February 26, 2023
By Dr. Chris Weilandich, DC, LAT
The nervous system plays a critical role in regulating the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic or excessive, it can contribute to the development of a wide range of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Chiropractic adjustments can affect the nervous system to modulate pain signals, regulate autonomic function, and improve motor function in a variety of ways that can promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.
Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System
Chiropractic adjustments can affect the nervous system in several ways that may help reduce systemic inflammation. One mechanism is by balancing the autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a branch of the nervous system that controls the body’s involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. The ANS is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). These two branches have opposite effects on the body’s functions, and their balance is critical for maintaining overall health and wellness.
The sympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the “fight or flight” response. When the body perceives a threat, the SNS is activated, leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The SNS also causes the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase inflammation and contribute to the development of chronic disease.
The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is often referred to as the “rest and digest” response. When the body is in a relaxed state, the PNS is activated, leading to a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The PNS also stimulates the release of digestive enzymes and promotes blood flow to the digestive system.
Chiropractic adjustments can affect the ANS by modulating the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Specifically, chiropractic adjustments have been shown to stimulate the PNS and inhibit the SNS. This effect can lead to a decrease in inflammation, as well as improvements in heart rate variability, blood pressure, and other markers of autonomic function.
One mechanism by which chiropractic adjustments stimulate the PNS is through the activation of sensory receptors in the joints and muscles. These receptors send signals to the brainstem, which controls autonomic function, leading to an increase in parasympathetic activity and a decrease in sympathetic activity.
Overall, the effects of chiropractic adjustments on the ANS can have a profound impact on overall health and wellness. By promoting relaxation and reducing sympathetic activity, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular function, and promote overall balance and well-being.
Stimulate the Release of Endorphins
Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are a type of neuropeptide produced by the body’s nervous system. Endorphins are often referred to as the body’s natural painkillers because they can bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain. Endorphins can help reduce pain and inflammation, which can contribute to a reduction in systemic inflammation.
There are several types of endorphins, including beta-endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins. Beta-endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and are released in response to stress, exercise, and other stimuli. Enkephalins and dynorphins are produced in various parts of the body and can also bind to opioid receptors, modulating pain signals and contributing to a sense of well-being.
Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can increase the levels of beta-endorphins in the body, which may help reduce pain and inflammation. For example, one study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients who received chiropractic adjustments had increased levels of beta-endorphins in their blood serum compared to patients who received a sham adjustment.
In addition to beta-endorphins, chiropractic adjustments may also stimulate the release of other neuropeptides, including oxytocin and serotonin, which can contribute to a sense of relaxation and well-being. Overall, the release of these neuropeptides can help reduce pain and inflammation and promote overall health and wellness.
Improve Joint Function and Mobility
Chiropractic adjustments can improve joint function and mobility, which can help reduce inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. Inflammation in the joints is a common feature of conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Misaligned or subluxated joints can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, inflammation, and dysfunction. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign these joints, reducing nerve compression and improving joint function thereby helping to reduce the overall burden of inflammation in the body.
When a joint is misaligned or not moving properly, it can cause abnormal stress and strain on the surrounding tissues, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This can lead to inflammation, which can further exacerbate joint dysfunction and pain. By restoring proper joint function and alignment, chiropractic adjustments can reduce the abnormal stress and strain on the surrounding tissues, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Chiropractic adjustments can also help improve joint mobility by reducing joint stiffness and improving range of motion. Joint stiffness is often associated with chronic inflammation, as the body’s immune system attempts to protect the joint by producing excess synovial fluid, a thick fluid that lubricates the joint. This excess fluid can lead to joint swelling and stiffness.
By improving joint mobility, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce joint stiffness and improve the circulation of synovial fluid. By restoring proper joint alignment and reducing abnormal stress and strain on the surrounding tissues, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues and promote healing. Additionally, by improving joint mobility and reducing inflammation, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain and improve overall function, which can further contribute to the reduction of inflammation in the body.
Overall, chiropractic adjustments can have a significant impact on the nervous system, affecting pain perception, autonomic function, and motor function. These neurologic effects can help reduce systemic inflammation by promoting relaxation, reducing sympathetic activity, and stimulating the release of endorphins. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments can improve joint function and mobility, reducing inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues, which can further contribute to the reduction of systemic inflammation.
If you’re looking to reduce pain and inflammation, and improve your overall health and well-being, Project Chiro offers a range of chiropractic services to help you achieve your goals. Our team of experienced chiropractors use a variety of techniques to restore proper joint function and alignment, helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote healing. With our primary focus being on patient-centered care and personalized treatment plans, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you be your best possible self.
