Misalignments and Immunity… Evidence suggests that that immune function is regulated in part by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. Misalignments of the spine cause compression and irritation of nerve pathways affecting organ systems of the body. According to researchers, these stressful conditions decrease the body’s immune function, while increasing vulnerability to a variety of diseases. Inflammatory diseases, for example, are influenced by both the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Dysfunction in the pathway results in the development of various inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, behavioral syndromes such as depression has been linked to nerve pathway dysfunction. This dysfunctional immune response plays a significant role in immune compromised conditions such as chronic infections and cancer. A chiropractor will analyze the spine and give corrective adjustments to reduce the stress on the nervous system. This treatment has also been shown to increase the body’s white blood cell count, which is a well-known infection fighter, and body protector.

Because the mind and body are connected, taking care of your mind, as well as your body, is essential. Keeping in mind, that in many cases, your pain may be associated with stress. The body responds to not only what’s going with you physically, your body also responds to what’s going on with you emotionally. The moral of this week’s discussion, spinal adjustments reduce pain and inflammation, add a sense of well-being, and also have a positive impact on your body immune function.