Chiropractic Research

Supports nervous system balance & energy regulation
Chiropractic spinal manipulations have been shown to regulate the autonomic nervous system—key for energy production, heart rate, digestion, and general vitality.
 

Promotes better sleep quality and relaxation
A 2024–2025 clinical study using EEG and Fitbit data demonstrated that four weeks of chiropractic care significantly improved light sleep duration, reduced feelings of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and enhanced overall quality of life.
 

Enhances mood, reduces fatigue, and improves mental well‑being
The same EEG-based study also reported clinically meaningful reductions in anxiety, depression, and fatigue, as measured by the PROMIS‑29 assessment tool.
 

Induces neurophysiological, brain‑based improvements
Research found significant changes in brain activity—particularly increased Alpha waves within the Default Mode Network—suggesting enhanced emotional regulation and cognitive clarity.
 

Reduces perceived stress and stress biomarkers
A case report detailed a patient receiving chiropractic care for neck pain who experienced reduced anxiety and a measurable drop in salivary cortisol—a key stress hormone.
 

Chiropractic Effects on Cortisol & Mental Clarity (Case Observations)
A prospective case series observed statistically significant reductions in salivary cortisol over six weeks, along with patients reporting improved mental clarity—highlighting a potential neuroendocrine link between adjustments and stress relief. journal.parker.edu
 

Maintenance Care to Prevent Recurring Low Back Pain
A pragmatic, randomized controlled trial (the Nordic Maintenance Care program) revealed that maintenance chiropractic treatments significantly reduced the total number of days with bothersome low back pain over 52 weeks—suggesting its value for long-term well‑being and prevention. PLOS
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Chiropractic vs. Standard Physical Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain
A comprehensive analysis of 47 randomized controlled trials showed that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT)—a core chiropractic technique—is at least as effective as exercise and physical therapy in improving pain and function in chronic low back pain patients. journal.parker.edu+14PMC+14BMJ+14
 

Integrated Chiropractic Care Enhances Conventional Treatment
A large U.S. clinical trial (JAMA Network Open) found that adding chiropractic care to usual medical treatment led to greater reductions in pain and disability among active-duty military personnel with low back pain—highlighting collaborative care’s effectiveness. JAMA Network
 

Mind–Body Pathways: Emotional Regulation and Neural Changes
Recent neurophysiological research reports chiropractic care may modulate brain activity, particularly within the Default Mode Network (DMN), leading to improved mood, reduced fatigue, and better emotional resilience.