It seems that spring is coming to an end. Winter is a distant memory and summer is right around the corner. Everyone is busying themselves with vacation plans and looking forward to longer days filled with sun. But even as many of us prepare for summer, we at Healing Hands have noticed a common complaint among many of the patients coming into our office; they are still suffering from spring allergy symptoms! What are allergies and how can you prevent uncomfortable symptoms from affecting your daily life?
What are Allergies?
We all rely on our immune systems to help filter out harmful substances in our bodies, but what happens when our bodies interpret something that is usually harmless as a threat? The immune system activates a response to expel the substance, resulting in the sneezing, coughing, and inflammation that we recognize as allergy symptoms. Essentially, it is an overreaction of the system we count on to keep us from getting sick, and as any allergy sufferer will tell you, it can be miserable.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
The immune system cannot function properly without communication between the brain and spinal cord. Research has suggested that a specific group of cells in the spinal cord near the upper neck are the most likely to affect the immune system, because they form a direct pathway between the nervous and immune systems. When subluxations, or small misalignments, are present in the spine, it may interrupt this communication system and compromise the immune system, causing it to overreact to allergens in the body. When a chiropractor treats these subluxations, it opens up the pathways so that the brain can communicate with the body more effectively. This can reduce symptoms of allergies without the use of medications. Additionally, a chiropractor can help you to find natural supplements which can help control inflammation in your body and help you feel relief.
Chiropractic Care and Sinus Infections
Many allergy sufferers dread allergy season for one reason more than anything else: sinus infections. Sinuses are cavities within the bones of the face which are supposed to be hollow and filled with air. However, when fluid is unable to drain, it backs up in the sinuses and an infection can form. Sinuses become inflamed, which can cause a painful feeling of pressure in the face as well as irritating nasal stuffiness or dripping. In addition to boosting the immune system, chiropractic adjustments can open the sinuses up and allow them to drain properly. This controls inflammation and prevents infection.
What to Expect from a Chiropractic Visit
It is important to know that not all chiropractic care is the same. Here at Healing Hands Chiropractic, each visit lasts between 25 and 30 minutes. This includes stimulation and heat therapy, muscle work, and adjustment. For many allergy sufferers, treatment includes facial and myofascial massage to help drain mucus. So if you are one of the many people still suffering from late spring allergies, do yourself a favor and make time for a chiropractic adjustment, you may find yourself feeling better soon!
Tags: allergies, Chiropractic, health, well-being