Over the past decade, chronic inflammation has received a lot of attention in the wellness community. But even if the idea is widely known, the average person may still not be familiar with this condition that is the root of some of the worst illnesses all over the world. Here’s what we know about it and all the important things that you should know too:
#1 Inflammation is not harmful by itself but it could create a much bigger problem.
In actuality, inflammation can happen when the body is attempting to protect itself in a normal and healthy manner. It can help with the removal of infections and other toxic substances from the body so that the healing process can start. The part when it gets concerning is when inflammation becomes chronic. A vicious loop starts at this point, which results in the body producing further inflammation as a direct reaction to the already present inflammation.
#2 Most people aren’t aware that they have chronic inflammation.
Chronic inflammation often develops gradually over time, making it hard to identify when it started. People may also not realize that they have been experiencing symptoms for a long time and may attribute them to other causes. Some of these symptoms that could be a sign of chronic inflammation are:
- asthma and allergies
- skin issues
- congestion and breathing difficulties
- elevated blood pressure
- lethargy and exhaustion
- indigestion and IBS
- weight gain
- joint discomfort
- pain, stiffness, and numbness
#3 An immune system imbalance makes chronic inflammation more likely.
Your body’s immune system grows over time as a result of exposure to the environment, and the more successful exposures it has, the more powerful it gets in fighting pathogens. Now, what happens when you take unnecessary medications? It can disrupt your own immune system’s ability to combat these pathogens and may result in a weakened immune function. In addition, some diets and lifestyle choices can further cause an imbalance in the immune system which makes chronic inflammation more likely. A junk food-rich diet, insufficient sleep, and high levels of stress are all common contributors.
#4 A misaligned spine can also cause immune system imbalance.
The spine is a critical component of the nervous system, which controls and coordinates all bodily functions, including the immune system. When the spine is misaligned, it can interfere with the body’s ability to communicate properly, leading to an immune system imbalance. This imbalance can manifest in a variety of ways, including increased susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune disorders.
In fact, one study found that spinal misalignment can lead to immune system dysfunction. The study measured levels of immune cells in patients with spinal misalignments and found that they had significantly lower levels of T-cells, which play a critical role in immune system function [1]. This leads us to our final point which is…
#5 We can help you fight against chronic inflammation.
Chiropractic care is one of the safest, most effective ways to restore the body’s natural alignment and function. By realigning the spine through adjustments, chiropractic care can help bring back the body’s natural healing ability, allowing it to better fight inflammation.
One study published in the Journal of Chiropractic & Manual Therapies found that chiropractic care can help improve immune system function. The study measured levels of immune cells in patients before and after receiving chiropractic adjustments and found that patients had significantly higher levels of T-cells and natural killer cells, which are also important for immune system function, after receiving chiropractic care. In addition, the study also measured levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in patients who received chiropractic care for six weeks. The study found that patients who received chiropractic care had significantly lower levels of CRP than those who did not receive chiropractic care [2].
Another study from the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine reflected the same results when it found out that chiropractic care can help reduce pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis. The study measured levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a marker of inflammation, in patients with osteoarthritis who received chiropractic care for 12 weeks. It showed that patients who received chiropractic care had significantly lower levels of IL-6 than those who did not receive chiropractic care [3].
These studies are just a testament to how adjusting and correcting the spine can help fight inflammation. While this is the main thing that we do, we can also recommend other natural ways to help fight inflammation, such as dietary changes and supplements. For example, we may advise you to eliminate processed foods and increase the intake of anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables. We can also recommend you omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil as these have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Get checked today.
It’s important to note that chronic inflammation can have serious consequences on overall health, including an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of chronic inflammation and seek help if you suspect that you have it.
Get checked today and we will assess you if chiropractic will be able to help you.
References:
1. Selano JL, Hightower BC, Pfleger B, et al. Motion palpation and chiropractic care improve immune function in a group of college students. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1991;14(7):399-408.
2. Teodorczyk-Injeyan JA, McGregor M, Ruegg R, Injeyan HS. Interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein levels in patients with chronic spinal pain and sciatica: A randomized clinical trial with spinal manipulation, home exercise and medication. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2019;42(1):1-12.
3. Brantingham JW, Globe GA, Cassa TK, et al. A single-group pretest posttest design using full kinetic chain manipulative therapy with rehabilitation in the treatment of 18 patients with hip osteoarthritis. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2012;11(4):221-230.