Immunity and Chiropractic Research

Chiropractic care, by improving nervous system function through spinal adjustments, may positively influence the immune system. Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments can enhance immune cell activity, balance stress responses, and support overall health and wellness. Scientific research indicates that chiropractic adjustments may have a beneficial impact on immune system function. Studies show that chiropractic care can enhance the activity of immune cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, and may boost antibody production. Adjustments appear to influence the nervous system's control over immune responses, potentially improving the body's ability to fight infections and manage stress. Some case studies also report better overall health, reduced illness frequency, and improved immune markers like CD4 counts in specific populations. While chiropractic care is not a cure for diseases, it may support the body's natural healing abilities and contribute to stronger immune function by optimizing spinal and nervous system health.

Enhanced Phagocytic Cell Respiratory Burst Induced by Spinal Manipulation

This study aimed to measure the immune system's response following a chiropractic adjustment. Blood samples were taken from the participants 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after a spinal manipulation. The immune response of those who received the chiropractic adjustment showed a significant increase in phagocytic cell activity compared to the response of subjects who received a sham (placebo) adjustment. Phagocytes, which are key players in the immune response, demonstrated enhanced respiratory burst activity, suggesting that spinal manipulation increases the ability of these cells to respond to immune challenges. This study provides evidence supporting the idea that chiropractic adjustments may boost immune function by enhancing the activity of immune cells like neutrophils and monocytes. These findings highlight the potential benefits of chiropractic care beyond musculoskeletal pain, potentially supporting the body’s overall immune response.

Source: JMPT 1991:14:399-408.

The Effects of Chiropractic on the Immune System: A Review of the Literature

This review article examined various studies and clinical trials to investigate the effects of chiropractic adjustments on the immune system. The review suggests that chiropractic care influences the immune response by affecting the nervous system, particularly by modulating the function of lymphocytes (T and B cells), natural killer cells, antibodies, and phagocytic activity. The nervous system plays a key role in regulating immune responses, and chiropractic adjustments appear to enhance the body's immune competence by reducing nervous system interference. The paper also highlighted studies showing that chiropractic care could influence the number of immune cells, improve antibody production, and possibly help patients combat infections and other immune challenges. Overall, the review supports the hypothesis that chiropractic care has a positive effect on immune function, making it a valuable part of an overall health and wellness strategy.

Source: Allen JM, Chiropractic Journal of Australia, 1993; 23:132-135.

Noradrenergic Sympathetic Neural Interactions with the Immune System: Structure and Function

This article explores the growing field of psychoneuroimmunology, which studies the relationship between the nervous system and immune system. The authors discuss how the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s fight-or-flight response, can influence immune function. They explore the role of neurotransmitters released by the nervous system, such as norepinephrine, in modulating immune responses. The paper explains that the sympathetic nervous system can affect immune cells, potentially leading to either enhancement or suppression of immune function. The article delves into the physiological mechanisms by which the nervous system communicates with the immune system, suggesting that chiropractic adjustments may influence this communication, thereby optimizing immune responses. This research lays a foundation for understanding how chiropractic care, which influences the nervous system, could have a broader impact on health, including immune function.

Source: Felton, D.L., et al., Immunol Rev 100:225-260, 1987.

A Comparative Study of the Health Status of Children Raised Under the Health Care Models of Chiropractic and Allopathic Medicine

This study compared the health outcomes of children raised under chiropractic care with those under traditional allopathic medicine. The research found that children under chiropractic care had a reduced need for medications, including antibiotics, suggesting that chiropractic care may help prevent illness and reduce reliance on pharmaceutical treatments. The study observed that children under chiropractic care had fewer health problems overall, experienced fewer infections, and reported better overall health and vitality. These findings support the idea that chiropractic care may improve immune function, reduce the incidence of illness, and promote better health outcomes by focusing on natural healing processes and improving nervous system function. The study encourages further exploration into how chiropractic care may contribute to improved health outcomes, especially in children.

Source: Van Breda, W.M., and Juan M., Journal of Chiropractic Research Summer 1989.

