Inflammation is the body’s natural healing response to injury

Inflammation is a complex physiological response to injury that involves white blood cells releasing chemicals that help protect your body from perceived harmful substances. Such a process involves a rush of blood to the area which often manifests itself as swelling, redness, stiffness and tenderness. It is also a natural part of the repair and rebuild phase of muscle growth- but what happens a natural healing process turns on the body it is trying to heal? Chronic inflammation is implicated in a number of health complications, including arthritis and atherosclerosis. However, before we vilify inflammation completely, we should seek to understand its role as both a healer and a troublemaker, to prevent the hysteria that tends to surround every buzzword in the health world. 

So then why is inflammation so problematic?

Inflammation becomes problematic when it shifts from being acute to chronic. Chronic inflammation refers to a process in which your body is permanently releasing these harmful chemicals, to the detriment of your cells and, consequently, your well-being. And while chronic inflammation is still in the early stages of being studied, most experts point to an imbalance in the immune system, and malefactors such as poor diet and lack of exercise leading the charge in causing chronic inflammation. It can also be caused when the body mistakenly marks healthy tissue as maleficent; as a result, your immune system goes on the attack to purge your body of what it thinks is a harmful foreign substance. This autoimmune response is most clearly exemplified in rheumatoid arthritis. 

How chiropractic helps combat chronic inflammation

Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustment reduces counts of two inflammatory cytokines, helping to reduce the presence of inflammation throughout the body. Slight modifications of your lifestyle can also effect dramatic improvements including changes to diet and an increase in activity. If you are interested in reducing the role of chronic inflammation in your life, give our office a call to schedule an appointment today.