The AAO Journal, 2004/12, 14(4):25-30, type of study: ,art,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.academyofosteopathy.org/aaoj)

Keywords:

adjustment [12]
article [2635]
central nervous system [23]
dysafferentation [1]
hypomobility [5]
joint complex dysfunction [1]
neurological reflexes [1]
OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
proprioception [19]
zygapophyseal joint [4]

Abstract:

It has long been thought that “joint complex dysfunctions” (JCD) such as those treated by osteopaths only had detrimental effects on local joints and surrounding soft tissues due to the focus on the kinesiopathological component of JCD. More recent theories emphasize on the neurophysiological component, involving afferent inputs to the spinal cord By reviewing recent papers, it has been shown that joint hypomobility is associated with altered reflex responses involving mechanoreceptive and nociceptive pathways. As these pathways are crucial for an optimal proprioceptive function, alteration of these inputs to the spinal cord created by a JCD could decrease appropriate proprioceptive informations. In this light, osteopathic treatment should be seen as more than treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. While improving mobility to restricted joints, it could have a favourable influence on several neurological reflex responses: by reducing abnormal inputs to the spinal cord, it could improve the body’s ability to recover an optimal proprioceptive function.