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

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.