An Overview of Neuroimmunomodulation and a Possible Correlation with Musculoskeletal System Function

This article discusses the concept of neuroimmunomodulation, which refers to the interaction between the nervous and immune systems. It highlights the growing body of research indicating that immune cells, like T-lymphocytes, have receptors for neuromodulators and neurohormones. These receptors allow immune cells to communicate with the nervous system, suggesting that the immune system can be regulated by nervous system activity. The paper proposes that chiropractic adjustments, which influence nervous system function, may help optimize immune responses. The relationship between the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and immune system is explored, with the conclusion that chiropractic care may help restore balance and improve overall immune system function. This research provides a scientific basis for the potential health benefits of chiropractic care beyond musculoskeletal disorders, especially in terms of immune support.

Source: Fidelibus J., Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 12:4, 1989.

Chronic Hyperemesis in Two Siblings with AIDS: A Case Report

This case report follows two young siblings with AIDS who suffered from severe hyperemesis (vomiting) and other health challenges. Both children were treated with chiropractic care, which included adjustments to spinal subluxations. After several weeks of chiropractic care, significant improvements were noted in both children, including reduced vomiting, better mobility, and an overall improvement in health. The older sibling, who had been using a walker and had significant cognitive impairments, experienced improvements in walking and eating solid food. The younger sibling, who had chronic ear infections, also showed dramatic improvements, including cessation of ear infections and a significant reduction in viral load. The case report suggests that chiropractic care may play a role in improving immune function and supporting the body’s ability to combat chronic health issues, especially in children with severe conditions like HIV/AIDS.

Source: Fallon, J., Int’l Chiropractic Association Review, Summer 2002.

Chiropractic Treatment and Antibody Levels

This paper investigated the effect of chiropractic care on antibody levels in patients. The study found that three out of four patients under chiropractic care showed increased levels of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in their blood serum. The author suggested that vertebral subluxations may cause stress on the body, leading to an imbalance in immune function. Chiropractic adjustments, by correcting these subluxations, may help restore proper immune system function and lead to an increase in antibody production. This study provides further evidence that chiropractic care may have a positive impact on the immune system by supporting the body’s ability to fight infections and improve overall health.

Source: Alcorn, S., Journal of the Australian Chiropractic Association, 1977.

Enhanced Phagocytic Cell Respiratory Burst Induced by Spinal Manipulation: Potential Role of Substance P

This study focused on the effect of spinal manipulation on phagocytic cells, particularly monocytes and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). The research demonstrated that spinal manipulation increased the activity of these immune cells, which are essential for fighting infections. The researchers found that the neurotransmitter substance P, released during spinal manipulation, played a role in priming these immune cells for enhanced activity. The study provides strong evidence that spinal manipulation can have immediate effects on the immune system, enhancing the body's ability to respond to infections and other challenges. This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of chiropractic care in improving immune system function.

Source: Brennan PC, Kokjohn DC, Killinger CL, et al., Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Vol. 14 No 7, Sept 1991.

Enhanced Neutrophil Respiratory Burst as a Biological Marker for Manipulation Forces: Duration of the Effect and Association with Substance P and Tumor Necrosis Factor

Building upon earlier research, this study examined the biological effects of spinal manipulation on neutrophils, a type of immune cell. The researchers found that spinal manipulation led to a prolonged increase in neutrophil activity, even after the adjustment had been completed. The study also found elevated levels of substance P, a neurotransmitter, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is involved in immune response and inflammation. These findings suggest that chiropractic adjustments may prime immune cells for enhanced function, which could help the body respond more effectively to infections and other immune challenges. This research further supports the idea that spinal manipulation has a direct, positive effect on immune function.

Source: Brennan PC, Triano JJ, McGregor M, et al., Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Vol. 15 No. 2, Feb 1992.

The Effect of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy on Salivary Cortisol Levels

This study investigated the impact of chiropractic care on cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. The researchers measured the cortisol levels in the saliva of participants before and after a period of chiropractic care. They found that chiropractic adjustments were associated with a reduction in cortisol levels, suggesting that chiropractic care may have a calming and restorative effect on the body. The results support the idea that chiropractic care can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being by influencing the body's hormonal balance. This research suggests that chiropractic care may have benefits beyond musculoskeletal pain relief, contributing to stress management and improved physical health.

