Chiropractic and your Immune System

We often have clients receiving regular chiropractic care report an improvement in their overall immune system function, alongside feeling more healthy and managing stress better.

The theory behind this is that chiropractic care helps to modify your body’s stress response system, which in turn impacts on the function of your immune system.

Although to date there has been no direct research done on the effects of chiropractic on the immune system, what the research DOES show is that chiropractic care/ spinal manipulation impacts on brain function and seems to trigger the activation of the neuro-immuno-endocrine system (1,2). We know that chiropractic care activates the small muscles close to spine and skull which tells your brain more accurately what is going on in and around you (3-6). Adjustments also stimulate the prefrontal cortex of the brain (7) which activates the calming and healing nervous system, and helps you think clearly and rationally.

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In other words, when you get adjusted by your chiropractor, it alters the way your nervous system works, which then has an impact on the way your immune system works. 

In short, this means that having a healthy nervous system is just as important as having a healthy immune system…. in fact, having a healthy nervous system may just contribute to you having a healthier immune system.

Of course, chiropractic care is not the only important factor in having a well-functioning immune system. Managing your stress and supporting your health will always be a multifaceted approach.

As well as getting regularly adjusted with your chiropractor, you can also:

  • Eat a healthy, varied diet low in processed food and refined sugars

  • Practice mindfulness meditation

  • Exercise regularly (the Goldilocks amount- not too much, not too little- just enough)

  • Support your system with supplements in times of stress (speak to your chiropractor for specific advice)



References:

  1. Colombi A & Testa M. Medicina 2019;55(8):448.

  2. Kovanur-Sampath K, et al. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice 2017;29:120-31.

  3. Daligadu J, et al.JMPT 2013;36(8):527-37.

  4. Haavik H & Murphy B. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology 2012;22(5):768-76.

  5. Haavik H, et al. 2017 doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.10.002

  6. Taylor HH & Murphy B. JMPT 2008;31(2):115-26. 

  7. Lelic D, et al. Neural Plasticity 2016;2016:1-9.