Abstract
Introduction
The aim of the study was to investigate the hypoalgesic effects of a single spinal
manipulation treatment on acute inflammatory reactions and pain induced by cutaneous
application of capsaicin.
Methods
Twenty healthy subjects participated in the experiment, which consisted of 2 sessions.
In both sessions, following control measurements, topical capsaicin was applied to
the right or left forearm to induce cutaneous inflammatory reactions. The cream was
removed after 20 minutes. Then subjects received either spinal manipulation treatment
(SMT) or “nonspinal manipulation treatment” (N-SMT), respectively. In control as well
as pretreatment and posttreatment intervals, the following tests were performed: measurement
of the areas of mechanical hyperalgesia and stroking allodynia, assessment of spontaneous
pain, and measurement of blood flow.
Results
The results confirmed that topical capsaicin induced inflammatory reactions based
on occurrence of hyperalgesia and allodynia, augmented pain perception, and increased
blood flow following capsaicin application compared with the control session. When
compared with N-SMT, spontaneous pain was rated significantly lower post-SMT (P < .014). In addition, areas of both secondary hyperalgesia and allodynia decreased
after SMT (hyperalgesia: P < .007; allodynia: P < .003). However, there was no significant treatment effect for local blood flow.
Conclusion
These results suggest hypoalgesic effects following a single SMT. As local vascular
parameter was not affected by the single SMT, the hypoalgesic effects appear to be
due to central mechanisms.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Received in revised form:
December 10,
2002
Received:
October 24,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
