How Chiropractic Care Helps Chronic Inflammation
Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash
If you’ve heard the dangers of chronic inflammation, you’re probably wondering how you can reduce yours.
A Washington Post article reports that many people don’t even know they have it until it’s already damaging their bodies. In fact, scientists believe chronic inflammation enhances oxidative stress on the body which leads to a host of chronic illnesses, including cancer.
They also agree that many aspects of modern life can trigger chronic inflammation — especially diet and stress.
However, there’s evidence that chiropractic care helps chronic inflammation.
But first, what is inflammation?
What is Inflammation?
There are two kinds of inflammation: acute and chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation is what you experience when you’re chopping veggies and accidentally cut your finger. It throbs and turns red. That’s your body sending blood cells to kill any potential infection and start the healing process.
But chronic inflammation is different. It’s long-lasting, and when your body stays in a state of chronic high-alert, it damages your body. Those white blood cells that rush to destroy infection can attack healthy cells because they mistakenly think those cells are dangerous. Over time, they’ll also attack healthy organs and joints too. It’s a miscommunication in your body where it attacks itself.
Why Does It Occur?
In simple terms, inflammation is a symptom of a larger problem. With acute inflammation, it’s obvious what the problem is and when the broken arm or cut heals, you’ll be fine.
But with chronic inflammation, it can be tough to dig out the underlying problem. Doctors know that many people with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and Crohn’s disease often suffer from chronic inflammation. But they’re not sure which comes first.
How Does Chiropractic Care Help Chronic Inflammation?
Chiropractic care can help because it opens up the communication channels in your body. You probably think of chiropractic care as something for back pain. That’s true, but it also has applications for chronic inflammation.
The goal of regular chiropractic adjustments is to re-align the vertebrae in your spine. This practice promotes a healthy nervous system, which affects your entire body. It means your brain can send messages easier through your body, and it can reduce your body’s production of cells, promoting inflammation.
Chiropractic care is an integral part of overall wellness and can easily co-exist with traditional medical care.
What Can Other Lifestyle Changes Help?
Your lifestyle plays a big role in reducing inflammation, and all the usual suspects are at play here. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress is critical for your health and well-being.
Eat Healthy Foods
What you eat plays a role in combating chronic inflammation. The usual culprits, white bread, pasta, red meat, and alcohol, can make the inflammation worse. Whereas a diet heavy on vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help reduce your inflammation.
Exercise Most Days
Aim for four to five sessions a week and make sure you get in a mix of cardio and weight training. You don’t have to go to the gym. Just get out and make sure you have a brisk walk for 30-45 minutes 4-5 x a week and make homemade weights by using filled water bottles. There are also thousands of YouTube videos geared towards everything from kickboxing to yoga.
You may be surprised by what a difference this can make in your health if you do these regularly.
Manage Stress
You knew this was coming, didn’t you? Modern life is stressful, and this past year has been unusually stressful. Stress takes a significant toll on our bodies, so whatever you can do to reduce it is good. Many people find meditation is a powerful way to reduce stress. Again, YouTube can be your friend here. There are many guided meditations there.
You can also simply practice deep breathing, also, reduce your social media time as that can drive anxiety.
Your Next Steps
Chiropractic care helps chronic inflammation and has applications for many other health concerns. Whether you’re new to the practice or you haven’t been in a while, your body will likely benefit.
If you’re in Doylestown, PA, why not give us a call and see if chiropractic care is right for you? Here’s what you can expect on your first visit.
