclerosis, but this case suggests it may help improve quality of life and physical function for some individuals when used alongside appropriate medical care. As researchers continue studying the relationship between spinal health and nervous system function, more people may begin exploring how chiropractic care can support overall wellness and daily living for those facing chronic neurological challenges.

Digestive problems are far more common than many people realize. In fact, tens of millions of Americans experience gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive complaints. These conditions can significantly affect daily life, often causing discomfort, fatigue, and frustration. Traditional treatment typically focuses on medications, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery, but researchers continue exploring additional approaches that may support digestive health and overall well-being.

A recent scientific review published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on March 5, 2026, examined the possible relationship between chiropractic care and gastrointestinal function. The study looked at previously published research along with observations from a small clinical feasibility project. Researchers wanted to better understand whether improving spinal function and addressing vertebral subluxation might influence digestive health through the nervous system.

One reason this idea is being explored involves what scientists call the “gut–brain axis.” The digestive system has its own complex network of nerves—sometimes referred to as the body’s “second brain.” These nerves communicate constantly with the brain through the spinal cord and autonomic nervous system. Because of this connection, changes in nervous system function may influence digestion, intestinal movement, and even immune activity within the gut.

Several case reports reviewed in the study described people with digestive disorders who experienced improvements after receiving chiropractic care. Some individuals reported reduced abdominal pain, better bowel regularity, and improved quality of life. In certain cases, long-standing digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or inflammatory bowel conditions became much less severe after care aimed at correcting subluxation and improving spinal function.

The study also included a small real-world trial in a chiropractic clinic. One participant who completed the full three-month program reported meaningful improvements, including less bloating and gas, better sleep, and progress toward personal health goals such as weight loss. Improvements were also seen in spinal function and certain indicators related to gut bacteria balance. Although the study was small and larger research is needed, these findings suggest that the nervous system may play an important role in digestive health.

Researchers concluded that chiropractic care may offer a promising supportive approach for people dealing with digestive problems. By helping restore proper nervous system communication through correction of subluxation, chiropractic care may influence the gut–brain connection that regulates many digestive processes. While more large-scale studies are needed to confirm these effects, the early evidence suggests that improving spinal health could be one piece of the larger puzzle in supporting healthy digestion and overall wellness.

A scientific study published by PLOS One on December 11, 2025, explored what happens inside the body when people receive regular chiropractic care over time. Instead of focusing only on pain or movement, the researchers looked at measurable changes in the nervous system, stress response, and immune activity. This helps answer a common question many people have: Does chiropractic care influence overall health, not just how we feel day to day?

The study followed adults with mild, recurring spinal discomfort who were not in active pain. Over a 12-week period, one group received chiropractic care aimed at improving spinal function and correcting subluxation, while another group received a look-alike comparison approach. Blood, saliva, and hair samples were taken to measure things like stress hormones, immune markers, and substances linked to brain health. These measurements allowed researchers to see how the body adapted over time, not just immediately after care.

One of the most interesting findings involved a substance called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. This chemical supports brain adaptability, learning, and repair. After 12 weeks, people receiving chiropractic care showed higher levels of BDNF compared to the comparison group. In simple terms, this suggests the nervous system may become more adaptable and resilient when spinal function is improved and subluxation is addressed.

The study also examined stress hormones, particularly cortisol. Cortisol helps the body respond to challenges, but long-term imbalance can contribute to inflammation and fatigue. Results showed short-term changes during the care period, followed by healthier-looking stress hormone patterns after care ended. This suggests chiropractic care may help the body regulate stress more efficiently over time, rather than simply masking symptoms.

Immune system markers told a similar story. Certain signals associated with ongoing inflammation were lower in those receiving chiropractic care, while markers related to healthy immune regulation improved. These shifts point toward better balance rather than over-activation of the immune system. Researchers noted that these changes may reflect the body adapting positively as spinal function improves and nervous system communication becomes more organized.

Overall, this study adds growing evidence that chiropractic care may influence whole-body health through the nervous system, stress regulation, and immune balance. While more research is always helpful, these findings support the idea that correcting subluxation and improving spinal function can have effects that go well beyond temporary relief. For many people, chiropractic care may play a meaningful role in supporting resilience, adaptability, and long-term wellness.

The journal Advances in Chronic Diseases published the results of a study on May 26, 2025, documenting that chiropractic care for athletes not only helps the athletes recover from injuries, but also helps athletic performance in athletes. This study was an evidence-based evaluation that conducted a literature review of other scientific studies on chiropractic care for athletes.

