Chiropractic Care Helps Strengthen Immune System and Prevent Sickness

You may have heard the claim before that a chiropractic adjustment can actually improve your resistance to sickness. Well did you know there is medical research to support that claim? The link between adjustments and immune competence was actually shown all the way back in 1989 at New York University. The researchers found that patients undergoing chiropractic treatments had 200% greater immune competence than those not receiving treatment, and a 400% improvement over people with cancer or other terminal illnesses.

Chiropractic care has had an impact on HIV positive patients as well. Research was done to test the number of CD4 (the type of cell that is most impacted by the virus) cells in affected patients. They found that patients who had been adjusted for 6 months had a 48% increase in CD4 cells when compared to their baseline 6 months earlier. Those who had no treatment showed only an 8% improvement.

Multiple research studies have been done over the years and have shown time and time again that the nervous system is related to the endocrine system (hormones) and the immune system. This suggests that an impaired nervous system may negatively impact both a person’s hormones and their ability to fight infections. Our aim with chiropractic care is to improve the nervous system – indirectly increasing quality of life in other areas.

Bottom line – now that cold and flu season is upon us it is more important than ever to help support your immune system. Even if you are already sick, your body will thank you for taking the time to take care of yourself.

References:

1. Pero R. “Medical Researcher Excited By CBSRF Project Results.” The Chiropractic Journal, August 1989; 32.
2. Murray DR, Irwin M, Reardon CA, et al. “Sympathetic and immune interactions during dynamic exercise. Mediation via a beta 2 – adrenergic-dependent mechanism.” Circulation 1992 86(1): 203
3. Brennan P, Graham M, Triano J, Hondras M. “Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory bursts induced by spinal manipulation: Potential Role of Substance P.” J Manip Physiolog Ther 1991; (14)7:399-400.
4. Selano JL, Hightower BC, Pfleger B, Feeley-Collins K, Grostic JD. “The Effects of Specific Upper Cervical Adjustments on the CD4 Counts of HIV Positive Patients.” The Chiro Research Journal; 3(1); 1994.