The Electric Life Chiropractic Research Library: The Science of Chiropractic

Evidence-Based Chiropractic Care in Indianapolis

At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we believe healing begins with understanding how the body truly works. We believe people deserve both philosophy and evidence.Your body is electric.

Every movement, sensation, heartbeat, and thought is controlled by electrical signals traveling through the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. When communication between the brain and body is clear, the body is better able to move, adapt, recover, and heal.

This is the foundation of chiropractic care.

While chiropractic has been practiced for more than 125 years, modern research continues to explore how spinal adjustments influence movement, pain, nervous system regulation, and overall health.

Below is a curated research library highlighting studies across several areas of chiropractic care including:

• infants and children

• athletes and performance

• back and neck pain

• headaches and migraines

• nervous system function

• stress and autonomic regulation

• pregnancy and postpartum health

Our goal is simple: help educate the Indy community so patients can make informed decisions about their health.

The 10 Chiropractic Studies Every Patient Should Know

Over the past several decades, researchers have explored how chiropractic adjustments may influence the nervous system, pain perception, movement, and overall physical function.

Below are several of the most influential studies examining spinal manipulation and its effects on the body.

1. Haavik H, Murphy B (2007)

Altered Sensorimotor Integration with Spinal ManipulationJournal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeuticshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17936106/

Key Insight:This study found spinal adjustments may alter how the brain processes sensory information coming from the body, suggesting chiropractic care may influence brain-body communication and motor control.

2. Haavik H, Niazi IK, Holt K (2018)

The Neurophysiological Effects of Spinal ManipulationBrain Scienceshttps://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/8/11/206

Key Insight:This research explores how spinal adjustments may affect brain function, neural signaling, and sensorimotor integration, reinforcing the idea that chiropractic care influences more than just joints.

3. Niazi IK et al. (2015)

Changes in Corticospinal Excitability Following Spinal ManipulationEuropean Journal of Neurosciencehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25582537/

Key Insight:Researchers observed increased activity in neural pathways connecting the brain and muscles after spinal manipulation, suggesting possible effects on strength, coordination, and neuromuscular control.

4. Lelic D et al. (2016)

The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Pain Sensitivity and Central Pain ProcessingJournal of Pain Researchhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27293481/

Key Insight:This study suggests spinal manipulation may influence how the brain processes pain signals, potentially helping reduce pain sensitivity and nervous system sensitization.

5. Budgell B, Polus B (2006)

Thoracic Spinal Manipulation and Heart Rate VariabilityJournal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeuticshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17045093/

Key Insight:Researchers observed changes in heart rate variability, a marker of autonomic nervous system function, indicating spinal manipulation may influence stress-response systems.

6. Zhang J et al. (2006)

Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Autonomic Nervous System ActivityJournal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeuticshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16949949/

Key Insight:This research explored how spinal adjustments may influence the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which regulate stress, heart rate, and physiological balance.

7. Goertz CM et al. (2018)

Chiropractic Care Added to Standard Medical Care for Low Back PainJAMA Network Openhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30646047/

Key Insight:Patients receiving chiropractic care in addition to standard medical treatment experienced greater reductions in pain and disability compared with medical care alone.

8. Rubinstein SM et al. (2019)

Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Chronic Low Back PainCochrane Database of Systematic Reviewshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30891746/

Key Insight:A large systematic review concluded spinal manipulation can provide modest improvements in pain and function for chronic low back pain.

9. Bronfort G et al. (2012)

Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise for Neck PainAnnals of Internal Medicinehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22213489/

Key Insight:This clinical trial found spinal manipulation was as effective or more effective than medication for some patients with neck pain.

10. Tuchin PJ et al. (2000)

Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy for MigraineJournal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeuticshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10714533/

Key Insight:Participants receiving chiropractic care experienced reductions in migraine frequency and duration, suggesting a potential conservative approach for certain headache patients.

1. Babies, Infants, and Pediatric Chiropractic

This category is best framed around infantile colic, breastfeeding difficulty, safety, and pediatric manual-care literature. The research here is mixed, so your wording should stay careful and educational.

1. Alcantara J, Ohm J, Kunz D. The chiropractic care of children. J Altern Complement Med. 2010. Source: PubMed/article listing.

2. Alcantara J, Alcantara JD, Alcantara J. The chiropractic care of infants with breastfeeding difficulties. Explore (NY). 2015. Source: PubMed.

3. Alcantara J, Alcantara JD, Alcantara J. The chiropractic care of infants with colic: a systematic review of the literature. Explore (NY). 2011. Source: PubMed.

