How Does Chiropractic Care Boost the Immune System?
Updated: Jul 27, 2022
Most people relate chiropractic care to pain management and relief. While that is accurate, there is so much more to it! Over the years, chiropractic has proven to be immensely efficient in treating immune-response problems. But new patients have a lot of questions about this potential “link” between issues with the immune system and a misalignment in the musculoskeletal system. The thing you should know is that chiropractic is a holistic wellness tool–capable of optimizing the way your entire body functions.
But first things first–What is the meaning of having a healthy immune system? What are its roles? What are the problems related to the immune system? And as stated, how does chiropractic care help boost the immune system? Here’s a look-
The immune system and your health-
To put it simply, the immune system is what shuts the door to outside invaders. It is responsible for fighting against infectious organisms/toxins and preventing them from entering the body. It is made up of organs, tissues, proteins, and cells–and they function together to keep the body safe. Below are some of the ways a healthy immune system helps your body-
Improved ability to fight off harmful viruses and bacteria that cause illness.
Quick, efficient healing from injuries and wounds
Reducing the frequency of sickness
Fuller, faster recovery from sickness
Now, this is the case when your immune system is working properly. But what happens when the immune system is not functioning like it is supposed to? What are the problems people experience? Here’s a brief idea-
Immune deficiency may be present at birth. When children are born with a weak immune system, they might constantly be at risk of infections from bacteria or viruses.
Certain diseases or medicines might weaken your immune system. This is called Acquired immune deficiency. And remember–your lifestyle affects your immune system too. It can be weakened by alcohol, smoking, or nutrition deficiency.
Some people have an “overactive” immune system. This means that it may react to otherwise harmless substances in the environment. Allergic reactions, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema are some examples of an overactive immune system.
Another problem arises when the immune system turns against the body. This is often the result of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or type 1 diabetes. These conditions cause the body to attack healthy, normal tissues.
Fortunately, there are several treatments available for those dealing with immune-response problems. If you are experiencing any of the conditions I’ve mentioned above, know that there are many medications available to treat the associated symptoms.
But people nowadays are looking for natural, non-invasive ways to heal their immune system–and that is where chiropractic care comes in.
Spinal health and your immune system
The first thing to understand is that the nervous system has a role in your body’s ability to fight against illness. It is responsible for communicating with the entire body through the spinal cord. And a misaligned spine is known to hinder proper communication in the CNS. Spinal subluxations also prevent proper blood flow to the brain, compromising bodily functions. And this “block” in the nervous system can put the body under constant stress, making the person more vulnerable to diseases and illnesses.
Chiropractic care is essentially designed to identify and fix the problems in the musculoskeletal system. And as per the studies published by Andrea Colombi and Marco Testa in Medicinia (2019), spinal manipulations are known to trigger the activation of the neuroimmune system. Realigning the spine to its natural position resets the CNS and restores efficient nerve communication in the body, boosting immune response in the process.
Also, it is widely known that the state of mind can affect one’s health. Psychosomatic disorders like hypertension, respiratory ailments, or tension headaches are examples of conditions that get aggravated by internal stress. Chiropractic care can increase the response of the PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System) and decrease the response of the (Sympathetic Nervous System)–calming the body down to its natural state. This also helps patients become more optimistic and confident about the healing process. And this goes a long way!
Chiropractic care at Lotus
A strong immune system is essential for a healthy life. And you need not wait until things go awry–to take care of the body. At Lotus Chiropractic Care, the aim is to provide full-body therapies to help patients reach optimal well-being. And making these practices a part of your everyday health routine may be key to maintaining the immunity of your body!
Book an appointment to meet with Dr. Tanvi Desai–to learn more about chiropractic treatments and the ways they could prove useful to you. Be aware, be healthy!