Talk about allergy season!! The juniper pollen count here in Albuquerque has been high the past two weeks sitting at 970 according to the City of ABQ website via “air quality”. With pollen counts this high it can leave our eyes watery, ears plugged and our overall sinuses are just plain UNDER ATTACK! Despite the hundreds of allergy medicines we can take to eliminate the symptoms they tend to wear off in a short period of time leaving us back at square one by the afternoon. While these allergy issues can sometimes be seasonal, there are many who deal with problems year round. Most of these people, maybe even you, have been trained that the only way to counter these issues is by filling their bodies with medication. However, some others rely on shots or, in severe cases, even surgery to counteract their sinus and allergy problems. In many cases, however, patients have found that their sinus and allergy issues can be minimized or even eliminated through safe, natural chiropractic care!
HOW CAN CHIROPRACTIC ELIMINATE ALLERGIES?
The strength of both the immune and respiratory systems depends largely on proper communication between the brain and spinal cord to control and coordinate their functions properly. When there are interruptions in this communication such as misalignments of the neck, immunity may be compromised. This upper cervical joint irritation can exaggerate or even produce allergic and asthmatic symptoms. Through manipulation of the joints and soft tissue either through traditional chiropractic adjustment or spinal decompression, a chiropractor can help restore alignment and open the necessary pathways of communication between the brain and spine.
In addition to promoting a stronger immune system, adjustments may also help regulate the rush of histamine and amount of cortisol produced during high allergy season. The majority of allergies involve release of inflammatory producing substances such as histamine. Adequate production of cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone produced by the adrenal gland is necessary to combat this. Understandably, many allergy sufferers are also found to have weak adrenal gland function. What many do not realize is that the adrenal gland is fed directly by the T9 spinal level nerve root, meaning once again, that spinal misalignments can greatly impact allergic reactions. By helping to maintain balance and regulation of important allergy-fighting hormones, a chiropractor can help allergy sufferers find relief and lessen reliance on anti-histamines.
Along with spinal adjustments, chiropractors typically offer helpful lifestyle and nutritional advice to patients based on their specific needs. Chiropractic is a holistic method of medicine which recognizes that the human body is healthier and functions at a higher level when all aspects of health are taken into account, including physical, nutritional, and environmental. For allergy sufferers, certain foods and environmental factors may improve or worsen their symptoms. A chiropractor can help you determine lifestyle and dietary changes that may serve to lessen allergy symptoms and improve overall comfort and health.
If you are among the millions of Americans who suffer from a wide range of allergies, there may be a solution to help minimize your symptoms. A chiropractor can help identify any underlying neck or back misalignments which may be compromising your immune system. Furthermore, they can help you determine best practices and eating habits to help keep allergic reactions at bay.
If you or someone you know is suffering from allergies this season here in Albuquerque schedule an appointment today! We can get you and your spine set straight and on its way to helping your immune system be a team of bacteria fighting body boosting soldiers ready to keep you at the top of your game!
