Autoimmune Disease: Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Living with an autoimmune condition can feel like a constant tug-of-war with your own body. Some days, your symptoms are manageable; other days, inflammation and fatigue flare up without warning. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia affect millions around the world.
While managing an autoimmune disease typically involves a comprehensive medical approach, chiropractic care can play a part. So, what should you know? Let’s take a closer look!
Are the Immune System and Nervous System Connected?
Your nervous system and immune system work together. The autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, also plays a significant role in regulating immune responses. When spinal misalignments interfere with nervous system communication, this can potentially impact how well your immune system functions.
The vagus nerve, a major component of your parasympathetic nervous system, has direct connections to immune organs like the spleen and helps regulate inflammatory responses throughout your body. Spinal dysfunction, particularly in the upper cervical region, may affect the function of this nerve and subsequently impact immune system regulation.
Pain and Inflammation Management
Autoimmune conditions often involve chronic pain and systemic inflammation that can significantly impact quality of life. Many people with these conditions experience musculoskeletal pain as either a primary symptom or a secondary effect of their disease process. The constant stress of living with chronic pain can also trigger additional inflammatory responses, creating a challenging cycle.
Joint stiffness, muscle tension, and restricted mobility are common complaints among those with autoimmune diseases. These physical symptoms can limit daily activities and contribute to the overall burden of managing a chronic condition.
Stress Reduction and Overall Wellness
Chronic stress is both a potential trigger and a consequence of autoimmune disease flares. The physical and emotional stress of managing a chronic condition can elevate cortisol levels and contribute to systemic inflammation. Additionally, the pain and limitations associated with autoimmune diseases can create ongoing psychological stress that further impacts immune function.
Sleep disturbances, another common challenge for those with autoimmune conditions, can also affect immune system regulation. Poor sleep quality has been linked to increased inflammation and reduced immune function, creating another layer of complexity in managing these conditions.
Can Chiropractors Help With Autoimmune Diseases?
Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper spinal alignment and nervous system function. By removing interference to neural pathways, chiropractic care may help optimize the communication between your nervous system and immune system. This improved communication could potentially support better overall immune function; however, it’s essential to understand that chiropractic care works as a complement to, not a replacement for, conventional medical treatment.
Thus, while chiropractors don’t treat autoimmune diseases directly, they can address many of the secondary musculoskeletal issues that often accompany these conditions. The potential benefits of chiropractic care for individuals with autoimmune conditions include improved joint mobility, reduced mechanical pain, enhanced nervous system function, and increased overall comfort. These improvements can make daily activities easier and may contribute to better overall well-being when combined with appropriate medical management.
If you’re living with an autoimmune condition and wondering if chiropractic care could help you feel better, your Noblesville chiropractor is here to help. At Anchor Health Chiropractic, our experienced team understands the unique challenges of managing chronic conditions and can collaborate with your healthcare providers to develop a safe and effective treatment approach. Book your appointment today!
