Can Chiropractic Care Influence Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis? What New Research Found
- Julian Simpson
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Written by Dr Julian Simpson — Chiropractor with 15+ years of experience, Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation, and author/reviewer of 800+ health articles.
Quick answer: This research does not suggest chiropractic care treats or cures MS.
However, it does suggest that spinal manipulation and manual therapy may influence:
Neuroimmune responses
Inflammatory signaling
Nervous system physiology
Can Chiropractic Care Influence Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis? What New Research Found
For people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), inflammation plays a major role in symptoms, disease progression, fatigue, pain, and nervous system changes. A new pilot study has explored whether chiropractic thoracic spinal manipulation combined with trigger point therapy may influence inflammatory biomarkers in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
At Health Wise Chiropractic, we stay up to date with emerging evidence around chiropractic care, inflammation, nervous system regulation, and chronic neurological conditions so patients can make informed healthcare decisions.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is a chronic autoimmune neurological condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering around nerves (myelin) within the central nervous system. Around 85% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), which involves periods of symptom flare-ups followed by partial recovery.
Common symptoms may include:
Fatigue
Neck and back pain
Muscle tightness
Balance problems
Reduced mobility
Brain fog
Sleep disturbances
Nerve-related symptoms
Researchers now understand that inflammatory chemicals called cytokines play a major role in the disease process.
The Purpose of the Study
Researchers investigated whether:
Thoracic spinal manipulation
Trigger point therapy
Repeated chiropractic treatment
could influence inflammatory biomarkers and neurological markers in people with RRMS.
Key Findings From the Research
Several Inflammatory Biomarkers Changed After Treatment
Researchers found that 6 inflammatory cytokines/chemokines demonstrated moderate-to-large effect sizes at multiple timepoints after spinal manipulation.
These included:
IL-8
IL-17A
GM-CSF
MIP-1β
IFNγ
Fractalkine
IL-17A Showed Progressive Changes
One inflammatory marker called IL-17A progressively increased across the treatment period.
This suggested a sustained biological response following repeated treatment sessions.
Did Symptoms Improve?
Interestingly, symptom changes were mixed.
Researchers found:
Minimal meaningful improvement in fatigue
No major cognitive changes
No significant walking improvements
Pain and depression outcomes slightly favored the sham group
The authors concluded that:
Biomarker changes may occur before noticeable symptom changes
Larger and longer-term studies are needed
Future research should examine whether these inflammatory changes translate into meaningful clinical improvements
Important Limitations
This was a small pilot study, meaning it was designed to explore trends rather than prove definitive outcomes.
Important limitations included:
Only 21 participants
Short 4-week duration
Combined therapies used together
No long-term follow-up
Researchers could not determine whether spinal manipulation or trigger point therapy caused the biomarker changes
The study authors specifically noted that future research should separate spinal manipulation from soft tissue therapy to better understand the effects.
What This Means for Chiropractic Care
This research does not suggest chiropractic care treats or cures MS.
However, it does suggest that spinal manipulation and manual therapy may influence:
Neuroimmune responses
Inflammatory signaling
Nervous system physiology
This aligns with growing interest in how conservative therapies may interact with the nervous system and inflammation.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, our focus is helping patients improve:
Mobility
Joint function
Muscle tension
Postural stress
Musculoskeletal pain
Overall physical wellbeing
For people living with chronic neurological conditions, care should always be collaborative and integrated with their medical team.
Chiropractic Care in Sunbury for Nervous System and Musculoskeletal Health
At Health Wise Chiropractic in Sunbury, we provide evidence-informed chiropractic care designed to support spinal mobility, muscle function, posture, and movement quality.
Our clinic combines:
Chiropractic care
Massage therapy
Shockwave therapy
Laser therapy
Spinal decompression
under one roof to help patients access affordable conservative care options.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
At Health Wise Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to posture-related care.
Treatment may include:
We focus on addressing both the symptoms and the underlying biomechanical stress contributing to neck dysfunction.
About the Author
Dr Julian Simpson is an Australian chiropractor with over 15 years of experience in musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation.
He is a Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation and has reviewed and written more than 800 evidence-based health articles focused on spinal health, rehabilitation, sports injuries and conservative care approaches.
His treatment focus includes:
Chiropractic adjustments
Sports chiropractic
Massage therapy
Shockwave therapy
Laser therapy
Non-surgical spinal decompression
Dr Simpson provides patient care through Healthwise Chiropractic, serving communities including Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest and surrounding regions.
Reference
Alanazi MS, Motl RW, Jones BA, Qu H, Li P, Reed WR. Effects of thoracic manipulation with trigger point therapy on inflammatory cytokine levels in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Front Rehabil Sci. 2026 Apr 8;7:1699274. doi: 10.3389/fresc.2026.1699274. PMID: 42028147; PMCID: PMC13099762.
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