 | Dr. Jennifer Girth, DC, AVCA, IVCA is owner of Pittsburg Chiropractic on 302 E. 4th.
Dr. Girth received her BS in Human Biology from Cleveland Chiropractic College in addition to earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2007. She’s earned specialties in Pro-Adjuster, Diversified, Gonstead, DTS and Animal Chiropractic Care. Dr. Girth also has a passion for helping animals and received her certification in Animal Chiropractic in June 2006. For more information or to reach Dr. Girth please call 620-232-6555.
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Health & Wellness
2013-06-25 09:15:02
How Chiropractic helps you fight influenza
Q-Are there things I can do to boost my immune system?
A-When functioning properly, the immune system can help prevent you from getting sick, or helps you recover quickly when you’re ill. But a compromised immune system leaves you more susceptible to the flu and vulnerable to more serious complications, such as developing pneumonia.
Boosting your immunity is accomplished in many ways.
Vaccination
Most doctors recommend getting a flu shot each year. Unfortunately vaccines aren’t 100% effective and only work against certain strains of the virus, not all flu strains, and they can have side effects.
Natural Herbal Supplements
Echinacea is one of the most popular herbal supplements shown to boost immunity and boost recovery from a cold or flu. The same for Vitamin C and zinc.
Chiropractic
This approach improves the function of the nervous system by locating and correcting vertebral subluxations (which are areas of restriction and misalignment in the spine). Because the nervous system plays a large role in regulating the functions of all bodily systems (including the immune system), chiropractic care can significantly improve your natural immunity.
Supporting Evidence of Chiropractic
There have been several studies that reveal enhanced immune system activity following spinal manipulation. One study says researchers observed a specific category of white blood cells in blood taken from a patient 15 minutes after a mid-back adjustment.
These cells are involved in the response to sickness caused by virus or bacteria.
Another study researched the effects of regular chiropractic care on a person’s general health. After reviewing the health history of 2,818 individuals receiving chiropractic treatments, studies found that the incidence of colds and flu was reduced on average of 15% within this population.
There have been numerous other studies, including in New York City during 1918, history reveals that for every 10,000 patients that were treated medically for flu symptoms, 950 died (1 out of every 11)
*For every 10,000 patients treated medically for pneumonia (a serious complication of the flu), 6,400 died (2 out of every 3)
*When patients with the flu were treated with drugless options (including chiropractic), only 25 out of 10,000 patients died (1 out of every 400).
*For every 10,000 patients with pneumonia treated with drugless options, only 100 out of 10,000 people died (1 out of every 10)
At the same time, chiropractors in Davenport, Iowa, treated 1,635 cases of the flu with only one death. In the same city, 50 medical doctors treated 4,953 cases with 274 deaths.
Pretty remarkable results? Yes! So remember if you’re looking for one of the best, natural options to help you and your family fight the flu bug or boost your immune system, see your chiropractor.
