You may be wondering how having your spine adjusted can help fight off the flu and colds? Did you think chiropractic just helped your back pain? You're probably not alone in your thoughts about this subject, but I'm pleased to pass along information that may just make your winter more pleasant... not to mention the rest of your year as well. Yes, the days seem to be getting darker and the temperatures colder, so we need to be on the defense now more than ever to help make ourselves happier and healthier this winter.

I talk with people every day that struggle with understanding how the two, chiropractic and the immune system, are related. It not only makes sense that the two are related, but there is plenty of research that has proven that when your spine is free of subluxations, your chances of fighting off infection greatly improve.

One of the most important studies showing the positive effect chiropractic care can have on the immune system and general health was performed by Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York's Preventive Medicine Institute and professor of medicine at New York University.

Dr. Pero measured the immune systems of people under chiropractic care as compared to those in the general population and those under chiropractic care for five years or more. The chiropractic patients were found to have a 200 percent greater immune competence than people who had not received chiropractic care, and 400 percent greater immune competence than people with cancer and other serious diseases.

Dr. Pero stated, "When applied in a clinical framework, I have never seen a group other than this chiropractic group to experience a 200 percent increase over the normal patients. We have never seen such a positive improvement in a group."

The following are some important facts to consider concerning the connection between a healthy spine and our immune system:

• Our nervous system is housed within our spine and governs all the functions of our bodies, including those that control our immune system, such as the spleen, thymus gland and lymph nodes.

• When information to these glands is disrupted, it will affect the signals that are being sent to them and, in time, the output of immune boosting cells they generate.

• Chiropractic corrects spinal abnormalities called vertebral subluxations that result in interference of the nervous system by placing pressure on nerves.

• The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we do fall ill.

• During an immune response, the brain and the immune system "talk to each other" and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body.

• If the nervous system is not functioning properly, then the immune system cannot function at 100 percent, thus the body becomes fertile ground for bacteria, viruses and illness.

Even though you are not sick, your body may have misalignments of the spine (subluxations) that are interfering with your nervous system thus your immune system. Regular chiropractic care can help you to maintain a healthy immune system and stave off illnesses or allergies.

A chiropractic adjustment will restore the balance of your nervous system and restore the flow of energy and information throughout the body, thus validating one of the great benefits of chiropractic care! Continue with the exercise, healthy nutrition, washing hands often and drinking lots of water but also add chiropractic to your healthy lifestyle and you'll witness the improved immune system at work.

Next week I will give specific examples of testimonials from patients that want to share how their lives have dramatically improved with chiropractic care by improving their immune system.

To learn more about chiropractic and the immune system, give us a call at (208) 667-7434 or stop by our new location at 370 E. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene. You can also find us on the Web at CDAHealth.com or on Facebook and Twitter by searching for "Spoelstra Family Chiropractic."

Reference: Pero R. "Medical Researcher Excited By CBSRF Project Results." The Chiropractic Journal, August 1989, p 32.