How Chiropractic May Help Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is our immune system’s response to irritation, infection, or injury. It is generalized by inducing redness, pain, swelling, and sometimes loss of function. A mosquito bite is a very tiny version of inflammation that itches for a bit then goes away. But when inflammation sticks around, such as in arthritis or tonsillitis, it is more viral and may need intervention beyond a little anti-itch cream. Arthritis, which is inflammation and reduced function in the joints, can be painful and debilitating. When this type of inflammation occurs in the body, it needs to be targeted directly.
Chiropractic adjustments have shown promise in reducing inflammation, both in joint injuries and sinus related issues. The goal of chiropractic is to help promote the nervous system, which controls many parts of our body and contributes to the immune system’s productivity. During a chiropractic exam, the doctor will examine the spine for any misaligned vertebrae, also known as subluxations. These subluxations can cause nerve pressure, causing blockage that backs up the flow of important nutrients throughout the body. When the spine is adjusted, normal biomechanics return to the body, and stop the production of neuropeptides, which have been shown to cause inflammation.
Other chemicals in the body called cytokines have been known to cause inflammation, and a buildup of these can cause major issues. A recent study conducted at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College showed that regular chiropractic adjustments might help reduce production of cytokines. The study indicated that the adjustments helped not only the affected area, but other parts of the body too. This early research shows promise in the efficacy of chiropractic care for many kinds of inflammation, but will need more studies conducted to confirm the findings. In the meantime, if you have a sore throat or arthritic knee pain, you may want to consider consulting with your chiropractor to see if adjustments could help ease your symptoms.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Army Medicine