Allergies and colds are annoyingly common. They share the same symptoms, but they couldn’t be more different.
A cold is the result of an infection that is caused by a virus. It is estimated that the average adult gets two to three colds every year. The virus entered your body due to your immune system not doing its job.
Allergies are considered to be the most troublesome medical issue today. It is a condition that affects an estimated 50 million Americans. Allergies are an example of your immune system hard at work keeping up the body’s defenses.
Chiropractic care focuses on the balance of our various systems. Those systems break down when our bodies are out of balance, and it is the chiropractic adjustment that helps our systems communicate with one another. The more that there is healthy communication between our systems, the stronger we will be. This is especially true of our immune system.
We offer specialized and unique nutritional programs that target you and your specific exposure.
What are the signs and symptoms of colds and allergies?
The symptoms of colds and allergies are very similar. Your nose gets stuffed up, your eyes water, you might cough, and it can become difficult to breathe. The differences between colds and allergies are significant. One is our immune system’s reaction to our environment while the other is our immune system’s reaction to a virus.
A cold might give you a fever and can last an average of 7 to 10 days. You begin to feel symptoms a couple of days before it takes hold. You feel run-down and your body aches but you know it won’t last forever.
Allergies can last anywhere from hours to months. You won’t develop a fever, but you will sniffle, sneeze, and feel run down until you can get clear of the pollen or dander that is affecting you.
How are colds and allergies diagnosed?
With an allergy or many times a sensitivity, we do specific testing of over 1000 antigens.
The definition of antigen is a harmful substance that enters the body which causes the body to make antibodies as a response to fight off disease. An example of an antigen is a common cold virus that causes the body to make antibodies that help prevent the person from getting sick.
If you do see an MD for allergies, he or she might do skin prick tests to see what substances you are allergic to. If your allergies are extensive, you may end up needing regular injections to build up your immune system to fight those substances you are allergic to.
How are colds and allergies treated?
There are alternative options. We do specialized testing of around 1000 antigens such as, molds, fungus, mycotoxins, viruses, bacteria, parasites, pesticides, heavy metals, food additives, chemicals, industrial toxins… to see what is weakening your immune system. Treatment consists of herbal remedies that test strong using a muscle testing technique.
The typical treatment if your allergies are mild might be an over-the-counter allergy compound to make you feel better. If your allergic reaction is significant, your MD may suggest steroids. When you have a cold, you normally treat it with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or even NyQuil. Our treatment is specific to you and your particular exposure.
Making a trip to your chiropractor for a chiropractic adjustment often helps shorten your symptoms of either cold or allergy by getting your immune system back into communication with your central nervous system and other anatomical systems.
Regular visits to the chiropractor will ensure that your immune system remains strong.
FAQ's
HOW DOES A SPINAL ADJUSTMENT CORRECT THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BODY SYMPTOMS?
When the spine is out of alignment, it puts stress on your central nervous system. This stress weakens its ability to communicate with your other body systems. Once you correct the misalignment, you strengthen your nervous system which then strengthens your immune system.
ONCE MY SYSTEMS ARE BACK IN COMMUNICATION, WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
While the results won’t be instantaneous, you will soon notice that your cold or allergy symptoms have lessened. The duration of your cold or allergy attack should decrease as well.
COULD REGULAR CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS KEEP MY IMMUNE SYSTEM STRONG?
Keeping healthy communication between the central nervous system and the immune system can definitely keep you healthier. The less stress to these systems, the more likely they will be able to function as they should.