The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we become ill. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system.

During an immune response, the brain and the immune system are in constant communication with each other. This process is essential for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body. If the Nervous System is not functioning properly, then the Immune System cannot function at 100%, thus the body becomes fertile ground for bacteria, viruses and illness. Children who hove regular chiropractic adjustments have fewer colds, ear infections and flu. “People who receive regular chiropractic adjustments have immune system competency that is 200% greater than those who don’t.” (Dr. Ron Pero, New York Preventative Medicine Institute and Environmental Health at NYU).

In 2005, in a landmark study it was established that chiropractic care could influence basic physiological process that affect oxidative stress and DNA repair. Those findings had provided a scientific explanation for the positive influences of health benefits in patients who receive chiropractic care. The chiropractic immunology connection was strengthened in 1991 when Patricia Brennan, Ph.D. and other researchers conducted a study that found improved immune response following chiropractic treatment. Specifically, the study demonstrated the “phagocytic respiratory burst of polymorph nuclear neutrophils (PMN) and monocytes were enhanced in adults that had been adjusted by chiropractors.” In other words, the cells that act like “Pac-Man” became more activated eating and destroying bad cells. A series of studies by Brennan showed that a spinal adjustment increases the number AND effectiveness of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) by as much as 400% within 15 minutes after an adjustment takes place. How awesome is that? (Brennan P, Graham M, Triano J, Hondras M. “Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory bursts induced by spinal manipulation: Potential Role of Substance P. JMPT 1991; (14)7:399-400.)

One adjustment gives your body not only the ammunition to fight off the infection, but also a natural method to reduce symptoms, all within moments following adjustment. And unlike your other options, there is no risk of improper treatment by applying antibacterial drugs to a virus; no risk of promoting antibiotic resistant strains; no risk of destroying the healthful bacteria that reside in your gut; and no risk of putting toxic chemicals in your body that impair liver and kidney function without ever treating the actual cause of your symptoms.

Even if you are not “sick”, your body may be acquiring misalignments of the spine (subluxations) that are interfering with your nervous system and thus your immune system. Regular chiropractic check-ups can help you to maintain a healthy immune system and stave off illnesses or allergies. This is one of the greatest benefits of chiropractic care!

In Health,

Dr. Craig Kaler