Chiropractic care is associated with frequency-specific increases in resting-state alpha-band connectivity within the default mode network in adults with chronic low back pain
In a randomized trial of 76 adults with chronic low back pain, chiropractic care plus usual care (n=38) was compared to usual care alone (n=38). Resting-state EEG showed that alpha-band connectivity within the default mode network was significantly higher in the chiropractic group both immediately after care and at four-week follow-up (both q<0.001). The findings are hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in pre-registered trials.
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Chiropractic care is associated with frequency-specific increases in resting-state alpha-band connectivity within the default mode network in adults with chronic low back pain The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Chiropractic care is associated with frequency-specific increases in resting-state alpha-band connectivity within the default mode network in adults with chronic low back pain
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Chiropractic Care Is Associated with Frequency-Specific Reorganisation of Triple-Network Brain Dynamics: A Source-Localised EEG Study. (Brain sciences, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Chiropractic adjustments modulate cortical excitability
- ▸This leads to frequency-specific reorganisation of brain network connectivity
- ▸Specifically, increased alpha-band connectivity within the default mode network
- ▸Result: Altered resting-state brain dynamics in CLBP patients
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Exploratory secondary analysis, not pre-registered
- ▸No network-level effects survived multiple-comparison correction for somatosensory evoked recordings
- ▸Findings are hypothesis-generating and cannot be interpreted as a neurophysiological basis for clinical improvements
- ▸Small sample size (n=38 per group) and short follow-up (4 weeks)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of this study?▼
Chiropractic care was associated with increased resting-state alpha-band connectivity within the default mode network in adults with chronic low back pain, both immediately after care and at 4-week follow-up.
How was brain connectivity measured?▼
Source-localised EEG using sLORETA and phase lag index (PLI) across theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands during resting-state and somatosensory evoked potential paradigms.
Is this a definitive proof that chiropractic care changes brain function?▼
No, this is an exploratory secondary analysis. The authors state that findings are hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in adequately powered, pre-registered trials.
What population was studied?▼
Adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP), a condition characterized by hyperactive salience signalling, disrupted default mode network processing, and impaired executive regulation.
References
- 1.Ghani U, Amjad I, Niazi IK, Kumari N, Holt K, Ashfaque M, Pujari AN, Kamavuako EN, Murphy B, Haavik H. “Chiropractic Care Is Associated with Frequency-Specific Reorganisation of Triple-Network Brain Dynamics: A Source-Localised EEG Study..” Brain sciences, 2026. PMID: 42651129 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16080818