Studies researched the effect of spinal manipulation on pain modulation and/or range of movement. Thirty (n=30) people were randomly selected for the study, they were divided into three groups, group number one received cervical manipulation, the second thoracic manipulation and the third non-manipulation.

Blood samples were extracted before, immediately after, and 2 hours after each intervention. Immediately after the intervention, significantly higher values of neurotensin and oxytocin levels were observed with both cervical and thoracic manipulation, whereas cortisol concentration was increased only in the cervical manipulation group

• Neurotensin:

Which cause a visible widening of blood vessels.  It induces a variety of effects, including: pain relief and increased locomotor activity. It is also involved in regulation of dopamine pathways. In the periphery, neurotensin is found in endocrine cells of the small intestine, where it leads to smooth muscle contraction.

• Cortisol:

Help the body to manage stress, convert protein into glucose, boost flagging blood sugar levels, work in tandem with the hormone insulin to maintain constant blood sugar levels, etc.

•  And Oxytocin:

One of the main roles of oxytocin is to prepare a pregnant woman for childbirth. During the last months of pregnancy, the woman’s uterus develops more and more receptors for this hormone.

This shows that the manipulation causes a definite rise in the levels of these neurotransmitters and hormones. The body interprets the chiropractic manipulation as a power-driven, form of pressure, on the tissue that cause them to produce neuropeptides.

What this whole study confirms, is the fact that chiropractic gives you more than just a better range of motion when spinal manipulation is performed. It has a range of positive effects on the entire hormonal and digestive system. This may begin to explain the positive mood changes and improvements in digestion seen in both adult and babies who undergo chiropractic treatment of the spine.