The author of this study is not a chiropractor, and he begins by explaining, “Chiropractic treatment is a form of manual therapy that targets the regulation of the nervous system and the functional balance of the musculoskeletal system through manipulations applied to the spine and surrounding structures.”

Many people believe that cardiovascular function is the main key to athletic performance. The author of this study explains that much more is involved. “Enhancing athletic performance is not solely dependent on cardiovascular capacity or endurance, but is also closely linked to neuromuscular efficiency, muscular strength, and coordination.”

The study notes that it is the athletes themselves who have driven the increase in chiropractic usage for performance enhancement. “While chiropractic services were once rarely provided even to amateur athletes, today, chiropractic care is increasingly preferred by professional and Olympic-level sports teams.” He continues, “Some athletes, despite not presenting musculoskeletal symptoms, insist on receiving chiropractic treatment prior to competitions to optimize performance, with 94% reporting immediate improvements.”

The research included in this study was obtained from previous studies over a 20-year period from 2004 to 2024. High quality papers on chiropractic care for athletes were reviewed and the data combined to see the effects of chiropractic on athletic performance.

The results of this overview study showed that chiropractic not only was helpful in care of injured athletes but also helped prevent injuries and increased the athlete’s performance. The author explained how chiropractic adjustment on the spine can help athletes. “A foundational concept of chiropractic care is that the health and functionality of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems are closely tied to the proper alignment of the vertebral column.”

The author cited multiple other studies and research that confirmed chiropractic care helping athletes with endurance, muscle strength, balance, accelerated injury recovery, increased range of motion, and enhance physical performance.

In his overview conclusion, the author noted chiropractic helped athletes on a number of critical levels. “…chiropractic care contributes not only to short-term performance improvements but also, although to a more limited extent, to long-term health outcomes.”

The online publication ResearchGate published a research excerpt of a book in November 2024, reviewing research showing chiropractic helping athletic performance. The research article is inside a book with the title “Complementary Medicine from Ancient times to the Present.” The research chapter dealing with chiropractic is titled, “The Role of Chiropractic Applications in Enhancing Athletic Performance.”

The authors begin by explaining that multiple factors influence athletic performance. “The enhancement of athlete performance necessitates the incorporation of a multifaceted approach, encompassing physical, nutritional, training and psychological strategies.” They continue by explaining the role chiropractic plays in athletic performance, “The impact of chiropractic interventions on athletic performance has been explored through a range of avenues. Spinal manipulations have been demonstrated to enhance pain management by facilitating increased joint mobility and reducing pressure on nerve roots.”

In this chapter of the book, the authors discuss the findings from the scientific research they have reviewed. They note that there is a volume of evidence showing that chiropractic care is beneficial for athletic performance not only in the area of injury prevention and recovery, but also in improvement in overall performance, function, and well-being.

The authors describe how chiropractic helps performance by explaining, “Chiropractic treatment aims to promote optimal function of the nervous system through manual intervention to correct misalignments (subluxations) and joint dysfunction in the spine. Underlying this approach is the belief that the health of the nervous system has a critical impact on overall well-being and function.”

Based on their findings, the authors make the recommendation that chiropractic should be included for athletic enhancement and performance. “Chiropractic is one of the most important strategies for optimizing athletic performance. This treatment method aims to improve the overall performance of athletes by improving spinal alignment and nervous system function.”

In the conclusion the authors wrote, “The effects of chiropractic on improving athletic performance have been clearly demonstrated in an extensive literature review. Chiropractic is considered to be an effective method of optimizing athletic performance and accelerating the healing process following injury.”

The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research released the results of a case study on February 1, 2024, documenting the resolution of enlarged tonsils on a pediatric patient receiving chiropractic care. According to the National Library of Medicine’s National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Tonsillitis, or inflammation of the tonsils, is a common disease and makes up approximately 1.3% of outpatient visits.”

This study begins by referencing a previous study on tonsillitis and chiropractic care. “A study conducted in England in 1991 revealed significant findings regarding the treatment of tonsillitis in children. When twenty-seven children received adjustments, twenty-five experienced complete relief from their symptoms.” The study suggests a link between subluxations and the susceptibility of tonsilitis infections.

Additional research cited by the author of this study showed that “Tonsillitis is strongly associated with restricted movement in the craniocervical junction. Among seventy-six children diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis and movement restriction in this area, a striking seventy of them showed spinal dysfunction between the occiput and atlas.”

A third previous study on this subject was described by the author when he said, “Further investigation involved thirty-seven children who had not undergone surgery. After receiving adjustments, they were followed up for five years. Impressively, 67.6% of these children were entirely cured of tonsillitis, while the remaining cases experienced relapses and required additional chiropractic -based care. Among twenty-five children who had their tonsils surgically removed, nineteen still suffered from movement restriction even after the surgery, necessitating chiropractic for relief.”

