Neurophysiological Effects of Lumbar Spine Manipulation

Lumbar spine manipulation is a manual therapy technique in which a high-velocity, low amplitude force is applied to the lumbar vertebrae with the goal of reducing pain and improving function. It is often referred to as “back cracking” by patients as a joint cavitation, or audible “pop,” is often heard when the joints of the spine are mobilized, but it is not necessary that a cavitation occur in order to ensure proper execution of the thrust technique. Nonthrust techniques, on the other hand, while also targeted at mobilizing spinal segments to restore optimal functioning, are applied with a low velocity force. Both thrust and nonthrust techniques are often used for pain relief, but the specific mechanism behind their analgesic effects remains to be fully understood.

Traditional theories regarding these manual therapy techniques suggest that pain alternating effects result from reducing stiffness by realigning the structural alignment of the spine in which segments are mobilized into certain directions without specific focus on the velocity or amplitude of the force applied. Recent research, however, suggests an alternative that positive outcomes with joint mobilization techniques may be attributed more to increases in mechanoreceptor stimulation and motor neuron excitability (Cleland et al., 2009). These neurophysiological effects are dependent upon the velocity of the mobilizing force applied, and therefore suggest better outcomes with high-velocity thrust vs low-velocity nonthrust procedures.

In a randomized control trial, Cleland and colleagues (2009) compared three different manual techniques for the lumbar spine, including two thrust techniques in sidelying and supine, and one nonthrust procedure consisting of 60 seconds of low velocity oscillations to the lumbar vertebrae in prone, among patients with low back pain. The researchers found no significant differences between supine and sidelying thrust techniques, but significant differences between thrust and nonthrust groups at 1 week, 4 week, and 6 week followups regarding scores on the Oswestry Disability Index, and significant differences between thrust and nonthrust groups at 1 week and 4 week followups regarding pain levels, suggesting quick onset and sustained duration of pain modulating effects following high velocity lumbar spine manipulations.

Patients satisfied 4/5 criteria of low back pain according to a clinical prediction rule which included duration of symptoms <16 days, no symptoms distal to the knee, one or more hypomobile segments in the lumbar spine, at least one hip with  >35° of internal rotation range of motion, and a score of <19 on the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire work subscale. It is estimated that 25% to 40% of patients with low back pain that are referred to physical therapy will be positive for these clinical prediction rule criteria (Cleland et al., 2009).

In addition to the increased stimulation of mechanoreceptors and motor neurons, Beattie, Butts, Donley, and Liuzzo (2014) suggest that lumbar spine thrust manipulation techniques can improve the diffusion of water in the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine in patients with low back pain within a single session. Results from animal studies suggest that increase in diffusion, or rate of movement, of water within the intervertebral discs of the spine in response to treatment improves transportation of oxygen and nutrients, assists in the removal of metabolic waste products linked to pain, and improves pressure gradients acting on the discs that help to reduce compressive forces (Beattie, Butts, Donley, & Liuzzo, 2014). Immediately before and after receiving a single treatment of lumbar spine thrust manipulation, patients underwent T2- and difusion-weighted lumbar magnetic resonance imaging scans and “responders,” or those that reported a 2 point or more decrease in pain levels post manipulation, exhibited significantly higher apparent diffusion coefficients of water within lumbar intervertebral discs post treatment compared to “non-responders” who reported no change in pain intensity.

While a lack of knowledge regarding a clear cause of low back pain and sustained symptoms exists, these studies suggest that thrust mobilization techniques may provide an analgesic stimulus to spinal tissues in sufferers of low back pain that helps to restore optimal functioning. It is important to note, however, that both of the aforementioned studies excluded patients with symptoms consistent with nerve root compression, and further research is needed to determine if lumbar thrust manipulations may be an appropriate intervention for this patient population.

Kristen Gasnick, SPT

Dr.Brandon Cruz PT,DPT

Board Certified in Orthopedics

Board Certified in Sports

Fellow American Academy Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy 

Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

References: 

Beattie, PF, Butts, R, Donley, JW, & Liuzzo, DM. (2014). The Within-Session Change  in Low Back Pain Intensity Following Spinal Manipulative Therapy Is Related to Diferences in Difusion of Water in the Intervertebral Discs of the Upper Lumbar Spine and L5-S1. Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy; 44(1):19-29.

Cleland, JA, et al. (2009). Comparison of the effectiveness of three manual physical therapy techniques in a subgroup of patients with low back pain who satisfy a clinical prediction rule: a randomized clinical trial. Spine; 34(25):2720-9.