How Spinal Adjustments Can Support Your Immune System

When people think of chiropractic care, they often associate it with relief from back pain, neck discomfort, or headaches. However, chiropractic adjustments can offer more than just pain relief—they may also play a role in strengthening your immune system.

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The Connection Between the Spine and the Immune System

Your spine houses and protects the central nervous system, which controls nearly every function in your body—including immune responses. When the spine is misaligned, known as subluxation, it can create stress on the nervous system, potentially leading to dysfunction in other parts of the body, including the immune system.

Research suggests that spinal adjustments help improve communication between the brain and immune system by reducing nervous system interference. Proper spinal alignment may enhance the body's ability to regulate immune responses, allowing it to fight off infections and illnesses more effectively.

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How Chiropractic Adjustments May Boost Immunity

1. Reducing Stress on the Nervous System Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to illness. Chiropractic care helps alleviate tension and restore balance to the nervous system, which may improve immune function.
2. Enhancing Circulation and Lymphatic Flow Spinal adjustments improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which are essential for removing toxins and delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells that support immunity.
3. Lowering Inflammation Misalignments in the spine can lead to inflammation, which is linked to numerous chronic health conditions. By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic care may help reduce overall inflammation, allowing the immune system to function more efficiently.
4. Promoting a Balanced Autonomic Nervous System The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) systems. When the body is stuck in a prolonged fight-or-flight state due to spinal misalignments, it can suppress immune function. Chiropractic adjustments help restore balance, ensuring the body can properly heal and defend itself.

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Research on Chiropractic Care and Immune Function

Several studies have explored the relationship between chiropractic care and immune system function:

• Dr. Ronald Pero's Study: Dr. Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York's Preventive Medicine Institute and professor of medicine at New York University, conducted a study measuring the immune systems of individuals under chiropractic care compared to those in the general population and those with serious diseases. His research found     that chiropractic patients had a 200% greater immune competence than those who did not receive chiropractic care, and a 400% greater immune competence than individuals with cancer and other serious diseases. Notably, the enhanced immune competence in chiropractic patients did not diminish with age.

doc.vortala.com

• Upper Cervical Adjusting Techniques and SIgA Levels: A study titled "Observation of Changes in Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) after Upper Cervical Adjusting Techniques" investigated the effects of upper cervical chiropractic adjustments on SIgA levels, an important antibody in the immune system. The research demonstrated a substantial increase in SIgA levels within 30 minutes after the adjustment, indicating a potential activation of the immune system following chiropractic care.

International Chiropractors Association

• Systematic Review on Spinal Manipulative Therapy: A systematic review assessed studies evaluating spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and its effects on the immune and endocrine systems. The review found that while SMT appears to trigger activation of the neuroimmunoendocrine system, the evidence supporting its clinical application for immune enhancement is mixed and conflicting. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to gain more insights into the biological effects of spinal manipulative therapy.

PMC

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Chiropractic Care as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

While chiropractic care is not a cure for illnesses, it can be an essential component of a holistic approach to wellness. Combined with proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep, spinal adjustments may contribute to a stronger immune system and overall better health.

If you're looking for ways to naturally support your immune system, chiropractic care may be worth exploring. Regular adjustments can help keep your nervous system in peak condition, allowing your body to function at its best.

Would you like to learn more about how chiropractic adjustments can support your immune system? Contact our office today to schedule a consultation!

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