The role of spinal manipulation in modulating neuroplasticity and sensorimotor integration

Abstract

Patients with upper limb paresis and prostheses undergo prolonged alterations in neck posture and the potential for fatigue, which is highly likely to impair upper limb sensorimotor integration. Additionally, these postural stressors are likely to lead to restricted mobility and pain in the neck region. This paper describes a series of experiments using somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electromyography (EMG) combined with functional performance measures, which demonstrate neurophysiological changes following spinal manipulation in patients with neck pain and dysfunction. This emerging work may help to explain how critical it is to ensure that neck and spine issues are identified and treated in patients attempting to reestablish correct sensorimotor integration during rehabilitation.