How Chiropractic Care Can Help Your Brain, Sleep, and Mood
Most people think of chiropractic care as “cracking” a stiff back or neck. But new research is showing it may do much more—by actually changing how the brain works.
A 2024 study led by Dr. Heidi Haavik looked at people with chronic low back pain and measured how their brains and bodies responded to chiropractic adjustments. The results were eye-opening.
What Did the Study Test?
Who: 76 adults with long-term back pain.
What: Half got chiropractic adjustments for 4 weeks, the other half got a light, sham treatment.
How: Researchers measured brain activity, sleep patterns, and patient reports on pain, mood, and energy.
What Changed After Chiropractic Care?
Brain Function Improved
Brain scans showed more healthy, “calm and focused” patterns of activity.
The brain’s default mode network (important for rest and recovery) worked better.
Pain and Mood Got Better
Patients reported less back pain, less fatigue, less anxiety, and fewer feelings of depression.
Their quality of life scores improved.
Sleep Improved
Sleep trackers showed better sleep quality, especially in lighter sleep stages that are key for recovery.
Why This Matters
This study suggests chiropractic care may do more than just ease stiffness or pain in the spine. It can help the brain and nervous system work better—leading to better sleep, better mood, and a higher quality of life.
For people living with chronic back pain, this means chiropractic care could be part of a bigger solution that supports both body and mind.
Key Takeaway
Chiropractic adjustments don’t just move joints. They can “reset” how the brain processes pain and stress, leading to benefits that ripple out into sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing.
Reference
Haavik H, Niazi IK, Amjad I, Kumari N, Ghani U, Ashfaque M, Rashid U, Navid MS, Kamavuako EN, Pujari AN, Holt K. Neuroplastic Responses to Chiropractic Care: Broad Impacts on Pain, Mood, Sleep, and Quality of Life. Brain Sci. 2024 Nov; 14(11):1124. doi:10.3390/brainsci14111124
