Spring and late fall tend to see outbreaks of colds and the flu. The chills, runny nose and sore throat are nothing to look forward to, so take some steps to stay healthy this season. Be sure to wash your hands; cold viruses can live for at least two hours on human skin. Get some exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep. You may have heard these suggestions before, but have you ever thought about visiting your chiropractor to help ward off the cold and flu?
Rhinoviruses and coronaviruses are two agents that are typically to blame for the common cold. They both find it easier to replicate in cool weather like spring and late fall. The flu virus also tends to grow more quickly in cool weather. Now that we are starting to see cooler days you may want to take extra steps to help keep the cold and the flu away.
Your body has a system that works to flush out bacteria and viruses and other harmful substances using a fluid called lymph. Lymph is made of immune cells. Your lymphatic system has lymph nodes and ducts that your body uses like a drainage system. When your doctor feels under your jaw when you say you have cold symptoms they are probably feeling for enlarged lymph nodes to see if your body is using the lymphatic system to help clear out an infection or imbalance.
Your lymph nodes will normally drain whatever they collect out through the lymph ducts, but sometimes this drainage can be blocked or congested. Some of the ducts are located along your spine and in your neck, so if your body is out of alignment you may actually be blocking your lymphatic system and preventing the lymph from flushing the bacteria or viruses.
Your neck and back can be out of alignment for many different reasons. Muscle tension, chronic stress, a car accident, roughhousing with friends, a sports injury, a fall, any of these could be the cause. Restoring your body to proper alignment is important overall, but it can be helpful specifically in opening your lymphatic ducts so that your body can flush out harmful substances and help protect you against colds, flu and other illnesses.
A non-invasive chiropractic adjustment restores proper alignment to the neck and back. We offer a wide range of services, if you are suffering from chronic pain and are ready to find a solution, if you have been in a car accident and need an evaluation to help diagnose the damage, or if you just want the upper hand when it comes to the cold and flu, we can help you reach your goals. Dr. Elsey can help you stay healthier this cold season, come in for a free consultation and see what chiropractic can do for your overall health.
