Can a Chiropractic Adjustment Enhance your Immune System?
The immune system is made up of the spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and
various kinds of white blood cells. Some of the blood cells circulate through
the body and others reside in diverse tissues, including the skin. The purpose
of the immune system is to protect the body from invading pathogens. So... how
does the immune system connect with chiropractic?
The chiropractor uses the spine and its twenty-four movable segments called
vertebra to affect the nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves). The
doctor detects subluxations (misalignments) in the vertebra using a patient
history, physical examination, possibly special tests like radiograph or
postural analysis, along with motion palpation (touch) to diagnose spinal
subluxations.
The nervous system and immune system are interrelated. If the nervous system is
not functioning properly it will compromise the immune system. Research has
found that there are neuropeptides in the immune system. Immune cells also make
endorphins which are the body's natural opiates. The chiropractic adjustment
causes a release of endorphins and neuropeptides that help the immune system to
fight disease. A spinal adjustment can better help the body's immune system
recover from a disease such as pneumonia.
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