Research Articles
Chiropractic Care for Allergies
Allergies reportedly affect more than 20% of Americans. And while over-the-counter and prescription medications are the most common treatment for allergies, studies have shown that chiropractic care can alleviate symptoms of allergies and actually lead to long-term remission.
What are allergies?
Allergies are your body’s immune system reacting to a foreign “allergen,” which can include pollen, mold, animal dander, certain foods, or things that irritate your skin.
What happens during an allergic reaction?
Allergic reactions start when you inhale, swallow, or get something on your skin. In response, your body produces a protein which latches onto the allergen. Then, histamine and other chemicals get released into the blood. The release of these chemicals is what causes the symptoms you feel.
What are common symptoms of an allergic reaction?
Your symptoms depend on how you’re exposed to the allergen, whether through the air, your skin, food, or through an insect sting. Common symptoms include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Feeling tired or ill
- Rash or hives
- Stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea
How are allergies treated?
Both over-the-counter and prescription medication is often used to treat allergies. Some medications ease and help treat the symptoms of allergies, like congestion and runny nose. These allergy drugs include antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, and corticosteroids.
Immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or pills is also used to treat allergies.
While these forms of treatment are often beneficial to relieving the symptoms of allergies, they do not necessarily address your body’s natural ability to fight allergens.
Chiropractic for the treatment of allergies
Chiropractic care for allergies is an often-overlooked treatment method, although it’s been proven through research to improve the body’s immune function and response to allergens.
When a vertebral subluxation exists in the body, interference occurs between the brain and nervous system, inhibiting your body’s ability to fight off allergens. Correcting these subluxations with spinal adjustments leads to improved immune function, which greatly reduces the impact that allergies have on the body.
Research supporting the treatment of allergies with chiropractic
A 1999 study titled, “The types and frequencies of non-musculoskeletal symptoms reported after chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy,” questioned 1,504 chiropractic patients. Twenty three percent of patients reported improvement in non-musculoskeletal symptoms including the ability to breathe easier, a reduction in skin irritations, less asthma, and a reduction of other allergic symptoms.
Another study, “Chiropractic adjustment in the management of visceral conditions: a critical appraisal,” surveyed chiropractors in Australia. More than 50% of the chiropractors surveyed stated that asthma responds to chiropractic adjustments. Additionally, more than 25% felt that chiropractic adjustments benefited patients with sinusitis.
Lastly, “Characteristics of 217 children attending a chiropractic college teaching clinic,” found that pediatric patients at Western States Chiropractic College public clinic commonly had complaints of ear infection, sinus problems, allergies, and respiratory problems.
After receiving chiropractic treatment, complete or substantial improvement of their chief complaint has been observed in nearly 62% of pediatric patients. Additionally, 57% of adult patients noted the “maximum” level of improvement after chiropractic treatment.
How long does it take to see results?
Patients have reportedly experienced improvement in as little as one visit, although a treatment plan involving continued chiropractic adjustments is generally recommended. Everyone’s situation is different, which is why it’s necessary to receive a comprehensive chiropractic evaluation to assess your body’s needs.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from allergies, chiropractic is a proven treatment method that’s all natural and improves your immune system’s response to allergens.
We invite you to schedule an appointment with our chiropractic office to receive a comprehensive consultation where one of our doctors can assess your situation, properly diagnose the issue, and get you started on a treatment plan to help relieve allergic symptoms and experience long-term remission.
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