Most people have heard of an immune system and have an idea of what it does:
A “good” immune system fights infection, disease, and viruses well, while a “bad” immune system does not.We all want a good functioning immune system that keeps us from getting a cold every time we come into contact with our friend’s seemingly always sick child, or protects us from the flu every time we go to the grocery store and touch a box of cereal that a sick person — and their germs — came into contact with, or most recently, we hope our “good” immune system keeps the Covid-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus (and it’s potentially scary symptoms) at bay.
While we are used to being told that taking Vitamin C, eating our vegetables, and getting in regular exercise can strengthen our immune system, there’s much more to it than just vitamins, a decent diet, and some cardio workouts. Gonstead Chiropractic — the specific scientific type of chiropractic care performed here at our office — is another way to improve your innate immune response… in other words, regular Gonstead Chiropractic care can result in that treasured “good” immune system we are all striving to achieve.
In an article from Disease Models and Mechanisms, it is stated that, “alterations in the state and function of the nervous system influence the immune response.” The article discusses the importance of an innate immune response in maintaining the balance between health and disease, inflammation, and tissue damage. Because it is the central nervous system that regulates the immune system, without a properly functioning nervous system, it is impossible to maintain optimal health and wellness. Additionally, an article in Bioelectronic Medicine states, “individuals with unimpaired ANS [autonomic nervous system] conditions, respond to SARS-CoV-2 infection with a well-balanced, innate, and adaptive immune response causing mild symptoms of COVID-19,” indicating the essential nature of a high-functioning nervous system.
So what does the nervous system have to do with chiropractic care?
To understand the answer to that question, you must understand the definition of a subluxation. “Essentially, a vertebral subluxation occurs when the joints of the spine fail to move properly and/or the spinal bones become misaligned causing interference with the nerve messages from the brain to the body and/or from the body to the brain,” says The New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association. All this talk of the central nervous system links directly back to chiropractic care as Gonstead Chiropractors determine the exact location of subluxations and restore function to the spine which in turn restores function to the nervous system. Alas, a well functioning spine means a well functioning nervous system which means a well functioning immune system!
Interestingly enough, brain function, as explained in one PubMed.gov article, is also affected by the immune system. The activity of the immune system — as we’ve learned — correlates with the nervous system. “The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial immunological feature of the human central nervous system (CNS),” says the American Society for Microbiology, “Composed of many cell types, the BBB is both a structural and functional roadblock to microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites, that may be circulating in the bloodstream.” That being said, because the individual elements of the immune system are present in the brain, dysfunction to the nervous system and therefore increased circulation of cells through the blood-brain barrier, will result in a decreased immune response.
Why visit our office? Why seek a Gonstead Chiropractor? A well functioning immune system is strongly influenced by the nervous system. A subluxation in the spine undoubtedly causes dysfunction to the pathways of the nervous system (and therefore the brain), which can leave a body vulnerable to disease… a concern everyday but especially when “good” immune health is so needed to fight off Covid-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Book an appointment today!
Dr. Richard Nassab
Tri Valley Medical Park
11854 Dublin Blvd
Dublin, CA 94568
925-999-8757
https://richardnassab.com
References:
Aarli JA. The immune system and the nervous system. J Neurol. 1983;229(3):137-54. doi: 10.1007/BF00313738. PMID: 6191006.
Evans, Taylor. “How Pathogens Penetrate the Blood-Brain Barrier.” ASM.org, 17 Apr. 2020, asm.org/Articles/2020/April/How-Pathogens-Penetrate-the-Blood-Brain-Barrier.
Kawli, Trupti, et al. “It Takes Nerves to Fight Infections: Insights on Neuro-Immune Interactions from c. Elegans.” Disease Models & Mechanisms, vol. 3, no. 11-12, 2010, pp. 721–731., doi:10.1242/dmm.003871.
Leitzke, M., et al. “Autonomic Balance Determines the Severity of Covid-19 Courses.” Bioelectronic Medicine, vol. 6, no. 1, 2020, doi:10.1186/s42234-020-00058-0.
“Vertebral Subluxation.” New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association, www.chiropractic.org.nz/about-chiropractic/vertebral-subluxation/.
