Chiropractic Boosts Immunity in Back Pain Patients

Many people know that chiropractic care is effective for back pain and a number of other musculoskeletal conditions, but did you know chiropractic can also improve your overall health? Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments may benefit immune responses in people with and without back pain.

One study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine sought to investigate the effects of chiropractic adjustments on the body's immune response. The study included 10 patients with chronic lower back pain and 10 healthy participants. To track changes in immunity, researchers analyzed blood samples to single out two mediators of inflammation called interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). These two inflammatory biomakers are cytokines, or proteins involved in cell communication. In particular, IL-6 and CRP is released in response to infection or inflammation, so higher levels of these cytokines indicate that the body is actively fighting off injury or pain. As pain subsides and the body heals, levels of these cytokines decrease.

Researchers discovered that after nine chiropractic sessions, patients with chronic lower back pain had significantly reduced levels of CRP and IL-6, trending towards normal levels. The researchers concluded that chiropractic adjustments appeared to reduce inflammation in patients with lower back pain. In particular, this study evaluated the Activator Method, or instrument-assisted spinal adjustments, which Dr. Rivano routinely uses in our office in Florham Park, NJ. While this study was conducted in 2010, more recent research continues to confirm that chiropractic supports the body in fighting off infection.

Whether you're recovering from auto injuries, sciatica, work injuries, or are simply suffering from ongoing lower back pain, Florham Park chiropractor Dr. Rivano can provide effective relief.

References

Neil J. Manipulative therapy and immune response: A literature review of the chiropractic and osteopathic evidence. Clinical Chiropractic 2012; 15(3): 186.

Roy, Richard Al, Jean Boucher, Alain Comtois. Inflammatory response following a short-term course of chiropractic treatment in subjects with and without chronic low back pain. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 2010, September; 9(3): 107-114.