Chiropractic and Infectious disease
Chiropractic and infectious disease may seem like an odd combination but in order to understand why and how drugless chiropractic treatments can affect infectious disease, consider this;
Our world is loaded with microscopic organisms such as viruses, bacteria, spores, fungi etc. – all commonly referred to as “germs” or “bugs.”
Some are harmless. Some are essential to your wellbeing and some have the potential to produce disease. Every time we go to a movie, sports event, or even a grocery store, we increase the possibility of the introduction into our bodies of all of the above organisms.
Chiropractic viewpoint coincides with today’s scientific viewpoint that many such disease producing “germs” are already present in the body or the nearby environment most of the time. They are opportunistic, only waiting for a weakening in the host body so that they can then multiply and thereby cause a problem. Keep in mind that as long as the organisms are in small numbers and cannot multiply into colonies, they pose no immediate threat to human health.
Built in Immunity – Most of us are born with a relatively strong auto-immune system which attacks and destroys most disease producing micro-organisms. During the process the auto-immune system develops anti-bodies which not only kill off the invading organisms, but often remain circulating in the bloodstream. This gives us long-term immunity and prevents the recurrence of this disease.
The question, then, is not whether germs cause disease but, rather, what causes the body’s autoimmune system to become so ineffective as to allow germs to take over?
Susceptibility to disease organisms is increased by vertebral misalignments, fatigue, exposure, malnutrition, environment contaminants, toxins, poisons, certain drugs and mental strain.
Chiropractors do not treat these diseases directly, but, instead treat them by restoring normal function to the nervous system which in turn directs and largely controls the functioning of the autoimmune system. Irritation or interference to the nervous system by spinal misalignment can affect and alter the proper function, sensitivity or conductivity of a nerve and create dysfunction and lowered resistance to infection and disease in the immune system.
Some organisms are so virulent that they overwhelm even the healthiest auto- immune system and anti-biotic therapy is some instances can be very beneficial. But everyone should be mindful that such drugs can have dangerous side effects and limitations.