Spine and the Immune System
First, we must understand the purpose and function of the spine. The best science available today shows that the spine is essentially the motor of the brain. The movement of the spine influences the central nervous system. When there is a lack of mobility in the spine, as we refer to it: stress points, subluxations, and lack of alignment, it does create a stress response and imbalance of the nervous system. Misalignment shifts the nervous system into a dominant sympathetic state. In a sympathetic tone, the body is immunosuppressive. Immunosuppression is an impaired ability of the immune system to fight infection or other diseases.
“The brain requires feedback from the spine, through proper alignment and movement, to deliver the right information to all muscles, organs and tissues” – Dr. Sullivan
Your immune system is more sophisticated than the best computer technology on the planet. All you need right now is trust in your body!
To dissect the power of immunity and all the organs involved, we have Adenoids, Tonsils, Thymus, Lymph Nodes, Lymph Flow, Spleen, and Bone Marrow. They are all key elements in the immune response.
The one thing that must be clear is that your Immunity is Directed by the Nervous System!
Research studies proving this fact are the follows:
1. Journal of Brain Behavior 2007
2. Autonomic Failure, Textbook of Clinical Disorders of the ANS, 2013
3. Nature’s Review on Immunology, April 6, 2006
A chiropractic adjustment improves the function of your brain by removing interference from your nervous system caused by vertebral subluxation. Chiropractic helps to bring your body back from a dominant sympathetic state (where the body is immunosuppressive ) to a balanced ground between sympathetic and para-sympathetic.
The research found in the Journal of American Osteopathic Association that “spinal manipulation in a population of stressed men showed 139% increase in Immunoglobulin A” (March 2011 Impact of Osteopathic Manipulation in Secretory IgA in Stressed Population.)
Immunoglobulin A (IgA, also referred to as IgA in its secretory form) is an antibody that plays a crucial role in the immune function of mucous membranes.
Not that the latest pandemic has a relationship with the flu, but it is important to research the facts of the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic when 30 million people died.
When it comes to evidence it shows that there are clear clinical results of the benefit of chiropractic adjustments, and it cannot be ignored. Chiropractic is beyond bad backs and necks!
In today’s day, we are taught that immunity comes from the outside in, in forms of medication, food, vitamins, etc. However, the greatest doctor is inside of you. Your body is always adapting, and resilient and is designed to be able to do it naturally. It does require a proactive, healthy lifestyle and surrounding ourselves with good hygiene, but we cannot deny the brain’s ability to recognize and fight off any bugs that are going around.
We want to give you your hope back, that the GREATEST DOCTOR IS INSIDE YOU so let’s honor and respect that.