4. Olafsdottir E, Forshei S, Fluge G, Markestad T. Randomised controlled trial of infantile colic treated with chiropractic spinal manipulation. Arch Dis Child. 2001. Source: PubMed.

5. Holm LV, et al. The effect of chiropractic care on infantile colic: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. 2021. Source: PMC.

6. Miller JE, Benfield K. Adverse events and manual therapy in infants and children: a review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008. Source discussed in pediatric evidence review.

7. Vallone SA. Chiropractic evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction in infants demonstrating difficulty breastfeeding. J Clin Chiropr Pediatr. 2004. Source discussed in pediatric evidence review.

8. Klougart N, Nilsson N, Jacobsen J. Infantile colic treated by chiropractors: a prospective study of 316 cases. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1989. Source: PubMed.

Suggested website wording:“Research on pediatric chiropractic has explored infantile colic, breastfeeding difficulties, and safety. Findings are mixed, and care should be individualized, gentle, and appropriately clinical.”

2.Athletes, Performance, and Neuromuscular Output

This section works well for your brand because it connects chiropractic to movement efficiency, strength expression, sensorimotor integration, and recovery, not just pain.

The evidence is promising but still developing.

1. Botelho MB, Andrade BB. Effect of cervical spine manipulative therapy on judo athletes’ grip strength. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2012. Source: PubMed.

2. Christiansen TL, Niazi IK, Holt K, et al. The effects of a single session of spinal manipulation on strength and cortical drive in athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2018. Source: PubMed/PMC.

3. Niazi IK, et al. Changes in corticospinal excitability following spinal manipulation. Eur J Neurosci. 2015. Source discussed in neurophysiology reviews.

4. Haavik H, Murphy B. The role of spinal manipulation in sensorimotor integration. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012. Source discussed in neurophysiology reviews.

5. Corso M, et al. The effects of spinal manipulation on performance-related outcomes in healthy asymptomatic adult population: a systematic review. 2019. Source: PMC.

6. Botelho MB, et al. Immediate effects of spinal manipulative therapy on elite soccer players’ sprint and change of direction performance: pilot study. 2022. Source: PMC.

7. Costa SMV, et al. Immediate effects of spinal manipulative therapy on athletes. J Chiropr Med. 2009. Source discussed in performance literature/reviews.

Suggested website wording:“Sports chiropractic research has explored grip strength, cortical drive, sensorimotor integration, and short-term performance-related outcomes. The literature is promising, but larger trials are still needed.”

3.Injuries, Low Back Pain, and Spine-Related Musculoskeletal Care

This is one of the strongest parts of the chiropractic evidence base. Spinal manipulative therapy is commonly included in guideline-supported conservative care for many spine-pain presentations.

1. Goertz CM, et al. Adding chiropractic manipulative therapy to standard medical care for patients with acute low back pain: results of a pragmatic randomized comparative effectiveness study. Spine J. 2013. Source: PubMed.

2. Goertz CM, et al. Effect of usual medical care plus chiropractic care vs usual medical care alone on pain and disability among US service members with low back pain. JAMA Netw Open. 2018. Source: PubMed.

3. Paige NM, et al. Association of spinal manipulative therapy with clinical benefit and harm for acute low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2017. Source referenced in spine-pain review literature.

4. Rubinstein SM, et al. Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019. Source referenced in spine-pain review literature.

5. Cherkin DC, et al. A comparison of physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, and provision of an educational booklet for the treatment of patients with low back pain. N Engl J Med. 1998. Source discussed in low-back literature/reviews.

6. Bronfort G, et al. Supervised exercise, spinal manipulation, and home exercise for chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial. Spine J. 2011. Source: PubMed.

7. Bronfort G, Haas M, Evans R, Leininger B, Triano J. Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis. Spine J. 2004. Source: PubMed.

8. McMorland G, et al. Chiropractic management of mechanical neck and low-back pain: a retrospective, outcome-based analysis. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000. Source: PubMed.

Suggested website wording:“For many patients with low back pain and mechanical spine pain, chiropractic care is best understood as a conservative, movement-centered option that may reduce pain and improve function—especially when combined with exercise and lifestyle support.”

4. Neck Pain, Mobility, and Cervical Spine Research

This is another relatively strong category, especially when chiropractic/manual care is part of a broader rehab approach.

1. Bronfort G, Evans R, Nelson B, Aker PD, Goldsmith CH, Vernon H. A randomized clinical trial of exercise and spinal manipulation for patients with chronic neck pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2001;26(7):788-797. Source: PubMed.

