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Allergies

Allergies are a disorder of the immune system. The immune system overreacts to a typically non-harmful substance (cat dander, pollen, peanuts, dairy products, dust, molds, etc.), and initiates a response to neutralize and flush out the allergen. The results of this immune response are swelling, itching, runny nose and eyes, sneezing, diarrhea, to name a few. The immune system is highly effective in ridding the body of what it perceives as harmful.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Allergies

Chiropractic is not a treatment for allergies per se, but it has helped allergy sufferers for years. Chiropractic aims to remove interference to the nervous system by specifically correcting a condition called subluxation. What controls the immune system? Many things including your spleen, bone marrow, adrenal glands to name a few. What controls all of these things? It is your brain and nervous system. In 1993 a group of researchers at the University of Calgary discovered a group of cells at the top of the spinal cord that form a direct pathway from the nervous system to the immune system. Any interference to this pathway would likely result in an improperly functioning immune system. A chiropractic study found that specific upper neck adjustments in HIV positive patients led to a 48% increase in CD4 cells (immune cells) over a 6-month duration. Preliminary studies have found that adjustments enhance the activity of IgA, IgG, IgM, and phagocytic cell respiratory bursts (all immune system functions). A properly functioning immune system is less likely to produce allergy symptoms.

Here’s what Gonstead patients say:

“Nick no longer needs allergy meds… Enjoying being outside with no allergy attacks.”

Dawn about son Nick



“Allergies are much less severe, sleeping has improved.”

Jill



“I no longer need to take Claritin for my sinuses…my overall health is better than it had been.”

Rochelle



References

  1. Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory burst induced by spinal manipulation: potential role of substance P. Brenan PC, Kokjohn K., Katlinger CJ, et al., JMPT 1991, Vol 14, No. 7.
  2. Enhanced neutrophil respiratory burst as a biological marker for manipulation forces: duration of the effect and association with substance P and tumor necrosis. Patricia Brenan, John J Triano, arion McGregor, et al, JMPT, Vol15, No 2, Feb 1992.
  3. Chirporactic treatment and antibody levels. Stewart M. Alcorn.
  4. The effects of upper cervical adjustments on the CD4 counts of HIV positive patients. Selano, J., Hightower B, Pfleger B, et al., CRJ-Vol3 No 1 1994.