It’s that time of the year when the trees start to lose their leaves and the air is chillier. Most people mark this season with cozy fires, flannel pajamas, and hot cocoa. But before you break out the blankets, make sure you visit the chiropractor first. Visiting the chiropractor in the winter should be on top of your list to stay healthy this season.
Strengthen Your Immune System
Winter means colds and the flu season. With coronavirus pandemic thrown into the mix, it’s important now more than ever to boost your immune system. Believe it or not, your chiropractor can play a major role in your immunity.
One way your chiropractor can increase your immunity is by adjusting misalignments in your spine. Spinal misalignment or subluxation refers to when your spine or another vertebrae is misaligned or moved from its original position. This misalignment can impair the brain’s communication with the body’s neural pathways. Because everything is connected in the body, including the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system, a subluxation can lower your immunity. Your local chiropractor will adjust your spine using a variety of spinal manipulations designed to relieve the pressure of a misaligned spine.
Combat Depression
Feeling the winter blues? SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs in the fall and winter seasons. While the true cause for SAD is unknown, some researchers believe this mood disorder is because of the lack of sunlight during the colder months. Reduced levels of sunlight can disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression.
Chiropractic adjustments are also key in combating SAD. With careful manipulations on the cervical spine, your chiropractor will release the pressure on your brain stem. If you’re looking to relax and lift your mood, a massage at our office is just for you! There are numerous studies showing the power of massage on your health, from improving your mood, resetting circadian rhythm, and increasing serotonin levels.
Alleviate Stiff Joints
As the temperatures lower, you may notice your joints stiffen and even pain more than frequently. For people with arthritis, this pain may be even more familiar with flare-ups increasing during cold weather. While wearing warm clothing is a no-brainer to avoid stiffness, your chiropractor suggests massage to really target painful joints and increase blood flow. Other non-invasive therapies to reduce joint inflammation and stiffness include exercise, spinal adjustments, electrotherapy, and laser therapy.
For more information, contact your local chiropractor’s office today. Don’t wait until the last minute to take care of your health, especially during the winter months.