In this case, a mother brought her 5-year-old daughter to a chiropractor because her daughter had enlarged tonsils. At that time, her daughter was not having any pain or symptoms from the tonsillitis, but her mother wanted to avoid the possibility of tonsil surgery. Surgery had been suggested by an ENT who examined the little girl.

A chiropractic examination was performed which showed a decrease in motion of the upper neck area along with swelling of the tissues in that area. Thermography and surface EMG tests were also performed. Neck x-rays were taken to rule out pathologies and look for the presence of vertebral subluxations. From these tests, it was determined that subluxations were present in the girl’s spine.

Specific forms of chiropractic care were started to address the subluxations. The results of the adjustments were an overall improvement in the girl’s function and a reduction of the size of the tonsils. The study author summed up the results of chiropractic care in this case in his conclusion when he stated, “This case study exemplifies the effective management of a pediatric patient experiencing tonsillitis, potentially linked to upper cervical vertebral subluxation.”

A case study, published on October 2, 2023, in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research documented a case of a woman suffering with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) being helped with her symptoms through chiropractic care. According to the National Institute of Aging, “Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.”

This study begins by reporting that the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation states that “Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects almost one million people in the United States with approximately 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year.”

In this case, a 58-year-old woman went to the chiropractor for help with symptoms from her Parkinson’s disease. She had been diagnosed with PD one year before seeking chiropractic care. Her symptoms included pain in her shoulder and tremors in her right arm. Her general movements were slow and jerky which is typical in patients with PD. The woman’s intention for seeking chiropractic care was to get relief from the symptoms she was experiencing with the PD.

A chiropractic examination showed postural anomalies as well as muscle spasms in her right shoulder and along her upper mid-back. The woman exhibited weak muscles upon testing and several orthopedic tests were positive. Spinal x-rays were taken and showed multiple areas of subluxation in the woman’s spine along with a reduction in her neck curvature.

Based on these findings, chiropractic care was started. After several months of regular care, the woman reported that she noticed decreased tremors of the right hand. Additionally, the pain she was experiencing in her shoulder had decreased enough to allow her to resume longer walks, an activity she enjoyed but was unable to do recently.

Upon follow-up examination, it was reported that her muscle spasms were reduced, although her overall range of motion had not improved. However, as her chiropractic care continued her range of motion continued to improve as did most all of the symptoms and tremors the woman was suffering from.

In their conclusion, the authors of this study noted that there are several case studies in addition to this one that show chiropractic helping specific people with the symptoms resulting from Parkinson’s disease. “The case study in addition to previous chiropractic research demonstrates the success of chiropractic care in managing PD symptoms.”

The title above comes from a case report published in the April 2023 issue of the Asia Pacific Chiropractic Journal. This report documents the case of improvement in mental health in a patient while under chiropractic care. The study also highlights the need for more research into mental health outcomes improvement with Chiropractic care.

The month of May has been designated in the U.S. as Mental Health Awareness Month and has been recognized since 1949. The US Department of Health and Human Services issued a release on May 3, 2023, that began with, “Our country is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. The crisis isn’t just affecting adults, its devastating young people, and people from every background are impacted.”

Mental health issues have been prominent in the news lately and have a profound effect on society. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing, who also observes Mental Health Awareness Month, noted that “One in five adults (57.8 million adults) in the U.S. experienced mental illness in 2021.” The issue of mental health highlights the need to investigate all areas that could help with this crisis. One such avenue is chiropractic care.

The study authors begin by noting, “It is well established in literature that chronic pain including low back pain often appears comorbidly with poor mental health outcomes and that this may have far reaching implications for Quality of Life. Research indicates that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most common mental illness co-occurring with chronic pain, and the prevalence of MDD is thought to be as high as 40% in patients with chronic pain requiring treatment.”

In this case, a 51-year-old man sought out chiropractic care to help with his back pain. The man’s health history showed that he had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer which had metastasized to the lymph nodes. He was also beginning extensive chemotherapy in an effort to reduce the cancer and possibly lengthen the man’s life. As a result, the man was also struggling with severe depression. The man’s goal for chiropractic was simply to reduce the pain, improve his mental health, and increase the quality of his life for the time he had remaining.

After an examination, chiropractic care was started with specific forms of chiropractic care appropriate for his health situation and condition. Care was focused on correction of subluxations that had been determined were present.

After an early round of chemotherapy, the man commented that the chemo had hit him hard. He received an adjustment shortly thereafter and commented how much the adjustment had helped him bounce back from the chemo. From that point forward, the man continued to receive adjustments as soon as possible after his chemo sessions.

