Spinal pain, a leading cause of disability worldwide, particularly thoracic spinal pain, remains a relatively unexplored area. Factors such as repetitive tasks, extended periods in static postures, spinal pathologies, and psychological stress can contribute to thoracic pain, which often alters disc and soft tissue biomechanics.
Spinal manipulation of the thoracic spine is a hands-on approach that utilizes high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts and has been effective in treating areas such as the cervical and lumbar regions. This method is thought to ameliorate symptoms by producing bio-mechanical and neurophysiological effects, including the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, the production of hypoalgesia, and the increase of pressure pain threshold.
Considering the complex pathophysiological process of pain and its far-reaching impact on a person’s social and psychological well-being, the study hypothesizes that combining spinal manipulation with thoracic spinal exercises is more effective than exercises alone for improving pain and quality of life in thoracic spinal pain patients.
The study concludes that spinal manipulation, when paired with thoracic exercises, was more effective than exercises alone in improving pain and quality of life at the end of the 8th session of care.
“The neurophysiological effect (of manual therapy) can stimulate sympathetic nervous system, this in turn can increase skin conductance, respiratory rate and heart rate, suggesting sympathetic excitatory effect .”
“Results showed significant improvement in spinal manipulation group as compared to exercise group. “
“Spinal manipulation in addition to thoracic exercise was more effective than thoracic exercise alone for improving thoracic pain and quality of life at the end of the 8th session of care. “
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their health professionals work together.