2. Evans R, Bronfort G, Nelson B, Goldsmith CH. Two-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial of spinal manipulation and two types of exercise for patients with chronic neck pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2002. Source: PubMed.

3. Bronfort G, et al. Spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute neck pain: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2012. Source: ACP journal page.

4. Gross A, et al. Manipulation and mobilisation for neck pain contrasted against an inactive control or another active treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015. Source: PMC.

5. Coulter ID, et al. Manipulation and mobilization for treating chronic nonspecific neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2019. Source: PMC.

6. Martel J, et al. A randomised controlled trial of preventive spinal manipulative therapy for chronic neck pain. 2011. Source: PMC.

7. Hurwitz EL, et al. Treatment of neck pain: noninvasive interventions. Spine. 2008. Source referenced in neck-pain evidence reviews.

Suggested website wording:“The neck-pain literature suggests spinal manipulation can be helpful for some patients, particularly when combined with exercise, education, and a broader rehab plan.”

5.Headaches and Migraines

This category is useful for patient education, but it is worth keeping the language measured. Some studies show benefit; others highlight placebo effects and methodological limitations.

1. Tuchin PJ, Pollard H, Bonello R. A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000. Source: PubMed.

2. Chaibi A, Tuchin PJ, Russell MB. Manual therapies for migraine: a systematic review. J Headache Pain. 2011. Source: PubMed.

3. Chaibi A, et al. Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine: a three-armed, single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial. Eur J Neurol. 2017. Source: PubMed/PMC.

4. Bryans R, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011. Source discussed in headache guideline literature.

5. West J, et al. Chiropractic management of a patient with persistent headache. 2013. Source: PMC case report.

Suggested website wording:“Research on chiropractic care for headaches and migraines is encouraging in some populations, but the literature remains mixed and should be interpreted carefully.”

6. Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Autonomic Regulation

This is the section where wording matters most. There is not strong clinical evidence that chiropractic directly treats depression, but there is literature on autonomic nervous system activity, heart rate variability, pain modulation, and neurophysiology that may support your nervous-system framework.

1. Budgell B, Polus B. The effects of thoracic manipulation on heart rate variability: a controlled crossover trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2006. Source: PubMed.

2. Zhang J, et al. Effect of spinal manipulation on autonomic nervous system activity. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2006. Source discussed in autonomic reviews.

3. Win NN, et al. Effects of upper and lower cervical spinal manipulative therapy on heart rate variability in volunteers and neck-pain patients. 2015. Source: PMC.

4. da Silva AC, et al. Influence of spinal manipulation on autonomic modulation and heart rate in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. 2018. Source: PMC.

5. Kiani AK, et al. Neurobiological basis of chiropractic manipulative treatment of the spine in the care of major depression. Acta Biomed. 2020. Source: PubMed/PMC review.

6. Sampath KK, et al. Effectiveness of spinal manipulation in influencing the autonomic nervous system: a systematic review. 2024. Source: PMC.

7. Navid MS, et al. The effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation on central processing of tonic pain: a pilot study. 2019. Source: PMC.

Suggested website wording:“Rather than claiming chiropractic treats anxiety or depression directly, the stronger evidence supports discussing nervous-system regulation, autonomic balance, pain processing, and the body’s stress-response systems.”

7.Pregnancy and Postpartum-Related Spine and Pelvic Pain

Since this fits your family-oriented practice, this is a smart category to include. The evidence is not as large as general low-back pain research, but it is clinically relevant.

1. Stuber KJ, Smith DL. Chiropractic treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain: a systematic review of the evidence. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008. Source: PubMed/journal page.

2. Lisi AJ. Chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain of pregnancy: a retrospective case series. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2006. Source: PubMed.

3. Peterson CK, et al. Outcomes of pregnant patients with low back pain undergoing chiropractic treatment: a prospective cohort study with short term, medium term and 1 year follow-up. 2014. Source: PMC.

4. Sadr S, et al. The treatment experience of patients with low back pain during pregnancy and their chiropractors: a qualitative study. 2012. Source: PMC.

What This Research Means

Taken together, these studies suggest chiropractic adjustments may influence the body in several ways:

• improving spinal movement and biomechanics

• altering how the nervous system processes sensory information

• affecting pain perception pathways

• influencing autonomic nervous system balance

• supporting recovery from musculoskeletal injuries

While research continues to evolve, these findings highlight the growing interest in chiropractic care as part of a broader strategy for nervous system health, movement quality, and physical resilience.