Does Chiropractic Care Affect Immunity?
When you have a cough, feel flushed and congested, or have swollen lymph nodes, it’s tempting to seek immediate medical attention—but it should not be your first option. Most individuals are unaware that chiropractic therapy and immunity are closely linked.
Chiropractic treatment, which may include manipulation of bones and joints, is designed to work with the lymphatic system by default. Lymphatic fluid is transported and eliminated throughout the body when pressure is applied to the skin, muscles, and tissues as well as bones and joints are manipulated.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a fundamental participant in the body’s immune defense. It is in charge of defending the body against germs, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The lymphatic system protects against anything that might be regarded as a “foreign invader,” or anything that isn’t naturally occurring or manufactured within the body.
The lymphatic system, like the blood, includes white blood cells and other immune system components that destroy intruders when they gain access to the body via the skin or orifices. White blood cells, unlike red blood cells, are solely concerned with terminating infections and other hazards to homeostasis within the body.
The white blood cell (leukocyte) count should be quite low, representing no more than 10% of the overall blood supply. Any higher might indicate an infection, and any lower may imply that the body doesn’t have enough strength or nutrients to fight off illness.
The lymphatic system is responsible for the release and production of white blood cells, as well as the monitoring and maintenance of general fluid levels in the body and the transportation of waste products and aberrant cells. When the lymphatic system detects an increase in invasions, it generates white blood cells, which will congregate around the infection sites most closely associated with the invaders. Swelling can occasionally occur as a result of this, and when an area of your lymphatic system is fighting infection (such as your tonsils or lymph nodes around your head or neck), these regions may feel like lumps.
Swollen lymph nodes can be soft or rigid. They might feel like tiny peas or larger, depending on their size. Swollen lymph nodes can accompany cold symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, or sweats in certain cases. Occasionally, an infection will not produce any chilly signs; swollen lymph nodes without any other symptoms are possible.
When the lymphatic system is damaged or congested, germs, viruses, and fungus may linger for longer than usual. They may also be more acute, resulting in a longer recuperation period. When the lymphatic system is functioning properly, colds and other infections are rapidly fought off and lymph nodes shrink to the point that they are unnoticeable on palpation.
Chiropractic and The Lymphatic System
A nutritious diet, daily exercise, and adequate rest all aid the lymphatic system. When these components are in place and infection or sickness strikes, chiropractic therapy can still provide significant assistance.
Chiropractic therapy typically entails the manipulation and relocation of joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tissues. As a result, chiropractic treatments help the lymphatic system in two ways.
The first stage in the body’s natural healing process is manual manipulation (such as adjustments, spinal traction, and so on). Fluid that has been trapped and stagnant within the body is rapidly released when an expert chiropractor performs an adjustment. Blood cells, poisons, and other waste surges through the body to be taken up, supplied with nutrients, or eliminated.
Lymph fluid naturally rises in the body after an adjustment, transporting waste and treating infection. Fresh red and white blood cells appear in a region that has previously been stagnating, soothing infected or inflamed regions. Old cells are carried away as fresh red and white blood cells develop in an area that may have previously been stagnant due to inflammation or infection.
The second way chiropractic treatment helps the lymphatic system is through long-term spinal curvature and posture correction. When the spine curves as a result of poor posture, stress, inadequate ergonomic support, or too much sitting or standing, the organs and systems of the body are strained.
When a joint is subluxated, the body’s tissues and joints compress areas of the body that would not normally be compressed, such as nerves, muscles, lymph nodes, and soft tissue in the body. This pressure is relieved over time by chiropractic treatment that may include spinal traction to realign the entire spine.
Increased circulation of the circulatory and lymphatic systems is a common result of this. Improved nerve function, greater mobility, and improved circulation are all benefits derived from it. Increased circulation has been shown to improve almost every aspect of wellness in almost every scenario, including immune function that is already taxed or just requires assistance.
Book your appointment today at North Alabama Spine and Rehab to enhance and support the functioning of your immune and lymphatic systems.
