Interactive Spine

For many who suffer from allergies, relief is commonly sought in the form of over-the-counter remedies that oftentimes treat symptoms, but do little to fortify bodies from the effects of pollen, ragweed and the numerous other allergens that attack lungs, eyes and sinuses. The fact is that a healthy, strong immune system is still one of the best defenses against allergies, infections and the many communicable diseases that we encounter on a daily basis.

This is because our immune system, if healthy, is designed to recognize and attack pollutants such as bacteria, dust and pollen as they enter the body. Unfortunately, there are many forces that can weaken this innate ability, which include poor diet, lack of exercise and the prolonged exposure to stress and physical pain.

Although chiropractic care is not normally associated with allergy relief or chronic sinus trouble, it offers a profound and medically sound method for improving well-being and fending against common, everyday afflictions. This is achieved through the release of stress on the nervous system, which then permits the immune system to function more effectively — a requirement for all allergy sufferers. In fact, recent research has demonstrated a distinct relationship between the two that entails the nervous system "tipping off" white blood cells about the presence of all forms of bodily invaders. Chiropractic performs this task by correcting body malfunctions produced by vertebral subluxations, a common spinal distortion that puts stress on the nervous system. Freed of nervous system stress, the body can then work more effectively to neutralize allergy-causing chemicals, build healthy immune systems and energize malfunctioning defense mechanisms.

Since asthma is a chronic condition, it can't be cured. It can, however, be managed. Consulting with both primary care physicians and asthma specialists such as an allergist, are recommended for solid treatment results. Experts advise asthma patients to identify specific allergens and to seek ways to reduce exposure to substances that provoke aggravated episodes. This is in addition to any medication taken.

Allergens, however, is just one of the factors that affect asthma symptoms and attacks. Stress also plays a role. Moving to a new town, divorce, a new school, and challenging situations may trigger asthma attacks. Moreover, strong emotional outbursts such as anger, fear, and even laughter, can provoke an attack.

Clinical evidence has also shown that chiropractic care and manipulation help asthma patients. A clinical trial showed that asthma patients treated with chiropractic treatment experienced significant improvement of bronchial hyper-reactivity and saw a decrease of asthma severity. Another comprehensive clinical trial reported that the patient group that was treated with spinal manipulation showed significant improvement in asthma symptoms.

It is very common for patients to report to their chiropractors that they sleep much better after being adjusted.

Because the nervous system controls and coordinates all the different functions of your body, any disruption in nerve communication to your organs and body tissues will result in abnormal function. Chiropractors help restore normal nerve function and communication, thereby allowing your body to work normally and naturally.

Research shows that spinal manipulation – the primary form of care provided by doctors of chiropractic – may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck.

A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than a commonly prescribed medication.

Also, a 1995 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulative therapy is an effective treatment for tension headaches and that those who ceased chiropractic treatment after four weeks experienced a sustained therapeutic benefit in contrast with those patients who received a commonly prescribed medication.