Spinal Manipulative Therapy Lessens Central-pain Sensitization

According to a new study published in The Journal of Pain, the lessening of pain sensitivity achieved with spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) occurs as a result of the treatment, and not from a placebo effect caused by the its expectation. Studies have previously shown that the placebo effect is associated with robust analgesia produced by anticipation of pain relief. However, researchers from the University of Florida investigated whether or not the lessening of pain sensitivity attributed to SMT is specific to the procedure. Participants for the study were experiencing low back pain and were randomly assigned to SMT, placebo SMT, and enhanced placebo SMT — in which case the participants were aware of whether or not they would get SMT or a placebo intervention. Results from the study showed that significantly more participants receiving enhanced placebo SMT indicated good to excellent outcomes compared to those receiving standard placebo SMT, or no treatment. A significant difference was not found between participants who received SMT and the enhanced placebo. To read more about this study, click here.