Ever since the COVID-19 Pandemic, Americans have become more aware of communicable illnesses and the importance of protecting their health. Year-round (but especially during cold and flu season), people have adopted new practices like taking immune support supplements, using hand sanitizer and washing their hands more often, masking in public, and avoiding heavily crowded areas.
However, there is another approach to preventing colds and similar illnesses this year: chiropractic adjustments and other types of chiropractic care that target the spine and broader musculoskeletal system.
Seven Reasons Why Chiropractic Care May Prevent Colds
Researchers have only just begun examining the correlation between regular chiropractic visits and better immune response during cold and flu season. To date, multiple scientific theories exist to explain why chiropractic adjustments may help prevent colds and other associated annual illnesses. The theories break down into the following seven categories:
1). Chiropractic adjustments optimize spinal alignment. Proper spinal alignment is essential to nervous system function. When the nervous system is impaired due to subluxation (a misalignment of vertebrae), it can interfere with the nervous system’s communication pathways, thus impairing the body’s ability to fight off infections.
2). Adjustments to the spinal column and other major joints promote proper lymphatic flow. The lymphatic system is responsible for collecting and draining excess fluid, waste, and toxins from the body. When this system is impeded due to misalignments, it can hamper the body’s natural ability to remove immune stressors (like toxins, bacteria, and foreign particles) from the body.
3). Misalignments put pressure on the nerves. The nervous system is the body’s communication network, and the immune system requires a functioning communication network for it to operate properly. Chiropractic care can correct the misalignments that impede the nervous system, allowing the immune system to function properly in turn.
4). Chiropractic care allows for proper circulation. Impaired circulation within the body sets the stage for bacteria and other pathogens to take root and cause illness. Chiropractic care, especially that which clears blockages in the thoracic and cervical regions, can enhance lymphatic drainage, which in turn enables the body’s immune cells to circulate more efficiently throughout the body.
5). It can improve respiratory function. Chiropractic adjustments in the region of the chest, ribs, upper back, throat, neck, and head can all lead to better respiratory function. Improved breathing is essential during cold and flu season, as better breathing allows the body to clear mucus from the respiratory system and stay well-oxygenated, both of which are important for fighting off illness.
6). Adjustments often reduce stress. Countless chiropractic patients have reported reduced stress levels following an adjustment. There is a correlation between stress levels and susceptibility to colds and flu, so maintaining low-stress levels throughout the year is essential for staying healthy.
7). Chiropractic care can reduce inflammation. One of the most critical physical conditions that can predispose people to cold and flu symptoms is the existence of inflammation. “Inflammation” means an area or region of the body is inflamed or swollen, which leads to restricted blood and oxygen flow to that area. The circulatory system must function properly to prevent illness, and when inflammation is present, individuals are more susceptible to contracting a cold or flu. Thankfully, chiropractic care can reduce inflammation by correcting spinal misalignments.
As for the scientific research on the subject, it’s important to note that only just recently have scientists begun studying the effects of chiropractic adjustments on the immune system. Preliminary results are positive and hopeful at this time; however, further research would be beneficial.[1]
Cold Illnesses on the Rise? Chiropractic Care is a Safe, Noninvasive Prevention Option
More Americans discovering that chiropractic visits may help prevent cold and flu illnesses could not have come at a better time. The summer months typically present relatively low numbers of respiratory illnesses across the United States. Yet, the cooler months continue to bring a host of rhinovirus strains (common cold) and influenza strains (common flu).
- “With viruses like SARS-CoV-2 or influenza, one variant will dominate for a while and then another takes over, and it, in turn, is replaced by another,” said Dr. Alex Greninger, professor of laboratory medicine and pathology, who led the study into cold and flu prevalence in the United States. “Rhinovirus, on the other hand, appears to flood the zone with many discrete variants circulating in the community at the same time. It’s a way to overcome your defenses with sheer numbers.”
Given that cold and flu pathogens are constantly mutating and changing, and considering their rapid spread every season, Americans should take every precaution to boost their immune system beforehand, including receiving chiropractic adjustments.
Cool Springs Chiropractic Helps Middle Tennessee Prepare for Cold and Flu Season
“Once you understand that the health of the immune system and the central nervous system are related, it is easy to see why chiropractic care may be used as a prevention tool against colds.” That’s Cool Springs Chiropractic’s own Dr. Peter Hinz shedding light on the connection between frequent chiropractic care and enhanced immune function. Hinz went on to describe the potential association between musculoskeletal and nervous system issues and illness susceptibility. He said:
- “When subluxations (misalignments of the vertebrae in the spine) are present, the central nervous system is not able to perform as nature intended. Subluxations lead to nerve interference and irritation. Nature intends for nerve impulses to move unobstructed from the brain to the organs and extremities in a never-ending cycle. Whenever these nerve impulses become blocked, health issues inevitably arise. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine can correct subluxations affecting your nervous system. This will allow for better communication within your body, a healthier central nervous system which leads to a stronger immune system, and therefore greater overall health.”
Chiropractic care for cold and flu prevention is a wise choice for anyone, but it’s especially helpful for those with autoimmune disorders, immune deficiencies, slow wound healing, and high susceptibility to illness.
Providing Comprehensive Chiropractic Care in Tennessee
As the best chiropractor in Middle Tennessee, Cool Springs Chiropractic focuses on comprehensive chiropractic treatment in Franklin, Nashville, and the surrounding counties and communities. The establishment of a core doctor-patient relationship built on trust and the delivery of effective chiropractic care in Franklin are the cornerstones of Cool Springs Chiropractic. They are also the reasons why Dr. Peter Hinz is Franklin’s award-winning chiropractor and a prominent community member (Dr. Hinz was given the Williamson County Sizzle Award for the Best Williamson County Chiropractor for nine years in a row).
Dr. Peter Hinz says that Cool Springs Chiropractic treats chiropractic patients via a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique circumstances of each patient, including realigning their central nervous system to potentially improve their body’s immune system for when cold and flu season rolls around:
- “At Cool Springs Chiropractic, our expert team provides tailored chiropractic care to address our patients’ unique health needs, including the development of a tailored treatment plan that is unique to the patient. Whether patients are looking to relieve pain, improve mobility, or enhance their overall wellness, we’re here to help them achieve their goals through a patient-centered approach that accurately diagnoses conditions through the use of X-rays and then treats the underlying problems causing those symptoms. The result? Our patients leave our office feeling pain-free, healthier, happier, and more mobile.”
Schedule an appointment by calling (615) 503-9900 or use our online system to access a limited-time $49 New Patient Special. Our office is located at 3252 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 13, in Franklin, Tennessee—email info@coolspringschiropractic.com for information or to ask a question.
Sources:
[1] NIH. “Assessment of Studies Evaluating Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Infectious Disease and Immune System Outcomes.” National Institute of Health, 2021. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[2] UWM. “Study findings may help explain why we keep getting colds.” UW Medicine, 2024. newsroom.uw.edu
