The effect of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy on salivary cortisol levels

This study examines the effect of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy on salivary cortisol levels. Prospective case series over six weeks duration. The trial consisted of establishment of each individual's baseline cortisol level, a two week treatment period (4 treatments), and a two week post treatment period. Macquarie University Chiropractic Research Centre. Nine subjects (six male, three female), employed in a large corporation, volunteered to the trial of spinal manipulative therapy. Saliva samples were analysed using an Amerlex Radioimmunoassay Kit to determine the cortisol concentrations present. Statistical interpretation, after exclusion of an apparent outlying subject, revealed results of statistical significance (p