With winter here in the Carolinas, the sniffles are almost assured for many people. Between spending more time indoors, less sunlight, sedentary lifestyles, and not-so-perfect eating habits, the colder months tend to weaken our immune systems, possibly opening the door to illness.
While colds and other viruses are common during the winter, you may not realize that there’s a connection between your immune system and spinal health. Both work in conjunction with another, and you need a healthy spine and immune system in order to function your best.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
At Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab, our doctors take a holistic approach to promoting overall wellness. We know that relieving pain naturally is only one part of the equation for treating problems of the spine, and we want you to know that there are things you can do to promote a healthier spine and immune system.
The Role of Your Spine
Before we get into how your immune system and spine affect one another, it’s important to consider the role of the spine. While you already know that your spine serves as the set of bones that provides structure for your body, there’s more to it than that.
Because the spine protects the spinal cord, the main pathway of your central nervous system, problems with your spine can disrupt signals throughout your body. Your spinal cord also helps ensure healthy blood flow that allows vitamins, oxygenated blood, and nutrients to get where they need to be.
When you’re facing an illness, you need your immune system to perform at its best, and this requires a healthy spine. Unfortunately, spinal problems can diminish this performance and cause illness to linger.
Stress, Your Spine, and Immune Function
Another component of the interaction between your spine and immune system is stress. When you experience back pain or a misalignment of your spine, your body can interpret this as stress.
Stress, even when felt unconsciously, can weaken your immune system through the production of a hormone known as cortisol. Chronically high levels of cortisol can suppress the immune system’s T-cells and B-cells and make it more difficult to fight infections and illness.
Additionally, lymphocytes, which are white blood cells, can become diminished when you experience higher levels of stress and cortisol production. These cells are responsible for fighting off infection, and lower lymphocyte counts may mean slower healing.
Blood Flow May Be Affected by Spine Issues
Something else to consider is that blood flow can become affected by spine problems. Because your body needs healthy blood flow in order for immune system cells to perform, spine problems may slow down this process. A sedentary lifestyle, common in winter, combined with illness and poor blood flow, can slow your recovery.
How Chiropractic Care Can Boost Your Immune Function
Although spinal problems can negatively impact your immune system, there are some things you can do to boost immune function while caring for your spine.
Try Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy is a treatment that can improve blood flow and speed up healing. It uses painless laser technology that penetrates at the cellular level to promote healthy activity and flood flow.
At Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab, we provide treatment using a class IV cold laser, and our patients often experience faster healing and improvements in pain conditions after receiving cold laser therapy.
Take Advantage of VitaBed Full-Body Light Therapy
During the winter months, you’re exposed to less sunlight, even if you spend a lot of time outdoors. This can lead to a weakened immune system as well as a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, a.k.a. The Winter Blues.
Seasonal Affective Disorder can manifest as symptoms of depression, and these symptoms may cause you to not only feel down but also to make lifestyle choices that may negatively impact your spine.
Using VitaBed full-body light therapy, our patients receive exposure to near-infrared light that simulates sunlight. This can help the body produce more vitamin D, an essential component for bone and joint health.
Get Adjusted
Manual adjustments of the spine can also help to promote a healthy immune system. As mentioned above, your spine is what houses your spinal cord. When it doesn’t function properly, you may lose valuable blood flow which can diminish your body’s ability to utilize nutrients. Chiropractic adjustments throughout the year can prevent these problems and support healthy immune function.
Speak With Your Chiropractor
One of the best things you can do if you’re concerned about your immune system and spinal health is to schedule a visit with your chiropractor. At Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab, our doctors work one-on-one with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that take into account factors like immune system health, lifestyle, and more.
Your chiropractor can recommend specific treatments to help boost your immune system by strengthening and protecting your spine. Some of our treatments include manual adjustments, decompression therapy, and flexion distraction to promote healthy mobility in the spine and ensure proper alignment.
Schedule Your Appointment With Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab
Don’t let winter slow you down! To learn more about how a healthy spine can support a healthy immune system, schedule a visit with our chiropractic physicians in Waxhaw or Pineville. Call Carolinas Chiropractic at (704) 243-1010, or schedule your appointment online right now!
