Song, Q. Gan, J. Cao, Z. Wang, R. Rupert
The objective of this study was to document potential mediating effects of the Activator-assisted spinal manipulative therapy (ASMT) on pain and hyperalgesia after acute intervertebral foramen (IVF) inflammation. The IVF inflammation was mimicked by in vivo delivery of inflammatory soup directly into the L5 IVF in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were determined by the shortened latency of foot withdrawal to radiant heat and von Frey filament stimulation to the hind paw, respectively. Intracellular recordings were also obtained. ASMT was applied to the spinous process of L4, L5, and L6. A series of 10 adjustments were initiated 24 hours after surgery and subsequently applied daily for 7 consecutive days and every other day during the second week. The authors concluded that these studies show that ASMT can significantly reduce the severity and shorten the duration of pain and hyperalgesia caused by lumbar IVF inflammation. This effect may result from ASMT-induced faster elimination of the inflammation and recovery of excitability of the inflamed DRG neurons by improving blood and nutrition supplement to the DRG within the affected IVF. Manipulation of a specific spinal segment may play an important role in optimizing recovery from lesions involving IVF inflammation.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 29, Issue 1, Pages 5-13