Chiropractic Care in Islington: New Research on Stress, Brain and Nervous System Health

New Research Shows Chiropractic Care May Influence Stress, Inflammation, and Brain Health

Chiropractic care is commonly associated with pain relief and improved mobility — but emerging research suggests its effects may extend far beyond the spine.

A recently published randomized controlled trial in PLOS ONE investigated whether 12 weeks of chiropractic spinal adjustments could influence measurable physiological biomarkers related to stress regulation, inflammation, immune function, and brain health. The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting chiropractic care may have system-wide effects, not just local musculoskeletal benefits.

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What Was the Study About?

Researchers studied adults aged 20–60 who experienced subclinical spinal pain — discomfort that does not yet require medical intervention but may reflect underlying spinal dysfunction.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups:

  • Chiropractic care group: Received individualized spinal adjustments over a 12-week period

  • Sham (control) group: Attended similar appointments but without actual spinal adjustments

Importantly, this was a pragmatic randomized controlled trial, meaning the chiropractic care closely reflected real-world clinical practice rather than an artificial laboratory protocol.

What Did the Researchers Measure?

Instead of relying only on pain scores or self-reported outcomes, the researchers measured objective biological markers, including:

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) – linked to brain health and nervous system adaptability

  • Cortisol – a hormone involved in stress regulation

  • Inflammatory markers such as interleukins and cytokines

  • Immune cell activity, including T-cells and natural killer cells

Samples were collected from blood, saliva, and hair, providing insight into both short-term and longer-term physiological changes.

What Is BDNF — and Why Does It Matter?

One of the most interesting biomarkers measured in this study was BDNF, which stands for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor.

BDNF is a protein produced by the brain and nervous system that plays a crucial role in keeping the nervous system healthy, adaptable, and resilient. It is often described as “fertiliser for the brain” because it supports the growth, maintenance, and adaptability of nerve cells.

What Does BDNF Do?

BDNF is essential for:

  • Neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new connections and adapt

  • Learning and memory

  • Motor control and coordination

  • Recovery after physical or emotional stress

  • Maintaining healthy nerve cells

In simple terms, BDNF helps the brain and nervous system change when change is needed, rather than becoming stuck or dysregulated.

Lower levels of BDNF have been associated in research with chronic stress, persistent pain, mood disorders, reduced cognitive function, and slower recovery. Healthy or well-regulated BDNF levels, on the other hand, are linked to greater stress resilience, mental clarity, and nervous system adaptability.

Key Findings After 12 Weeks of Chiropractic Care

Compared with the sham group, participants receiving chiropractic adjustments showed several notable physiological changes:

🧠 Increased BDNF

Participants in the chiropractic group demonstrated higher blood levels of BDNF, suggesting enhanced nervous system adaptability and neuroplastic potential.

⚖️ Changes in Cortisol Regulation

Salivary cortisol increased in the chiropractic group, reflecting an active and responsive stress system, rather than stress suppression — a sign of physiological engagement and regulation.

🔥 Modulation of Inflammatory Markers

Changes were also observed in interleukin-6 (IL-6), indicating that spinal care may influence inflammatory and immune-related pathways.

What Happened After Care Stopped?

At a 16-week follow-up (four weeks after the treatment period ended):

  • The sham group showed increases in stress and inflammatory markers such as cortisol, TNF-α, and IFN-γ

  • The chiropractic group demonstrated more stable biomarker patterns over time

While not every biomarker reached statistical significance, the overall trend suggested greater physiological balance and regulation in those who received chiropractic care.

Why This Matters for Patients

This research supports what many chiropractors observe clinically:
👉 Spinal health and nervous system function are closely connected

Rather than acting only on joints and muscles, chiropractic care may:

  • Influence how the nervous system adapts to stress

  • Affect immune and inflammatory responses

  • Support broader physiological regulation

This does not mean chiropractic care treats disease or replaces medical care. However, it does reinforce its role as part of a whole-person, nervous-system-focused approach to health.

What This Means at Our Clinic

At our clinic, our goal is not just symptom relief — it’s supporting optimal spinal and nervous system function so your body can adapt, regulate, and perform at its best.

Research like this helps explain why many patients report benefits such as:

  • Improved resilience to stress

  • Better overall wellbeing

  • Feeling clearer, more balanced, and more adaptable

As science continues to evolve, we remain committed to evidence-informed chiropractic care that supports your body’s natural capacity for health.

Interested in Learning More?

If you’d like to learn how chiropractic care may support your nervous system and overall wellbeing, contact our clinic or book an appointment today or call us on 0207 288 2999.

Brian BambergerAngel Chiropractic Islington