Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease associated with an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines resulting in a demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease. There is moderate quality evidence that spinal manipulation (SM) is better than control in influencing cytokine activity in asymptomatic individuals, but few studies have been completed in individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions. The objective of this project is to examine the immediate (1 SM treatment) and summative impact (8 SM treatments/4wks) on pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) plasma cytokines 20 minutes and 2 hours post-SM in individuals diagnosed with neuroinflammatory relapsing-remitting MS (MS-RR).

Grant Value: $39,980
Chief Investigator: William R. Reed DC, PhD
Status: Completed

Researcher Update:

  • April 2026
    Article published in Frontiers for Rehabilitation Science — please see the link under Publications. Below is a brief summary of the findings.

    The study identified six pro‑inflammatory cytokines/chemokines that consistently changed after spinal manipulation, suggesting that SM may influence inflammatory activity in RRMS. The authors note that these preliminary results support conducting a larger, well‑powered trial that measures these biomarkers at multiple timepoints and examines whether soft‑tissue work prior to SM affects the response.
  • August 2025
    Manuscript has been completed and is currently under peer review. 
  • June 2025
    Data collection is completed, the serum samples have been analysed for inflammatory biomarker levels.  Hoping to have all data analysed in the next few weeks and a draft manuscript started.  
  • December 2024
    Steady progress has been made, with a remaining 2 participants to be recruited, to complete the data set. Project anticipated to be complete in February 2025.
  • November 2024
    Project still in progress. Some delays have resulted from COVID and other challenges. Expected completion in December 2024.
  • May 2024
    Significant progress has been made in the last 6 months, with most participants having consented, enrolled, and completed the study. Project expected to be complete in December 2024, with publications/presentations to follow.

Publications:
Frontiers for Rehabilitation Science, Volume 7, April 2026.
Alanazi MS, Motl RW, Jones BA, Qu H, Li P and Reed WR (2026) Effects of thoracic manipulation with trigger point therapy on inflammatory cytokine levels in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.Â