(including all research relevent to this topic is impractical in this forum please ask your chiropractor if you are interested in exploring this further)
Lluch E, et al "Immediate effects of active cranio-cervical flexion exercise vs passive mobilization of the upper cervical spine on pain and performance on the cranio-cervical flexion test" Manual Therapy 2014 FEb;19(1):25-31.
The conclusion of this study was that both active and passive treatments offered pain relief but only the exercise group also improved motor function, thus highlighting the importance of specific active exercise for improved motor control of the cervical spine.
McGill S, PhD. Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance. Waterloo, Canada, Wabuno Publishers; 2006: 1025.
Hebert JJ, DC, PhD, et al. Postoperative Rehabilitation Following Lumbar Discectomy With Quantification of Trunk Muscle Morphology & Function: A Case Report and Review of the literature. JOSPT 2010; 40(7):402-412
Boudreau SA, et al. The role of motor learning and neuroplasticity in designing rehabilitation approaches for musculoskeletal pain disorders. Manual Ther 2010; xxx: 1-5.
Globe G, DC, MBA, PhD et al. Chiropractic management of low back disorders: report from a consensus process. CCGPP. JMPT 2008;28(9):651-8.
Hurwitz E, DC, PhD, et al. Treatment of Neck Pain: Noninvasive Interventions: Results of the Bone & Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain. Spine 2008;33:S123-52.
Chou R, MD, Qaseem A, MD, PhD, MHA, et al. Diagnosis & Treatment of LBP: A Joint Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians & the American Pain Society. Annals of Internal Med 2007;147:478-91.
Gross A, et al. Manipulation or mobilization for neck pain: A Cochrane Review. Manual Therapy 2010;15(4): 315-333.
Leaver AM, et al. A randomized controlled trial comparing manipulation with mobilization for recent onset neck pain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2010;91:1313-8
Cleland, J A, PT, PhD et al. Comparison of the effectiveness of 3 manual physical therapy techniques in a subgroup of patients with LBP who satisfy a clinical prediction rule. Spine 2009;34(25):2720-9.
Balthazard P et al. Manual therapy followed by specific active exercises versus a placebo followed by specific active exercises on the improvement of functional disability in patients with chronic non specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2012, 13:162.