The Potential Mechanisms of High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude, Controlled Vertebral Thrusts on Neuroimmune Function: A Narrative Review
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Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland 1060, New Zealand
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Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, Health & Rehabilitation Research Institute, AUT University, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
3
Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
4
Faculty of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Academic Editor: Wutian Wu
Medicina 2021, 57(6), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57060536
Received: 11 May 2021
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Accepted: 25 May 2021
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Published: 27 May 2021
The current COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the need to find healthcare solutions that boost or support immunity. There is some evidence that high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to modulate immune mediators. However, the mechanisms of the link between HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts and neuroimmune function and the associated potential clinical implications are less clear. This review aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that can explain the HVLA controlled vertebral thrust--neuroimmune link and discuss what this link implies for clinical practice and future research needs. A search for relevant articles published up until April 2021 was undertaken. Twenty-three published papers were found that explored the impact of HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts on neuroimmune markers, of which eighteen found a significant effect. These basic science studies show that HVLA controlled vertebral thrust influence the levels of immune mediators in the body, including neuropeptides, inflammatory markers, and endocrine markers. This narravtive review discusses the most likely mechanisms for how HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts could impact these immune markers. The mechanisms are most likely due to the known changes in proprioceptive processing that occur within the central nervous system (CNS), in particular within the prefrontal cortex, following HVLA spinal thrusts. The prefrontal cortex is involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the immune system. Bi-directional neuro-immune interactions are affected by emotional or pain-related stress. Stress-induced sympathetic nervous system activity also alters vertebral motor control. Therefore, there are biologically plausible direct and indirect mechanisms that link HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts to the immune system, suggesting HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to modulate immune function. However, it is not yet known whether HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts have a clinically relevant impact on immunity. Further research is needed to explore the clinical impact of HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts on immune function.
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Keywords:
high-velocity; low-amplitude thrust; HVLA; chiropractic; spinal manipulation; central nervous system; prefrontal cortex; immune system; endocrine system
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MDPI and ACS Style
Haavik, H.; Niazi, I.K.; Kumari, N.; Amjad, I.; Duehr, J.; Holt, K. The Potential Mechanisms of High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude, Controlled Vertebral Thrusts on Neuroimmune Function: A Narrative Review. Medicina 2021, 57, 536. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57060536
AMA Style
Haavik H, Niazi IK, Kumari N, Amjad I, Duehr J, Holt K. The Potential Mechanisms of High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude, Controlled Vertebral Thrusts on Neuroimmune Function: A Narrative Review. Medicina. 2021; 57(6):536. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57060536
Chicago/Turabian StyleHaavik, Heidi, Imran K. Niazi, Nitika Kumari, Imran Amjad, Jenna Duehr, and Kelly Holt. 2021. "The Potential Mechanisms of High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude, Controlled Vertebral Thrusts on Neuroimmune Function: A Narrative Review" Medicina 57, no. 6: 536. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57060536
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