Though it may be hard to believe it now, with Chicago winter raging as one of the coldest we have felt in years, Spring is just around the corner. While the reprieve from the cold will be a blessing, those suffering from seasonal allergies will find themselves facing another assault from Mother Nature in the form of allergens.
Instead of turning to allergy medications and inhalers, some of which have been traced to long term side-effects such as dementia, depression, and high blood pressure, one might find comfort from the benefits of Chiropractic Care. The cause of allergic reactions lie in our body’s misdiagnosis of foreign substances such as pollen, pet dander, dust etc. Somewhere along the way a signal is sent through our nervous system to release antibodies into the body that prove more harm than good. Though each body reacts differently, the most common symptoms of allergic reactions range from inflammation of the skin, sinuses, airways and digestive systems.
Specifically the parasympathetic nerves of the nervous system supply these signals. In a study published by the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, it is concluded that:
“Parasympathetic nerves supply every major organ system associated with allergy and inflammation including muscle, glands and inflammatory cells. Thus, they are capable of inducing and modulating smooth muscle dysfunction or increased contraction, and increased mucus secretion. Importantly, the influence of the parasympathetic nerves extends to inflammatory cells which all express muscarinic receptors. Thus, parasympathetic nerves may modulate inflammation.”
When the spine is subluxated nerve signals are interrupted and delivered improperly throughout the body. These false reactions are in correlation with both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. In another study done by the Sherman College it is “suggested that cervical adjustments may result in parasympathetic responses, whereas thoracic adjustments result in sympathetic responses. Furthermore, it appears that these responses may demonstrate the relationship of autonomic responses in association to the particular segment(s) adjusted.”
The healthy relationship between these autonomic responses is vital to the reaction of our bodies to allergens. In order for the nervous system to properly react and signal different parts of our body, the spine must be in proper alignment so the nerves remain unencumbered. At Knecht Chiropractic Clinic in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, we do just that. It is important for those who suffer from allergies and asthma to take note that constant usage of medication is not the only answer to alleviate this false signal from firing. A study published by Canadian Memorial Chiropractic Hospital, found “it is evident that some asthmatic patients may benefit from this treatment approach;” and that “the evidence suggests chiropractic care should be used as an adjunct to traditional medical therapy.”
