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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

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.

Last updated: Aug 28, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Chiropractic Care Is Associated with Frequency-Specific Reorganisation of Triple-Network Brain Dynamics: A Source-Localised EEG Study.

observational

Ghani U, Amjad I, Niazi IK, Kumari N, Holt K, Ashfaque M, Pujari AN, Kamavuako EN, Murphy B, Haavik H · Brain sciences (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 4 weeks follow-up
Intervention: Chiropractic adjustments (spinal manipulative therapy) plus usual care
Outcome: Source-localised EEG connectivity (phase lag index) within and between default mode, salience, and central executive networks across theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands
Effect Size: Not reported (only q-values and pFWE values)
Population: Adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP)

Result:

PubMed: 42651129DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16080818

Mechanism Graph

Chiropractic adjustments modulate cortical excitability
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This leads to frequency-specific reorganisation of brain network connectivity
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Specifically, increased alpha-band connectivity within the default mode network
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Result: Altered resting-state brain dynamics in CLBP patients

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.