Little thought is given to the connection between the Spine and the body’s Immune system. At first glance, the skeleton is only thought of as a structural foundation for the body. It is an important feature of our musculoskeletal system, but what many may not know is how the spine is intrinsically involved in the inner workings of our immune system.

The Brain and the Spine are what comprise the nervous system of the human body. The nervous system in turn controls bodily functions, including the immune system. However, the messages that the brain sends along with the nervous system travel primarily up and down the spine. The Spine not only supports us structurally but also supports the internal organs and bodily systems by connecting them to the brain.

When your spine is compromised due to pain and injury, your immune system is also affected, as well as the body as a whole. Inflammation or herniation of your spine will create interference in the pathways that carry messages from the brain to the immune system. It may take longer for the body to respond internally to an infection due to the interference caused by back pain.

Can Chiropractic adjustments aid in your immune system response? Absolutely. Correcting and realigning the Spine will clear the interference in the information paths of the nervous system. It’s not just for getting rid of lower back pain. The human body has the ability to heal itself, give time, and proper rest and medication. If the immune system is compromised, there is little that treatment can do to help.

The majority of treatments are created to assist our own immune system by giving it the tools needed to fight. Having all the tools in the world won’t help if the actual soldiers that wield them are shut down. A series of chiropractic adjustments will help clear the path of communication between the brain and the immune system, allowing for the anti-bodies to take up arms in defense of the body.

Studies have consistently shown that the immune system can be basically improved just by following a good diet and exercising regularly. Both have direct and positive effects on the spine: decreased weight in the belt-line increases lower back strength while exercise helps maintain the spine aligned and supported by strong core muscles. If the back is healthy and strong, so is the immune system.

Scheduling regular chiropractic visits should not be limited to treating pain and injury alone. Having your spinal cord aligned and free from causing interference in the nervous system is the key to overall better health and will help your body maintain a faster, more efficient immune system response.