Why does it feel good to get adjusted?

Of the people that are reading this article that have been adjusted, we can all agree that it feels very good and can relieve pain instantly.  For some this might be long lasting, however, for others it is temporary.  For you that experience temporary relief, you might feel the urge to get adjusted again and again.  Many people wonder "why does it feel good?", hopefully this will shed some light on the situation.

We have several working hypothesis that are supported by research. It is possibly just one of the theories or a combination of several of them that is the real truth.  Below are several of the supported theories at this time.

Studies have shown that B-endorphin increases post adjustment as compared to a sham or control group.  B-endorphin is produced in the pituitary gland and is a powerful pain suppressor.  The endogenous cannabinoid system, which appears to be activated with adjustments, has been shown to change pain thresholds.  Substance P, another pain modulator, has been shown to increase after a single adjustment to the lumbar spine. 

Another possible explanation is that an adjustment provides nutrients into the joint by providing motion into a segment that is stiff.  We know that joints need nutrients and motion is one of the ways to get them.  An adjustment is a way to facilitate that motion in the spinal facet joints.  These little joints are what make the noise when you hear the audible sound of an adjustment.  This can cause a benefit of sending an inhibitory, or relaxation, response to the soft tissue around the spine.  Thus giving a feeling of improved symptoms.

Stay tuned for a follow up article in the next few days about who needs to get adjusted and who does not.