As the world grapples with new health challenges, the importance of having a good immune system has never been more apparent. We’re seeing a rising awareness of global health, and chiropractic can be an important element of it. Let’s take a look at how chiropractic can improve your immune system and what this type of treatment means for your overall well-being.
From Early Warnings to Proactive Healthcare
If you remember, Singapore was ground zero of the COVID outbreak in early January 2020. As an American chiropractor practicing here, I would relay the early news of the outbreak to my friends and family back home, only to be dismissed, calling me chicken little. Assuring me the sky was not falling.
But when it ultimately made its way to America, my family was prepared. We have other chiropractors in the family who understand the value of proactive healthcare and the importance of maintaining a strong immune system.
In fact, it was a similar outbreak of the Spanish flu 100 years prior that gave American Chiropractic its legitimacy, giving us the scope of medicine we have today.
Chiropractic Care History – How the Spanish Flu Outbreak of 1918 Legitimized American Chiropractic
In 1918, when the Spanish flu critically disrupted life in America, there was an unlikely hero. That hero was a chiropractor. This period marked a significant chapter in the history of chiropractic treatments, highlighting their potential to bolster the body’s resilience against infectious diseases.
As communities struggled to cope with the devastating effects of the Spanish flu, which overwhelmed traditional medical practices and facilities, chiropractic care offered a different approach to overall health, mental health, and wellness. Chiropractors focused on adjustments and manipulations, theorizing that these techniques could enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
As a result, the 1918 pandemic became a crucial moment in the history of chiropractic care. It not only demonstrated the potential benefits of chiropractic treatments in the context of a global health crisis but also paved the way for greater acceptance and integration of chiropractic methods in overall healthcare practices.
Historical Context and Overall Impact
This Spanish flu pandemic was unprecedented in its severity, claiming over 20 million lives globally. In the United States alone, about 500,000 to 850,000 people died, a number that exceeded the total deaths from all wars combined up to that time.
Chiropractic Care vs. Medical Treatment
During this health crisis, independent health observers noted a striking difference in mortality rates based on the type of treatment received. Patients who opted for chiropractic spinal manipulation showed significantly lower death rates compared to those who received just traditional medical treatments. The collected data highlighted this contrast:
- The mortality rate with just conventional medical treatment: 925 deaths per 10,000 cases of influenza.
- The mortality rate with chiropractic spinal manipulation: 25 deaths per 10,000 cases of influenza.
This data indicates an enhanced immune response in those who underwent chiropractic adjustments. Of course, chiropractic care is a welcoming addition to traditional AND modern medical treatments and can improve overall outcomes, but it’s always recommended to seek help from a general practitioner.
Luckily, with Singapore’s proactive approach to healthcare, you can enjoy the benefits of both worlds – traditional chiropractic care fused with modern medicine.
The Impact of Chiropractic Care on Flu Recovery
The remarkable effectiveness of chiropractic treatment in treating flu symptoms can be attributed to its focus on the nervous system, which is the central command of the body. This system includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, all of which play a crucial role in our overall health.
Professional chiropractors like me specialize in identifying and correcting spinal misalignments (subluxations), which can negatively impact the nervous system and the body’s natural healing properties.
The Link Between Chiropractic Adjustments and Immune Function
The research highlighted in the January 1997 edition of the journal “Spine” revealed a connection between spinal health and brain communication. This study found that influencing a spinal ligament sends signals to the spinal cord, which then significantly communicates with the brain.
Specifically, manipulations in the upper cervical spine area (the upper neck) have a direct effect in creating “respiratory bursts” where the body increases the white cell count production. These adjustments transmit information to the nucleus intermedius in the brainstem’s medulla. This, in turn, communicates with the nucleus tractus solitarii, which plays a central role in the functioning of the immune system, along with influencing the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal system.
The Role of the Nervous System in Chiropractic Care
The nerves that exit the spinal column innervate every organ system of the body. The nervous system is critical to both near-term health and long-term well-being. The chiropractic adjustment is used to align the spine, thus removing areas of interference. Without efficient communication between the brain and the visceral system, diseases have an opportunity to grow.
Importance of Joint Mobility
Chiropractic also adds motion to stiff and fixated joints within the spine. A healthy joint is a joint that moves regularly. This is what allows the nerves to do their job without interference.
When a chiropractor adjusts and treats these joints, they help maintain spinal health and ensure the nervous system operates smoothly, supporting overall body wellness.
How Chiropractic Can Improve Your Immune System Beyond Pain Relief
Of course, chiropractic is a solution for acute and chronic pain, but many do not realize that it is also critical to general wellness. In fact, the Chinese have been practicing the art of spinal manipulation, which they call Tui Na, for thousands of years. Contemporary chiropractic has simply taken the art of Tui Na and added advanced imaging techniques, creating the science of chiropractic care.
Recommended Treatment Protocols
For wellness care, the recommended treatment protocol is simply one full-spine chiropractic adjustment per week. For lingering pain, it might be necessary to see your doctor 2-3 times per week until the pain symptoms are alleviated.
However, given that chiropractic care in Singapore isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice, it’s best you head to your local chiropractor for an initial consultation where a full assessment, diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan will be made for you.
Chiropractic Care in Aging and Pain Management
Contrary to common belief, pain does not have to be a by-product of aging. Chiropractic care can alleviate the aches and pains that many assume are normal. Mild to moderate pain is more than an annoyance.
Pain is your body trying to tell you that something is not abnormal. It’s a signal that something needs fixing. You could be susceptible to sickness or worse. Regular visits to a chiropractor can be an informative and effective way to address these bodily signals and treat their source with pain-free manual manipulations.
Take the First Step Towards Better Health with Chiropractic Care in Singapore
Are you ready to take control of your health and well-being? As a dedicated chiropractor right here in Singapore, I invite you to discover the transformative power of chiropractic care and how it can boost your immune system and enhance your natural defense mechanisms in the upcoming flu season.
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, looking to enhance your immune system, or simply aiming for overall wellness, my clinic, InsideOut Wellness, offers personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Don’t let discomfort and imbalance hold you back any longer. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start your journey towards a healthier, more vibrant life.
