Fighting Allergies Without the Mucinex Monster
You’re well into the new year and embracing the warmer weather, green grass, budding trees, and fresh breeze on your cheeks. But there is one thing that can stand in the way of that springtime joy.
Allergies.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that more than 50 million Americans experience various types of allergies each year; they are estimated to be the sixth-leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. There are a good number of people — kids and adults, alike — who suffer this time of year. What is the connection with allergies, the immune system, and can chiropractic help? Let’s find out.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions or allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a common condition in which the body is overly sensitive to pollen or particles from trees, grasses/weeds, dust, and airborne molds. When the body reacts to these pollen, one can experience heavy sneezing, itchy and/or watery eyes, stuffy or runny nose, and an itchy or irritated throat. Although the symptoms in and of themselves may not sound too bad, remember that the body is overly reactive, so when these pollen are in full bloom and moving through the air, it can lead to a great deal of suffering.
Immune System
The body’s immune system is its defense system. The immune system is supposed to detect and address threats that can cause physical illness. There are immune system cells that move through the body, literally, on alert looking for invaders, and then removing the unwanted substances/invaders. In the case of allergies, the immune system perceives the pollen as a potentially harmful threat, so it reacts and creates the response of runny noses, watery eyes, and so on.
When people suffer from seasonal allergies, the immune system is overly sensitive. When the actual pollen count in the air is at a much higher level due to trees in bloom, grasses growing, and wind blowing dust and particles about, the immune system is in overdrive. All of these particles are seen as individual threats. This is often why those who suffer from seasonal allergies need to significantly limit their time outside.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on strengthening the nervous system, which is your body’s master communication system. The spine houses that communication system. If the spine is not moving properly, it can interfere with the function of the nervous system and negatively affect every aspect of your health. Chiropractic adjustments increase and/or restore spinal joint range of motion and, as a result, gives the nervous system a better opportunity to function to its highest potential.
In receiving regular chiropractic adjustments, it’s often that people notice improvements in many different, unexpected areas of life because they don’t realize the connection between the health of the spine, their nervous system, and their overall level of functioning and experience in life.
One area where people can experience improvement is a decrease in allergic reactions or allergy symptoms. This is thought to be a result of the improved immune system function that is correlated with certain upper thoracic spine adjustments. It is also important to note the spleen’s role. The spleen is the organ that contains a large number of immune cells. The spleen communicates with the brain via numerous nerves, some exiting the spine at lower thoracic and upper lumbar levels. So chiropractors will often address these areas of the spine because improved communication means improved function of the spine.
Another area where improvement can be noticed is the body’s lymph system. The lymph system helps move waste and toxins throughout the body. Chiropractic adjustments help the lymph system move what it needs to move.
Although many people are always on the lookout for the magic bullet to deal with this health issue or looking for the cure, it’s just not how the journey of health works. It is a process of decisions that provides your body the best chance to operate and heal the way it is intended. Dealing with allergies is no different. You may need a full box of tools in order to experience better health and feel better. Chiropractic care can be an excellent and natural addition to your routine in care for your body during the allergy season.