October 31, 2024
Written by: James Demetrious, DC, DABCO
Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist
The Identification of Chiropractic Biomarkers
In their recent paper, Billham et al. offer a case report evaluating intervertebral disc (IVD) structural integrity and degenerative pain biochemistry following a course of Cox flexion-distraction SMT. [1] The authors employed magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and novel NOCISCAN technology.
MRS provides a non-invasive means to objectively quantify chemical differences in tissue and the ability to evaluate specific biomarkers. Proteoglycans and lactate have been identified as important biomarkers in assessing IVD physiologic states.
The Case Report
A 29-year-old patient with recalcitrant symptoms was diagnosed with discogenic lower back pain (DLBP). It was determined that Cox flexion-distraction SMT improved pain. Utilizing MRS and NOCISCAN technology, improvement of biochemical pain markers, and increased glycoprotein biosynthesis were measured.
The authors concluded, “This implies that the SMT management of chronic DLBP may improve IVD structural integrity and alter pain biochemistry.
What Does this Mean?
Substantial evidence indicates that chiropractic care is beneficial in the treatment of discogenic pain. The utilization of MRS and NOCISCAN technology offer insight into the identification of important quantitative biomarkers related to DLBP and the efficacy of chiropractic care.
Reference:
- Billham et al. (October 23, 2024) Intervertebral Disc Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Changes After Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Lumbar Discogenic Pain. Cureus 16(10): e72225. DOI 10.7759/cureus.72225
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© 2024 – James Demetrious, DC, DABCO. Open Access. Unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction is allowed in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit by citing the original author and source as follows: Demetrious J. Chiropractic Improves Discogenic Low Back Pain, IVD Structural Integrity and Biochemistry. PostGradDC.com; 2024.