Secretory Immunoglobulin A and Upper Cervical Chiropractic: A Preliminary Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study

Philip R Schalow; Kelly A Kimball; Frederick T Schurger; George R Sooley; Scott P Bales; Roderic P Rochester; Robert T Brooks; Julie M Hunt

doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2021.10.003

Secretory Immunoglobulin A and Upper Cervical Chiropractic: A Preliminary Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study

J Chiropr Med. 2021 Sep;20(3):121-127. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2021.10.003. Epub 2022 Apr 6.

Authors

Philip R Schalow¹, Kelly A Kimball², Frederick T Schurger³, George R Sooley⁴, Scott P Bales⁵, Roderic P Rochester⁶, Robert T Brooks⁷, Julie M Hunt⁸

Affiliations

¹ Private practice, Rockford, Illinois.
² International Chiropractors Association, Falls Church, Virginia.
³ Private practice, Springfield, Illinois.
⁴ Private practice, Danville, Illinois.
⁵ Private practice, Alliston, Ontario, Canada.
⁶ Private practice, Clarkesville, Georgia.
⁷ Tulsa, Oklahoma.
⁸ Private practice, Clearwater, Florida.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to observe changes in secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) after chiropractic care using upper cervical adjusting techniques (UCATs) at the craniocervical junction (CCJ).

Methods: Forty-one participants were enrolled from 5 chiropractic offices in North America. Each participant provided a saliva sample at an initial visit before care. A second saliva sample was collected after resting 30 minutes after the first UCAT treatment. A third saliva sample was collected after 2 weeks.

Results: There was a significant increase in SIgA observed 30 minutes after the UCAT treatment compared to baseline. After 2 weeks, SIgA levels decreased back to near original levels.

Conclusion: Our preliminary findings demonstrate an immediate, temporary increase in SIgA levels after a UCAT treatment at the CCJ.

Keywords: Chiropractic; Immunity, Mucosal; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory.