By: Dr. Tyler Bohlke
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. It’s a complex process involving various biological mechanisms, all working to protect and heal you. Think of it as your body’s internal alarm system and first-aid crew. When tissue is damaged, your body releases chemicals that trigger a cascade of events, including increased blood flow, swelling, and the recruitment of immune cells to the affected area.
When Inflammation is Helpful
In the acute phase, inflammation is crucial for healing. For example, if you sprain your ankle, the immediate inflammation helps to:
- Protect the injured area: By causing swelling and pain, inflammation limits movement, preventing further damage.
- Remove damaged tissue: Immune cells clear out debris and prepare the area for repair.
- Promote healing: Increased blood flow brings in oxygen and nutrients necessary for tissue regeneration.
This acute inflammation is self-limiting, meaning it resolves as the injury heals.
When Inflammation Becomes a Problem
However, when inflammation persists beyond the acute phase, it becomes chronic, and that’s where problems arise. Chronic inflammation is long-lasting and can damage your tissues and contribute to a variety of health issues.
Causes and Risk Factors of Chronic Inflammation
Several factors can contribute to chronic inflammation:
- Unresolved acute inflammation: When the initial injury or cause isn’t fully resolved.
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
- Chronic infections: Persistent infections, even low-grade ones, can keep the inflammatory response active.
Lifestyle factors
- Poor diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can promote inflammation.
- Lack of exercise: Regular physical activity helps to regulate the inflammatory response.
- Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt the body’s ability to control inflammation.
- Obesity: Excess body fat can release inflammatory chemicals.
- Smoking: Smoking damages tissues and impairs the body’s healing processes.
- Aging: As we age, our bodies may have a harder time turning off the inflammatory response.
Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can manifest differently depending on whether it’s
localized or systemic:
Localized Chronic Inflammation:
- Persistent pain and stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Loss of function in the affected area
- Systemic Chronic Inflammation: This type of inflammation affects the whole body and is often associated with:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight gain or loss
- Digestive issues
- Skin problems
- Increased risk of chronic diseases
Health Problems Associated with Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation has been linked to a wide range of serious health conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Arthritis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Depression
- Autoimmune diseases
How Chiropractic Can Help
Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to managing inflammation and promoting overall health. Here’s how:
- Spinal Alignment and Nervous System Function: Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Misalignments in the spine (subluxations) can interfere with nerve function, which can contribute to inflammation. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractic care can help restore proper nerve function and reduce inflammation.
- Pain Reduction: Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain, which can, in turn, reduce inflammation. When you’re in pain, your body releases stress hormones that can exacerbate inflammation.
- Improved Mobility: By improving joint mobility and reducing stiffness, chiropractic care can help you move more easily. This can encourage you to be more physically active, which is a key factor in managing inflammation.
- Lifestyle Advice: Chiropractors often provide guidance on lifestyle factors that can influence inflammation, such as diet, exercise, and stress management. This comprehensive approach can help you make long-term changes to reduce chronic inflammation.
- Laser Therapy: As discussed earlier, Summus Class IV laser therapy is a tool that some chiropractors use. It can help reduce inflammation. The laser light stimulates cellular processes, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.