Bottom Line:
The first thought many people have when suffering with back or neck pain is “Better go to the Chiropractor,” because, as research shows, Chiropractic adjustments are one of the best ways to relieve that pain. However, research has also shown us that those same adjustments may be able to do much more – namely, positively impact your immune system and help it function at a higher level.
Why it Matters:
Relaxation of neck tension after an adjustment is common, which leads many to feel less stressed overall. That matters because when your stress response is lowered, your immune system can better fight off sickness. Here’s why…
- Inflammation, the normal response of a compromised immune system, can increase sympathetic nerve activity.
- Your sympathetic nervous system is responsible for your stress (fight or flight) response.
- When your sympathetic nervous system is activated, it inhibits your immune system, meaning you aren’t able to rest and recover very well.
Next Steps:
Less pain. Less stress. Better overall function. So many of our patients tell us that since the start of their care, they get sick less often. If you know someone who seems to get sick quite often, share this information with them. It may be their first step towards a healthier immune system!
Science Source: Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory burst induced by spinal manipulation: potential role of substance P. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. September 1991 | Spinal Manipulative Therapy Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines but Not Substance P Production in Normal Subjects. January 2006 | Interleukin 2-regulated in vitro antibody production following a single spinal manipulative treatment in normal subjects. Chiropractic & Osteopathy. September 2010 | Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017
Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings and Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 10 years. You can reach Dr. Tope at drryno@structuralchiro.co.nz or 06•651•1004. You can also follow the Structural Chiropractic Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StructuralChiropracticHB).
