After getting adjusted for some time, Chiropractic patients usually report increased energy levels, decreased stress levels, more restful sleep, and improved concentration! These are all healthy "side effects" of being well-adjusted.
Many Chiropractors fail to explain the physiology changes following their Chiropractic treatment. They also forget to explain the relationship of the nervous system to the immune system. Again, I want to emphasize that the central nervous system is the master control system of the entire body, and therefore is going to influence all other 10 body systems (Circulatory, Endocrine, Digestive, Integumentary, Lymphatic, Muscular, Reproductive, Respiratory, Skeletal, Urinary)
So what is actually happening during the chiropractic adjustment?!
There is an increasing body of evidence that the nervous system is capable of modulating the immune response. Receptors for neuromodulators and neurohormones have been found on human T lymphocytes. Activation of these receptors can be stimulatory or inhibitory depending on the neuroactive substance. The immune system may be able to communicate with the nervous system using neuromodulators and neurohormones secreted by lymphocytes. Sympathetic innervation of lymphoid tissues is not restricted to blood vessels and smooth muscle, but directly supplies lymphocytes and blood precursor cells. It is theorized that spinal fixations (subluxations) may adversely affect the immune response through somatosympathetic reflexes. Spinal manipulation (adjustments) can correct the spinal fixations (subluxations) and may eliminate the adverse affects of somatosympathetic reflexes.
Make sense? Well what this is basically saying is that Chiropractic adjustments are actually influencing the specific T and B lymphocyte numbers, Natural Killer cell numbers, antibody levels, phagocytic activity and plasma beta-endorphin levels, which in turn increase your immunity and prevent you from getting sick! Remember, removing the subluxation restores neural integrity and allows for happy, healthy functioning body!
So when you, your spouse, or your child is feeling under the weather, don't hesitate to bring them to their Chiropractor! This may help you fight off the little bug thats under attack... and don't worry, we are all well adjusted and have very strong immune systems:) For additional Questions ask your current Chiropractor!
REFERENCES:
http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Effects_of_Chiropractic.shtml
http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/An_Overview_of_Neuroimmunomodulation.shtml
What a great article Amber! I think many of us associate chiropractic adjustments with relief from back and neck pain. So according to this article, would you say that it is possible for clients to experience a "detox" reaction after an adjustment... depending on the type of adjustment?
ReplyDeleteThanks Ina. Yes - All Chiropractic adjustments (regardless of technique) are used for the same purpose which is to remove everyday stressors (chemical, physical and emotional) off the spine and nervous system. This allows for optimal functioning of the body! The nervous system is the most important body system in your body. Therefore, if you have proper nerve flow to all your body parts (organs, muscles, tissues, etc), you are less likely to get injured &/or sick!
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