How Chiropractic adjustments can help the immune system.
The three major human stress factors are: physical, mental /emotional, and environmental/nutritional. Recently the Coronavirus has been an overwhelming stress both environmentally and on a mental / emotional level.
Our central nervous system helps regulate our immune system. Chiropractic adjustments maintain spinal alignment which leads to increased function, and less stress to the nervous system. This in turn enhances our body’s immune system and gives us greater resistance to foreign entities such as a virus.¹ There has been significant research on chiropractic adjustments and the immune system. A 1989 study found that over a three-year period, people under chiropractic care demonstrated 200% greater immune function.²
More recent research on the IL-2 molecule previously thought to be produced by the immune system has been found to be active first in the nervous system. This body of research has shown that spinal manipulation causes phagocytic cell bursts which leads to a stronger more coordinated immune response. Ronald Pero ² , PhD chief of cancer prevention research at New York’s Preventative Medicine Institute stated, “Chiropractic may optimize whatever genetic abilities you have so that you can fully resist serious disease.” That being said, chiropractic is not a cure for any disease.
Yoga helps to support spinal alignment and improved function. It also helps create a quieting to the mind which leads to less anxiety and stress. Extensive research on this subject ³ shows that lower stress and anxiety leads to a more effective immune response on its own. A yoga-based exercise approach integrated with chiropractic adjustments is linked to an enhanced immune system.
As healthcare providers, it is our responsibility to provide a safe, clean, supportive, healing environment. I recognize that we are all being overwhelmed mentally, emotionally, and environmentally. Keeping our surfaces clean, keeping the patient count low, and using good hygiene are the best-known practices to having a healthy clinic. The chiropractic office can be a sanctuary where we can stay aligned in the time of COVID-19.
~ Dr. Robert Gensler
References and related research below:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1719112
https://cdn.vortala.com/childsites/uploads/43/files/Immune_system.pdf
( ¹ ) Elenkov IJ, Wilder RL, Chrousos GP, Vizi ES: “The sympathetic nerve-an integrative interface between the two supersystems: the brain and the immune system.” Pharmacol Rev 2000;52:295-63
( ² ) Pero R. “Medical Researcher Excited by CBSRF Project Results.” The Chiropractic Journal, August 1989;
( ³ ) https://www.apa.org/research/action/immune
To learn more about Dr. Robert Gensler click here. To schedule and appointment at Chestnut Hill Chiropractic & Rehabilitation click here.