Source: Tuchin PJ, Journal of Australasian Chiropractic and Osteopathy, July 1998; 7(2), pp. 86-92.

Immunologic Correlates of Reduced Spinal Mobility: Preliminary Observations in a Dog Model

In this animal study, the researchers explored the relationship between spinal mobility and immune function. They surgically fused the spinal joints in several beagles, restricting their spinal mobility, and compared their immune responses with those of a control group. The study found that the dogs with restricted spinal mobility showed depressed immune cell activity, particularly in phagocytic cells. These findings suggest that spinal joint fixation, which limits mobility, may lead to immune suppression. The study supports the idea that chiropractic care, which restores spinal mobility, may help enhance immune function by preventing the negative effects of spinal joint fixation.

Source: Brennan PC, Kokjohn K, Triano JJ, et al., In: Proceedings of the 1991 International Conference on Spinal Manipulation, FCER, pp. 118-121.

The Effects of Specific Upper Cervical Adjustments on the CD4 Counts of HIV Positive Patients

This study investigated the effects of upper cervical chiropractic adjustments on immune function in HIV-positive patients. The researchers monitored CD4 cell counts (a key indicator of immune function) in patients who received regular upper cervical chiropractic adjustments. Over six months of care, patients showed an average increase of 48% in their CD4 cell counts, suggesting a positive effect of chiropractic care on immune function. These findings are significant because CD4 cell counts are used to assess immune system strength in people living with HIV. The study adds to the body of evidence suggesting that chiropractic care can play a supportive role in enhancing immune system function, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Source: Selano JL, Hightower BC, Pfleger B, et al., Chiropractic Research Journal, 1994; 3(1): 32-39.

Chiropractic and HIV Infection

This article explores the potential benefits of chiropractic care for individuals with HIV. It suggests that chiropractic care may help HIV-positive individuals by reducing stress, improving nervous system function, and promoting overall health. The article argues that the stress-reducing effects of chiropractic adjustments may be particularly beneficial for people living with HIV, as chronic stress can negatively impact immune function. By improving the body's ability to cope with stress and optimizing nervous system function, chiropractic care may support better immune responses and overall well-being in HIV-positive patients.

Source: Martin, C., Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, 1995; 3212:41-44.

Priming of Neutrophils for Enhanced Respiratory Burst by Manipulation of the Thoracic Spine

This study focused on the effects of spinal manipulation, particularly to the thoracic spine, on immune cell activity. The researchers found that spinal manipulation primed neutrophils, enhancing their respiratory burst activity, which is essential for the immune system’s ability to combat pathogens. The study supports the idea that chiropractic care can influence immune function by enhancing the activity of key immune cells, such as neutrophils, that play a central role in fighting infections.

Source: Brennan P., and Hondras M., Proceedings of the 1989 International Conference on Spinal Manipulation, Pub: FCER: Arlington, VA, pp.160-163.

Chiropractic Care in Adult Spina Bifida: A Case Report

In this case report, an adult with spina bifida who had been receiving chiropractic care for five years reported improvements in symptoms such as muscle spasms, balance, and bladder control. The patient had previously experienced chronic pain and disability related to spina bifida, but chiropractic care helped manage these issues and led to better functional outcomes. This case suggests that chiropractic care may support immune function and overall health in individuals with chronic, complex conditions.

Source: Thomas RJ, Wilkinson RR, Chiropractic Technique, 1990; 2:191-193.

The Side Effects of Chiropractic Adjustment

This case report discusses the health improvements experienced by children under regular chiropractic care. These children showed a reduction in the frequency of illnesses and a lower need for medications, such as antibiotics. The report also highlights that chiropractic care may help reduce the incidence of common childhood illnesses, suggesting that chiropractic adjustments may play a role in supporting the immune system and improving health outcomes. The findings of this case study are consistent with the idea that chiropractic care may offer a holistic approach to health, addressing not just musculoskeletal issues but also contributing to better immune function.

Source: Burnier, A., Chiropractic Pediatrics, Vol. 1 No. 4, May 1995.