In a world where health is the true wealth, understanding the intrinsic links between your body’s systems goes a long way toward achieving holistic wellness. At the epicenter of this health trinity is your spine, a pillar that not only holds you upright but also serves as the conduit between your nervous system and immune system. Renowned chiropractor Dr. Dan Murphy, DC, DACBO, has illuminated through his research how stress on the spine can be a roadblock to your immune system’s full potential.
The Spine-Immune Connection: More than Just Bone and Marrow
Our spine, a marvel of natural engineering, when in duress due to mechanical stresses like stuck joints, muscle strains, and poor posture, can trigger an uptick in the fight-or-flight response (also known as sympathetic nerve function). This response, while crucial for immediate threats, can hamper the immune system when it is overactive. The culprits behind such mechanical stresses include:
- Sedentary Lifestyle (Prolonged Desk Work/Working From Home)
- Repetitive Stress/Movements
- Imbalances in Body Posture
- Stuck Joints
- Muscle Strains
- Inflammation
Chiropractic Adjustments: Your Immune System’s Best Friend
A regular rendezvous with chiropractic adjustments can tame this overactive stress response, paving the way for your immune system to function at its zenith. With over 25 years of hands-on experience, I advocate for a spinal check every 2-4 weeks, especially for those with an intense workout regimen or desk-bound jobs. However, a consultation with your chiropractor to tailor a treatment plan to your unique lifestyle and needs is paramount. This regimen will ensure a harmonious balance among your bones, muscles, nervous system, and immune system.
Our clinic in downtown San Francisco is a sanctuary for those seeking immune support and pain relief. Adhering to stringent COVID safety protocols, we’ve continued our Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and Massage services, making scheduling an appointment a breeze through our online portal.
A Spoonful of Supplements: Vitamins & More
Dr. Murphy’s insights extend to the realm of vitamins and supplements. Incorporating Vitamins D, C, Zinc, and Omega 3 fatty acids into your daily regimen can be a formidable ally against daily stresses, ensuring a robust immune response. Our Immune Supporting Protocol has been crafted to guide you through the most natural, effective, and affordable supplement brands, handpicked after thorough research.
Your Lifestyle: The Silent Guardian of Your Immune System
The uncertainties and anxiety ushered in by COVID-19, among other life stressors, can heighten the fight-or-flight response, thus potentially suppressing your immune system. Taking proactive steps in self-care can mitigate these risks. Abiding by CDC’s guidelines for COVID-19, ensuring adequate sleep, exercise, hydration, and balanced nutrition are simple yet potent steps towards bolstering your immunity. Regular adjustments to optimize your nervous system and immune response are your tickets to a healthier you.
By engaging in these practices, rest assured, you are on a path towards minimized risks and optimized health.
Stay healthy, stay well,
Marshall Luck DC
References
** Article/ book references and synopsis by Dr. Dan Murphy DC DACBO, summarizing the well-documented physiologic link between the spinal joint receptors (mechanoreceptors), the nervous system, and the immune system.
The mechanoreceptors of the spine communicate with the sympathetic nervous system (Jiang, SPINE, 1997).
The sympathetic nervous system controls the innate immune response (Elenkov, Pharmacological Reviews, 2000; Nance, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 2007).
The innate immune response controls the adaptive immune response (Sompayrac, HOW THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS, 2008), i.e. “The Innate System Rules.”
The primary cell of the innate immune response is the MACROPHAGE (Sompayrac, HOW THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS, 2008).
The primary player of the innate immune response, the MACROPHAGE, activates the systemic immune response by using the sensory branches of the vagus nerve; these vagus afferents ascend to the nucleus tractus solitarius of the medulla (Tracey, Nature Reviews Immunology, 2009).
The nucleus tractus solitarius is disynaptically post-synaptic from the mechanical afferents of the upper cervical spine: (Edwards: Journal of Neuroscience, 2007; Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, 2009; Brain Structure & Function, 2015).
The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system (nucleus tractus solitarius) interface in the brain stem for a comprehensive immunological response: (Tracey, Nature Reviews Immunology, 2009).