Chiropractic care has a number of benefits aside from relieving general
aches and pains. By taking a comprehensive focus on the body’s musculoskeletal
system, nervous system, and how conditions affect a person’s overall
health, chiropractic care can have many useful applications in helping
patients treat certain issues, find relief, and enjoy a better quality
of life. This applies to helping the body’s natural ability to support
and boost the immune system.
The body’s immune system is a complex network of organs, tissues,
and cells that function together to help defend against organisms that
cause infections and disease. According to emerging research, musculoskeletal
issues, including misalignment, could compromise the immune system and
prevent it from defending against attacks by foreign invaders as it should.
Here are a few notable findings from researchers when it comes to chiropractic
and the immune system:
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White blood cell count – According to one 2010 study published in the scientific journal
Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers noted that chiropractic adjustments increased white blood
cell count among patients. White blood cells are critical to aiding the
immune system in protecting against disease.
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Protection against flu – A
Psychology Today article analyzing the benefits of chiropractic care found that patients
who received regular adjustments during a flu epidemic in the early 20th century saw a reduction in mortality risks from 5% to just 0.25%
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Coordinated immune response – Researchers have noted that chiropractic adjustments can help
facilitate coordination and optimal responses of the nervous and immune
systems. Misalignments of the spine are signs of nerve stress, which researchers
say can leady to an altered immune system and an increased susceptibility
to sickness and disease.
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Massage therapy – When combined with chiropractic care, massage therapy can help
boost the immune system by helping reduce cortisol and increase levels
of serotonin and dopamine, according to a 2006 study by a health research
group in Washington.
The immune system is essential to our overall health, and enabling it to
defend against colds, infections, and other serious diseases involves
a lifestyle focused on comprehensive well-being, including a healthy diet,
adequate sleep, and exercise. When combined with regular adjustments from
a chiropractor, research shows that the immune system, along with other
functions of the human body, can significantly benefit.
At Decatur Pain & Rehab, we use chiropractic care to treat a number of
conditions, and to help our patients find relief from the unique issues they face.
If you have questions about our
services and how our Decatur chiropractor can help you, do not hesitate to call
(404) 620-4020 for a free consultation or book an appointment online.