Overall, the man’s symptoms of pain and depression significantly improved. Due to the nature of his terminal cancer diagnosis, he was grateful that his quality of life was improved under chiropractic care for the time he had remaining.

The authors commented on this case by noting, “While the stated goals of care were focused on health-related outcomes, the true benefit of this course of care for a terminal patient was the maintenance of meaningful Quality of Life and the ability to be a better father to his young children as his disease progressed. His goal is to form as many great memories for his family for as long as possible. At the time of writing, this goal was being achieved.”

The Asia Pacific Chiropractic Journal published a case study in April 2023 documenting the self-reported improvement by a 74-year-old patient in a mental processing and a variety of symptoms due to chiropractic.

The authors of this study begin by noting the importance of investigating chiropractic as a possible area of help with the issue of mental health. “Among the many advancements in Chiropractic research in recent years has been the discovery of the link between Chiropractic care and brain function. Not only has this line of research opened up new areas of understanding in terms of the potential applications for Chiropractic care, but it has given more gravitas to the argument that Chiropractic care may be useful far beyond the domain of musculoskeletal complaints, such as back and neck pain.”

In this case, a 74-year-old man sought out chiropractic care because he was suffering with low back pain, headaches, and reflux issues. The man was active and served as a board member of a community organization, as well as engaging in volunteer work that involved a high level of physical activity. He was previously under sporadic chiropractic care as symptoms surfaced.

A detailed examination and spinal x-rays showed a number of spinal subluxations that would require more chiropractic than the man had been receiving in the past. Based on the examination and x-ray findings, specific chiropractic care was started on a regular schedule.

As chiropractic care proceeded, the man reported an improvement in his low back pain, and a decrease in the frequency and severity of both headaches and reflux. In addition to the man seeing improvement in his physical conditions, he also noted that he could see significant cognitive improvements.

The study reported, “…the patient noticed and voluntarily self-reported that the speed at which he was able to mentally process information in high demand meetings also improved significantly. He remarked that his ability to think quickly and strategically increased to a level comparable with those around him who had more education and youth on their side. He remarked that he felt like ‘it was him in his younger days’.” His improvements were also noted by others as the 74-year-old man reported he was being asked to contribute to more meetings with government officials and government departments.

The authors of this study also reviewed a number of other scientific reports documenting that chiropractic care had a positive effect on brain function. Based upon the other studies and their findings, the authors commented, “This case report therefore offers rationale for further research into Chiropractic care and productivity, ageing, and prevention of neurodegeneration, and may offer an insight into how Chiropractic can support individuals as they continue to contribute meaningfully to their communities in their later years.”

On May 18, 2022, the publication Claims Journal published an article with the above title. The article was based on a study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute published on May 17, 2022, with the title, “Chiropractic Care for Workers with Low Back Pain.”

In this study, researchers reviewed more than 2 million open and closed workers compensation claims from 28 U.S. states, with injuries that occurred between October 1, 2015, through September 30, 2017. The states that were included were Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The article in Claims Journal starts by addressing the incorrect notions regarding the costs of chiropractic care for workers compensation cases. “Chiropractors are involved in only a small fraction of workers’ compensation claims for low back pain in states where insurers or employers control the choice of medical provider, but a report released Tuesday suggests that skepticism about runaway costs may be unfounded.”

The researchers examined the claims from the over 2 million workers compensation claims and compared the patients who received only chiropractic care to those workers who received no chiropractic care at all, and to workers who received services from both chiropractors and other types of providers.

When comparing the costs of care for injured workers who received only chiropractic care, the cost was much less for those who received only chiropractic. The average cost for those patients who only received chiropractic care was $1,366 as compared to $3,522 for treatment of those who did not receive any chiropractic at all. This shows that chiropractic care was 61% less expensive than other forms of care for injured worked with lower back pain.

When chiropractic care was added to other forms of care, the cost savings was less, but still considerable with the average case costing $3001 per case. This showed that when only chiropractic was delivered the biggest cost savings was realized.

The study also noted that the patients who were exclusively cared for by chiropractors had less diagnostic imaging studies and significantly fewer opioid prescriptions. Only 1% of those under only chiropractic care wound up receiving an opioid prescription compared to 10.3% of claimants receiving an opioid prescription who did not get chiropractic care.

Workers Compensation Research Institute President and Chief Executive Officer John Ruser reacted to the study by stating, “This study will be helpful for policymakers and stakeholders who are interested in re-evaluating the role of chiropractors, especially those who have been adopting evidence-based practices and contributing to cost-effective care.”