How Does Chiropractic Care Help Reduce Inflammation?

It is essential to understand what inflammation entails. Inflammation is your body’s reaction to injury, irritation, or infection. What are the signs that you might be having an inflammation? Inflammation is usually accompanied by redness, swelling, pain, and a loss of function. Other signs and symptoms may include:

 

• Skin rash
   

• Abdominal pain
   

• Pain in the joints
   

• Lack of appetite
   

• Stiffness of the muscles and joints
   

• Fever and chills
  
   

Acute and chronic inflammation are the two significant types of inflammation. Acute inflammation is a mild inflammation that generally lasts for hours or days. On the other hand, chronic inflammation is severe inflammation that lasts for months or years. Chronic inflammation is often associated with cancer, diabetes, and asthma.

 

The connection between chiropractic care and inflammation may seem peculiar at first. However, many recent studies have proved that chiropractic care can relieve inflammation.

 

How Chiropractic Care Helps Reduce Inflammation

Your chiropractor will first conduct a physical exam to determine the cause of inflammation. After that, your chiropractor will decide on the most suitable treatment for you. Here are some of the treatment therapies your chiropractor may recommend.

 

Spinal Manipulations

Chiropractors can use many techniques when making adjustments to your muscles and joints. The commonly used method is spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation is a process that involves applying a controlled amount of force to the joints on your spine. Chiropractors may use their hands or a device in this procedure.

These spinal adjustments help realign the vertebrae and reduce the pressure exerted on nerves. This helps improve the functioning of the nervous system. A well-functioning nervous system reduces the chances of inflammation.

In addition, spinal manipulation reduces the production of proteins and cytokines. Cytokines consist of small secreted proteins that control the cells in the immune system. A mass of cytokines can lead to severe inflammation.

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy involves the penetration of soft tissues using sound wave pulses. This type of therapy causes the gas bubbles in the soft tissues to expand and contract. This, in turn, reduces the chances of inflammatory reaction—hence, reducing pain and swelling.

 

Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Electrical nerve stimulation involves a low electric current to provide pain relief. Recent studies have shown how electric current can help reduce inflammation. A battery is usually used to power the device used in this procedure. The device transmits an electrical current through electrodes. The electrodes are then situated near the nerves or where the pain originates.

Other Treatments

Your chiropractor may also recommend lifestyle changes to help you reduce inflammation. They may recommend the following:

 

• Regular physical exercises to keep your joints and muscles flexible
   

• Lower your stress levels. You can engage in relaxing activities such as reading
   

• Regular hydration to balance your body’s pH
   

• Adequate amount of rest and sleep
   

• Make necessary changes to your diet, such as lowering the intake of calories
   

• Losing some weight
  
  
   

For more on chiropractic care and inflammation, call Cashae Spine & Sports at our office in Silver Spring, Maryland. You can reach us at (240) 219-8975 to book an appointment today.