Chiropractic treatment is known for utilizing treatment to optimize the body’s ability to heal itself, and balancing out the nervous system. Any dysfunction within the nervous system could potentially initiate or irritate the issues surrounding autoimmune diseases, and chiropractic treatment can help manage these issues. Autoimmune diseases, of which there are more than 80 that scientists are aware of, can be devastating to both patients and families riddled with lifelong conditions. Many patients do not seek chiropractic care for autoimmune issues for lack of understanding as to how they connect. When the immune system shuts down, it is due to the nervous system no longer working as it should. Chiropractic essentially activates the nervous system through treatment, and could be just the option patients are looking for when it comes to relief from autoimmune issues.
Autoimmune Conditions
The immune system, as we know, is what protects the body from foreign problems like toxins, bacteria, viruses or a host of other pathogens, and is controlled by the central nervous system. In layman’s terms, with autoimmune disease, instead of working to protect the patient, the immune system works against them attacking healthy cells in the body, although the exact cause remains unknown. It can be difficult to see them coming, as often autoimmune issues begin as something like the flu or a common cold, and over time become much more serious of a health issue.
Some Symptoms to Look for with Autoimmune Disease:
- Extreme fatigue
- Respiratory system or urinary tract issues
- Stiff muscles, joints, or extremities
- Recurring fever
- Swollen glands
- Skin or digestive problems
It is difficult to tell overall symptoms that encompass all autoimmune disorders as each one has its own set of unique symptoms. However, in general, if someone has prolonged sickness or any mix of these symptoms. It is worth looking into for an autoimmune issue.
Most Common Autoimmune Diseases:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Psoriasis
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Pernicious Anemia
Standard treatments for autoimmune conditions usually involve medications that mitigate the symptoms depending on the system and organs affected by the condition. Standard medical treatment also puts its focus on managing damage caused by the nervous system also with medication. However, the issue with medication is that many of the drugs prescribed for these disorders are immunosuppressive which put the body at further risk of more disease. A mix of both traditional and non-traditional treatment could be the answer for dealing with autoimmune issues that will be better for the patient and their quality of life.
Chiropractic for Autoimmune Disease
Chiropractic treatment works for autoimmune issues by using spinal manipulations to correct any misalignment that is putting pressure on the nervous system. By doing this, chiropractic treatment is improving communication with the brain functions that allow the body to defend itself against infection or disease. Essentially, the patient’s immune function is improved when the nervous system issues are rectified. Chiropractic treatment works to improve and increase healing, decrease pain caused by autoimmune diseases, and decrease symptoms of autoimmune disorders. Another benefit to chiropractic care for autoimmune disease is the improvement of movement which can be a big issue for many autoimmune disorders.
What patients often don’t realize is that poor spine alignment is very commonly the root problem that compromises their health. Poor spine alignment affects the body’s ability to stay in balance, and leads to decreased nerve flow. Chiropractic treatment restores alignment and increases nerve energy giving way for more resources for the body to be better able to manage disease.
Chiropractic Treatment Helps Autoimmune Symptoms Such As:
- Boost the immune system
- Lower blood pressure
- Speed up the body’s recovery process
- Improve sleep
- Help to regulate the heart rate
- Boost mental cognition
- Regulate hormones related to stress
- Help organ function
- Decrease pain
- Decrease inflammation of tissue and joints
- Enhance quality of life
The overall goal of chiropractic treatment is to balance the musculoskeletal and nervous systems so that the immune system can be in balance therefore improving healing, symptoms, and pain from autoimmune disease.
Spine Misalignment & Immunity
Being that the nervous system plays a large role in regulating the body’s immunity, and the spinal cord’s associated nerves are responsible for cell proliferation and hormone regulation which are necessary for ideal health. When this is disrupted it can cause immune dysfunction which is why chiropractic is such a viable option for patients with autoimmune diseases to enhance the body’s healing capabilities. About 50 million people in the United States have an autoimmune disease, and is the 3rd most common disease category only exceeded by heart disease and cancer. This speaks volumes to providers in that there has yet to be a remedy or relief for these harmful autoimmune diseases that is sustainable or innocuous to manage their autoimmune diseases. Chiropractic should be explained and offered to those that suffer from autoimmune diseases, and can work with standard medical care to give them the best quality of life possible.