______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMMUNE SYSTEM

One of the tools of the chiropractic physician is the adjustment or manipulation of the spine and extremities.  Over the years, chiropractic physicians have reported success in treating a variety of conditions associated with bacterial and viral infection.  Manipulation of the vertebrae has an influence on neurologic function, lymphatic drainage, blood flow and muscle tension.  Recent research by Patricia C Brennan, Ph.D., suggests that manipulation may also have a great effect on certain aspects of immune function.  Her group showed that when the thoracic spine (mid-back) was adjusted, the respiratory burst cycle of white blood cells was enhanced.  Manipulation is thought to stimulate immune function, in part by promoting the release of endorphins long associated with improving immunity.

                                                                          Source: Gregory R. Salmond, D.C.
                                                                          http://www.gmrcreations.com/Salmond/chiropra.htm

Chiropractic works on the body's immune system and its cells through the nervous system, because the CD4 (T4) cells of the immune system have tiny nerves going to them. Chiropractic adjustments correct for interference to our main nervous system (brain and spinal cord), which then has a positive effect on the rest of our nervous system and body.

                                                                         Source: Life College, Atlanta, GA, USAResearch on Upper Cervical
                                                                         Adjustments and CD4 Cell Count

There is an increasing body of evidence that the nervous system is capable of modulating the immune response. Receptors for neuromodulators and neurohormones have been found on human T lymphocytes. Activation of these receptors can be stimulatory or inhibitory depending on the neuroactive substance. The immune system may be able to communicate with the nervous system using neuromodulators and neurohormones secreted by lymphocytes. Sympathetic innervation of lymphoid tissues is not restricted to blood vessels and smooth muscle, but directly supplies lymphocytes and blood precursor cells. It is theorized that spinal fixations may adversely affect the immune response through somatosympathetic reflexes. Spinal manipulation can correct the spinal fixations and may eliminate the adverse affects of somatosympathetic reflexes.

;                                                                                               Source: Fidelibus                                                                                                                                                       J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1989; 12 (4) Aug: 289–292 

For more information or to make your appointment today call:

714-840-CARE(2273)

;