People of all ages are constantly seeking tactics to strengthen and boost their immune system, especially when there is any mention of the dreaded, 3-letter word, the Flu. The influenza virus, while infectious year-round, peaks in its spread in the late fall and winter months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Because the flu is a virus, it’s extremely difficult to prevent from spreading. Viruses don't work the same way as bacteria’s or other infections. It doesn’t react to antibiotics, and will only respond to antivirals within a small time frame.
While vaccines and early detection are good practice to prevent the flu, there are other strategies that can play an impactful role in protecting the body and help fight the virus.
Studies have shown, Chiropractic care can be highly beneficial when building up your immune system. Here, we break down a few of the many ways chiropractic care can help you, especially through the peaks of flu season.
Immune System Strengthening
The spine plays a big role in the function of the immune system. The spine is a part of the central nervous system, and communicates with the immune system to perform efficiently. Simply put, when the spine is unhealthy, the communication is broken, and the function of the immune system is not in its strongest state. When the health of the spine is in good standing, the communication between your central nervous system and your immune system is also flowing well. A healthy spine can help boost your immune system and combat any viruses that you may encounter, such as the flu.
Minimizing vertebral subluxations
When your body responds to stress, this can create muscle spasms and locking up of your bones. This can cause small areas of misalignment in the vertebrae. Continuous stress over time can be damaging to the nerves around the spine, which is responsible for communicating with the brain. If this communication to the brain becomes hindered, it can lead to weakened control of your body’s immune system.
Chiropractors have specific training to find and correct dangerous vertebral subluxations with routine spinal adjustments. As mentioned, a healthy immune system is one of your best defenses to prevent yourself form catching the flu.
Reinforcing mobility and range of motion
If a patient’s regular exercise routine is thrown off due to back pain, sports injury or other physical restrictions, this could also inhibit their natural resistance to foreign pathogens like the influenza virus. Exercise boosts circulation, strengthens the heart and other muscles while building bone density. Even the slightest change in a person’s regular exercise schedule could weaken their immune system.
Chiropractic treatment works to relieve pain as well as improve range of motion to help keep a patient on track with their physical exercise routines.
With the flu season well upon us, let Knight Family Chiropractic help you stay healthy this season! Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!