It’s that time of year again—cold and flu season is officially here. You’ve probably noticed reminders everywhere urging you to “Get your flu shot here!” and may have encountered more than a few people battling the telltale symptoms of a cold: cough, runny nose, sinus congestion, and general fatigue. This time of year can feel as if the worry and fear of getting sick are just as prevalent as the illnesses themselves.
While cold, flu, and other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, may be unavoidable to some extent, there are healthier, natural, and side-effect-free approaches that can support our bodies’ resilience through the season. As a holistic chiropractor, I’d like to offer you some insight into how chiropractic care plays a powerful role in optimizing the immune system and empowering you to navigate this season with a greater sense of confidence.
The Nervous System’s Role in Immunity
Before diving into the specifics of chiropractic, it’s essential to understand the connection between the nervous system and the immune system. The nervous system is the “master controller” of the body, orchestrating and coordinating the functions of every other system—including the immune system. The brain and spinal cord are in constant communication with organs, tissues, and cells throughout the body to adapt to stressors, respond to threats, and maintain balance.
When the spine is well-aligned and the nervous system is functioning optimally, it supports immune responses, helping our bodies to resist and recover from infections more efficiently. Conversely, when there’s interference or misalignment, this communication pathway is disrupted, weakening the body’s resilience against invaders like cold and flu viruses.
Chiropractic Adjustments and Immune Function
Scientific literature has shown that chiropractic adjustments positively impact the immune system. A 2000 study from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic found that chiropractic adjustments led to an increase in serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels—a critical antibody type associated with immune function. IgG plays a major role in defending the body against viral and bacterial infections by neutralizing pathogens and supporting immune memory. In other words, chiropractic adjustments don’t just improve spinal alignment; they help fortify our body’s natural defense mechanisms.
This connection is significant, especially during cold, flu, and COVID season. By supporting nervous system health, regular chiropractic care can give your immune system a natural boost, making you less susceptible to infections and more capable of a swift recovery if you do catch something.
Lessons from History: The 1918 Flu Pandemic
The relationship between chiropractic care and immune resilience isn’t a recent discovery. During the Great Flu Pandemic of 1918, one of the deadliest pandemics in modern history, there was an unexpected observation that would shape the chiropractic field forever. This flu pandemic resulted in an estimated 25 to 40 million deaths worldwide, with over 500,000 of those in the United States.
In Davenport, Iowa, home to Palmer College of Chiropractic (the “Fountainhead of Chiropractic”), chiropractors treated 1,635 flu cases during this period, with only one resulting in death. Outside Davenport, chiropractic professionals adjusted 4,735 flu cases, with only six fatalities. By comparison, the local Medical Doctors in Davenport treated 93,590 patients, resulting in 6,116 deaths—meaning approximately 1 out of 15 patients under conventional medical care did not survive.
To put it simply: during the 1918 flu pandemic, people who received chiropractic care had far better survival rates than those who did not. In 1919, Palmer College published a pamphlet titled “The Flu and You,” which documented this correlation, showing that chiropractic care had a much lower death rate compared to traditional and osteopathic care during that era.
While chiropractic care was not the sole reason for survival, these historical statistics highlight the potential benefits of an optimally functioning nervous system and underscore how this form of care could play a supportive role in immune health.
Chiropractic Care: Not Just Pain Relief, But a Whole-Body Wellness Strategy
Most people initially think of chiropractic care as a solution for back or neck pain, but the benefits extend far beyond pain relief. When the spine and nervous system are free from interference, the entire body functions more effectively. This includes enhanced immune resilience, better adaptation to stress, and an overall improvement in wellness.
Regular chiropractic care can:
- Decrease Susceptibility to Illness: When your immune system is well-supported, you’re less likely to catch the colds and flus circulating around you.
- Accelerate Recovery: If you do come down with something, chiropractic care may help you recover faster by keeping your body’s communication pathways open and responsive.
- Promote Long-Term Health: People under chiropractic care tend to report fewer illnesses and symptoms over time, reflecting a sustained improvement in health and wellness.
- Provide Early Wellness Support for Kids: Children who receive chiropractic care from a young age often experience fewer ear infections and respiratory issues, setting a foundation for better health as they grow.
Chiropractic and Kids: Preventing Ear Infections and More
For parents, chiropractic care can be an invaluable tool for supporting their child’s health naturally. Children’s bodies are highly adaptive, but they’re also vulnerable to the same types of stressors as adults. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the risk of common childhood ailments, such as ear infections, respiratory infections, and colds, by supporting a strong and balanced nervous system from the start.
When kids have a nervous system that’s free from interference, their immune system operates at its best, allowing them to stay healthier and bounce back quicker if they do get sick.
Supporting Your Family’s Health This Season
Chiropractic care offers a powerful, side-effect-free approach to promoting wellness for you and your family. Imagine a season where you’re not constantly reaching for over-the-counter medications or scrambling to find remedies for every cough and sneeze. Instead, through regular chiropractic adjustments, you’re proactively supporting your family’s health in a natural, effective way that enhances the body’s innate ability to heal and protect itself.
As we face cold, flu, and COVID season, here are a few additional wellness tips to keep your immune system strong:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body’s systems functioning smoothly.
- Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provides essential fuel for immune health.
- Get Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to give your body ample time to repair and recharge.
- Exercise Regularly: Movement supports circulation and immune response, and it’s great for stress relief.
- Reduce Stress: High stress levels can weaken your immune system. Find ways to relax and recharge, whether through meditation, time in nature, or chiropractic care.
Empowering Health from Within
Remember, you don’t have to passively accept illness as an inevitable part of the season. By choosing chiropractic care, you’re investing in your body’s ability to stay balanced and resilient, allowing you to face this season with strength. Chiropractic isn’t just about preventing symptoms
or fixing problems—it’s about empowering your body from within so you can experience life at your highest potential.
If you’d like to learn more about how chiropractic care can support your immune health or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment, please reach out. Let’s make this season one of wellness, resilience, and thriving health for you and your family.