Periods of stress activate what is called the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This innate system is often referred to as the “fight or flight” part of your nervous system. This is our body’s natural self defense mechanism and it was designed to save us in the face of an emergency. When we are faced with a stressor of any kind, the SNS kicks into gear. Our heart rate and blood pressure increase, digestion is slowed, and several other “survival” instincts go into effect. Unfortunately, because of the high-stress nature of the average American life, this system is being used far too frequently. What’s also important to keep in mind is: stressors can come in many different forms. Most of us tend to think of “stress” as psychological stress (fear, worry, etc…). While that is certainly one type, it isn’t the only form of stress. Other types of stress include physical and chemical. Periods of physical exhaustion and lack of sleep can leave your immune system vulnerable. Refined sugar (sweets), caffeine (tea, coffee) and nicotine (tobacco) can also engage your body’s SNS and impair your immune system.
Now here’s the good news: each time you have a Chiropractic Adjustment, “good” signals are sent to your brain (these signals are called proprioception). They override the “bad” signals (signals called nociception) that are perceived by your brain during “stress.” So, every time you get a spinal adjustment you are downgrading any stress response your body might be experiencing. And because of that, you are increasing your immune system function by as much as 50%. Not to mention stabilizing your heart rate and blood pressure (as evidenced by this study published by WebMD), improving your digestion and more.