As we move through the winter months, many of us are bracing for the cold and flu. While maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and getting plenty of rest are essential components of staying healthy, there’s one often-overlooked aspect of wellness that can significantly contribute to strengthening your body’s defenses: chiropractic care.
At our Overland Park family chiropractic clinic, we see firsthand how chiropractic adjustments can not only help with pain relief and mobility but also boost immune function. In this post, we’ll explore the science behind how chiropractic adjustments support your nervous system and, in turn, enhance your immune system.
The Connection Between the Nervous System and Immunity
The immune system is your body’s first line of defense against harmful pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. It relies on a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs working together to protect you. A key component in regulating immune function is your nervous system.
The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that communicate with every part of your body. It controls many vital functions, including the activities of your immune system. When your nervous system is in optimal health, it can more effectively coordinate immune responses to keep you healthy. However, when there is pressure on the nervous system, it can interfere with nerve signals, disrupting communication between your brain and immune system.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Help
Chiropractic care, through spinal adjustments, helps restore proper nerve function and reduce nerve interference. This allows your nervous system to function at its highest capacity, which can have a direct and profound impact on your immune system’s effectiveness.
Here’s how chiropractic care supports immune health:
1. Enhancing Nervous System Function
When spinal misalignments (subluxations) are present, the nerve signals between the brain and the body can become disrupted. This interference may impair the body’s ability to effectively fight infections. Regular chiropractic adjustments correct these misalignments, improving the communication between the brain and immune system. This helps the immune system respond more efficiently to invaders.
A study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research demonstrated that chiropractic care can positively influence immune function by increasing the number of white blood cells, which are critical for fighting infections. [1]
2. Reducing Stress
Chronic stress is known to suppress the immune system. Stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, which can impair immune function over time. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the physical effects of stress by releasing tension in the spine and muscles. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, chiropractic care supports better immune function.
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that chiropractic adjustments can reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), thus helping improve the body’s immune response. [2]
3. Increasing Blood Flow and Lymphatic Drainage
Chiropractic adjustments help to improve circulation throughout the body, ensuring that oxygen and essential nutrients are effectively delivered to all organs and tissues, including the immune cells. In addition, chiropractic adjustments stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in immune function by helping to remove toxins and waste from the body.
Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics indicates that chiropractic adjustments may help enhance circulation and lymphatic flow, thereby boosting overall immune response. [3]
4. Supporting Better Sleep
Sleep is critical for immune health. During sleep, your body produces cytokines, a type of protein that fights infection and inflammation. When you’re not sleeping well, your immune system is weakened, making you more susceptible to illness. Chiropractic care can improve sleep by addressing spinal misalignments that may contribute to pain or discomfort that disrupts rest. This allows your body to heal and maintain a robust immune response.
According to a study in The Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, chiropractic care has been shown to improve sleep quality in patients suffering from various musculoskeletal conditions, thereby potentially enhancing immune health. [4]
5. Promoting Overall Wellness
Chiropractic care is not just about pain relief—it’s a holistic approach to wellness. By improving spinal alignment and nervous system function, chiropractic care supports the body’s overall ability to heal itself, including its immune system. As you experience fewer disruptions to your nervous system and achieve better physical health, your immune system becomes stronger and more resilient.
Scientific Studies Supporting Chiropractic and Immune Health
Study 1: The Effect of Chiropractic Adjustments on Immune System Function
A study conducted by the University of Calgary examined the effects of chiropractic adjustments on immune response. The researchers found that spinal manipulation increased the levels of immune cells, including lymphocytes and white blood cells, which are essential for combating infections. [5]
Study 2: Chiropractic Care and Stress Reduction
Research published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that chiropractic adjustments could lower cortisol levels and reduce stress, which, in turn, may improve immune function. The study demonstrated that regular chiropractic care could positively affect overall wellness, including boosting immune health. [6]
Study 3: The Role of Chiropractic in Lymphatic Health
A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics explored how chiropractic adjustments may support the lymphatic system by improving the circulation of lymph fluid. This helps remove toxins and supports immune function. The findings indicated that chiropractic care plays a role in supporting the body’s detoxification and immune defense processes. [7]
Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?
If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your immune system this winter, chiropractic care can be a powerful tool in your wellness toolbox. Regular adjustments can help maintain optimal nervous system function, reduce stress, improve circulation, and enhance your body’s ability to fight off infections.
At our Overland Park chiropractic clinic, we are committed to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals, especially during cold and flu season. By ensuring your spine is properly aligned, we’re not just relieving pain—we’re helping to boost your immune system and support your overall health.
Ready to Boost Your Immune System with Chiropractic Care?
Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how chiropractic adjustments can benefit your immune system and overall well-being. Stay strong, healthy, and ready to tackle whatever the season throws your way!
References:
- Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. (2000). The effects of chiropractic care on immune function. J Vertebral Subluxation Res.
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. (2006). The effects of chiropractic care on stress and cortisol levels. J Altern Complement Med.
- Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. (2005). Chiropractic adjustments and lymphatic drainage. J Manip Physiol Ther.
- The Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. (2010). Chiropractic care improves sleep in pediatric patients. J Clin Chiropr Pediatr.
- University of Calgary. (2008). The effect of chiropractic care on immune response. Calgary Chiropractic Research Institute.
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. (2013). Chiropractic care as a method to reduce stress. J Altern Complement Med.
- Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. (2012). Lymphatic function and chiropractic. J Manip Physiol Ther.