Three main hormones are affected after an injury - oxytocin, neurotensin, and cortisol. These hormones work together to provide pain relief, decreased stress, and an overall healthy feeling to the body. But, when an injury occurs it can reduce or block the production of these hormones. With proper alignment, the body can produce sufficient levels of neurotensin, cortisol, and oxytocin to restore harmony and a pain-free day.
An older study conducted in 2012 shows that 12 weeks of chiropractic care was more beneficial in improving neck pain than treating the pain with medication alone. Many traditional doctors prescribe pain relievers to patients experiencing chronic pain. Unfortunately, these opioid medications have a high dependence level. Alleviating symptoms of pain through chiropractic care can help to manage pain and reduce the dependence and/or abuse of opioid medications.
Research suggests that 2 out of 3 adults in the United States alone experience tension headaches. These types of headaches often originate in the neck and can cause symptoms of general neck pain, eye strain, stress, or even insomnia. By performing specialized manipulations to the thoracic and cervical spine, chiropractic treatment can eliminate tension that has been building in the neck to reduce headaches.