The conversation about immune function is bigger than just COVID-19 infection alone. National agencies like the ICA (International Chiropractor’s Association) have been clear that no claims can be made about COVID and chiropractic. The conversation that all the experts in public health have been promoting is to use every means available to support one’s immune system during the pandemic.
Quarantining has flattened the curve to spreading infection, but has also contributed to poor mental health causing anxiety, poor sleep and stress. Everyone from first responders, parents, and older Americans are feeling the effects of the changes in our everyday lives from the global pandemic. Scientific evidence has validated that long-term exposure to stress negatively affects the immune system. The issue of anxiety and stress has become so prevalent that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have begun promoting information to the public.
We all know that standard public health recommendations will stop the spread of germs, but what are the exact mechanisms that allow chiropractic adjustments to also protect us against getting sick?
Most of the usual recommendations to keep the immune system in top shape are really just common sense. If the vertebrae are misaligned, they will impinge on the ability of the nerves branching out from the spinal column to properly communicate with the brain. If the brain is not receiving or sending correct signals regarding the body’s function, it can lead to an increased risk of injury or illness.
An early literature analysis in the Chiropractic Journal of Australia, took this concept one step further to suggest that the nervous system modulates the immune response, so any interference with that system can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system. The authors compared results from a number of articles that all studied the effect of chiropractic manipulation on immune response. As a whole, the literature on this topic seemed to suggest that chiropractic manipulation had a positive effect on T- and B-lymphocyte, NK-cell, plasma beta-endorphin and antibody levels, and phagocytic activity, all of which are known to play roles in the body’s immune response function.
A more recent article, from the journal Chiropractic & Osteopathy, went further and reported on the results from a study done to measure levels of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M before and after spinal manipulation. As both of these markers are thought to play a role in immune response, higher levels could indicate a connection between a spinal adjustment and a positive effect on the body’s immune response.
Consider chiropractic care with Dr. Rob Fast during these stressful times. Dr. Fast will take the time to get the source of your pain; he’ll use the latest technologies and diagnostic tests to determine the best treatment plan to suit your needs. The Back Pain Clinic Belleville is conveniently located in the west end of Belleville near Althoff High School and Memorial Hospital in Belleville. Dr. Fast is always taking new patients; fill out our contact form to book your appointment.