February 19, 2023
By Dr. Chris Weilandich, DC, LAT
Chronic systemic inflammation is a condition where the body’s immune system responds to an ongoing harmful stimulus by producing a prolonged and excessive inflammatory response. This can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and more. While conventional medical treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, can be effective in managing chronic systemic inflammation, there is growing interest and research in alternative therapies that may help to prevent or treat this condition. These include chiropractic care, exercise, nutrition, acupuncture, mind-body practices, herbal supplements, and massage therapy. There is a wealth of evidence supporting these therapies and how they may work to reduce inflammation in the body.
What is Systemic Inflammation and How Does it Affect Your Health?
Systemic inflammation is a type of inflammation that affects the entire body, rather than just a localized area. It is characterized by an immune response that triggers the release of inflammatory molecules called cytokines throughout the body. Systemic inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune disorders, trauma, and chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes to name a few.
The inflammatory response is a natural part of the body’s immune system, and it helps to protect the body from infections and other harmful stimuli. However, when inflammation becomes chronic and systemic, it can contribute to the development and progression of a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and cancer.
Symptoms of Systemic Inflammation
Some of the signs and symptoms of systemic inflammation may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Redness and swelling
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to speak to a healthcare professional including your chiropractor. They can help to determine the underlying cause of the inflammation and develop a treatment plan that is best suited for you.
Causes of Systemic Inflammation
There are many factors that can contribute to systemic inflammation, including:
- Infections: When the body is fighting an infection, it triggers an immune response that can lead to inflammation throughout the body.
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis can trigger a chronic systemic inflammatory response.
- Trauma: Physical trauma, such as a car accident or a sports injury, can lead to systemic inflammation.
- Chronic diseases: Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome can all contribute to chronic systemic inflammation.
- Poor diet: Many foods such as sugar, dairy, and gluten are very inflammatory to the body and can contribute to poor gut health leading to systemic inflammation.
- Stress: Psychological stress can also trigger a chronic systemic inflammatory response.
The Effects of Systemic Inflammation on Your Health
Chronic systemic inflammation has been linked to a range of health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular disease: Inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
- Metabolic disorders: Chronic systemic inflammation has been linked to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
- Cancer: Inflammation can contribute to the development and progression of cancer by promoting the growth and spread of cancer cells.
- Alzheimer’s disease: Chronic systemic inflammation has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Prevention and Treatment for Systemic Inflammation
Treatments for systemic inflammation should involve addressing the underlying cause of the inflammation, such as treating an infection or managing an autoimmune disorder, as well as medications to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. However, prevention is always the best option. Prompting and promoting healthy lifestyle changes and preventative measures such as chiropractic care, regular exercise, healthy diet and nutrition, acupuncture, herbal supplements, massage therapy, and stress management can help to reduce the root causes of chronic systemic inflammation and improve overall health and wellness.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care involves the manipulation of the spine and other joints to improve the alignment of the musculoskeletal system. Research has shown that chiropractic care can help to reduce inflammation by reducing oxidative stress and modulating the immune response.
One study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that patients who received chiropractic care had lower levels of inflammatory cytokines than those who did not receive chiropractic care. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that chiropractic care improved markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with chronic low back pain.
Exercise
Regular exercise has been shown to be an effective way to reduce chronic systemic inflammation. Exercise can help to reduce inflammation by reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. One study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that exercise decreased the levels of several inflammatory markers in the blood. Another study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise reduced inflammation and improved metabolic health in overweight and obese individuals.
Healthy Diet and Nutrition
Dietary changes can also be an effective way to reduce chronic systemic inflammation. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help to reduce inflammation by reducing oxidative stress and modulating the immune response. One study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains reduced inflammation in overweight and obese individuals. Another study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. This practice is based on the concept that the human body has energy channels known as meridians, and that inserting the needles at specific points along these channels can help to correct imbalances and improve health. Research has shown that acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation by modulating the immune response and reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines. One study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that acupuncture reduced inflammation in mice with arthritis by reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture reduced inflammation and pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Herbal supplements
Some herbal supplements have anti-inflammatory properties and may be used to prevent or treat chronic systemic inflammation. For example, turmeric contains curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce inflammation in the body. Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s important to note that herbal supplements can interact with medications and may have side effects, so it’s important to speak with your chiropractor before taking any supplements.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy can help to reduce chronic systemic inflammation by improving circulation and reducing muscle tension. Massage can also help to reduce stress, which is a known trigger of inflammation. One study published in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork found that massage therapy reduced inflammation in patients with chronic low back pain.
Massage therapy can take many forms, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and myofascial release. It’s important to work with a licensed and experienced massage therapist to ensure that the massage is safe and effective for your specific needs. Your chiropractor is a great first step in deciding if massage therapy is right for you and what style may be best for your specific needs.
Mind-body practices
Mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi can help to reduce chronic systemic inflammation by reducing stress and modulating the immune response. These practices have been shown to reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines and improve immune function. One study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found that a mind-body intervention consisting of meditation and yoga reduced inflammation and improved immune function in patients with breast cancer. Another study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that meditation reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in healthy individuals.
Chronic systemic inflammation is a serious condition that can lead to a range of health problems. While conventional medical treatments can be effective in managing inflammation, there are also several alternative therapies that may help to prevent or treat this condition. Chiropractic care, exercise, nutrition, acupuncture, mind-body practices, herbal supplements, and massage therapy are all examples of alternative therapies that have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.
At Project Chiro, we offer a range of services that can help to prevent and manage chronic systemic inflammation. Our experienced chiropractors can help to realign the spine and improve nerve function, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health. We also offer nutrition and lifestyle counseling, which can help you to make healthy choices that can reduce inflammation in the body. In addition, we offer acupuncture and massage therapy, which can help to reduce inflammation and manage pain.
We believe that a holistic approach to health is the best way to prevent and manage chronic systemic inflammation. By promoting chiropractic care, regular exercise, healthy diet and nutrition, acupuncture, herbal supplements, massage therapy, and stress management, we can help our clients to live healthier, happier lives. If you’re experiencing symptoms of chronic systemic inflammation or are interested in improving your overall health and well-being, please contact us to schedule a consultation.