Mechanoreception refers to the process by which tissue mechanoreceptors are stimulated by mechanical input such as touch, muscle stretching, and joint motion. Segmental reflex effects of mechanoreceptor input can excitatory and inhibitory. An important inhibitory effect is the presynaptic and postsynaptic 1nhibition of the nociceptive pathways. It is thought that the adjustment stimulates joint mechanoreceptors by increasing joint motion. There are also suprasegmental reflex effects of mechanoreceptor stimulation, which are proprioceptive in nature.
Proprioception refers to kinaesthetic awareness.
Proprioception occurs as a consequence of the integration of vestibular input, visual input and tissue mechanoreceptor input to the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. It is thought that mechanoreceptor input is of the utmost importance for proprioception. Thus, mechanoreceptors give rise to local segmental reflexes and suprasegmental proprioceptive reflex effects. The word proprioceptor is a misnomer, as no somatosensory receptor functions solely in proprioceptive mechanisms. Nociception, mechanoreception, and proprioception are all intimately associated with the normal and abnormal function of vertebral joints.