Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help Relieve Allergies?

What are Allergies?

An allergy is an exaggerated response of the immune system in response to contact with a generally harmless substance, called an allergen. The human immune system is a complex structure that is designed to defend the body against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. In individuals with allergies, the immune system reacts to an allergen as if it were a harmful invader. The reaction may be mild, such as a skin rash, or severe, such as anaphylactic shock.

Signs and Symptoms of Allergies

Allergies can be triggered by a number of different substances, which means that individual symptoms will vary from person to person and will depend on the severity of their allergy. Some common symptoms of allergies include having a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, hives, conjunctivitis, and fatigue. 

In more severe reactions, individuals can experience anaphylaxis, this kind of reaction can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the esophagus. If you believe someone is going into anaphylactic shock, contact emergency services immediately. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Allergies

An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system becomes overactive, even to non-threatening stimuli like pollen or dust. While the link between allergies and the upper cervical spine isn’t immediately obvious, the connection lies in the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is responsible for sending nerve signals throughout the body and acts as a control centre for the immune system; when an allergen enters the body, the CNS will prompt the immune system to release antibodies that ‘attack’ the allergen. 

When a spinal misalignment occurs, the nerves around the upper cervical spine may become compressed and inflamed. In turn, the nerve signals to the immune system can become disrupted or over-stimulated, potentially prompting the immune system to release an excess of antibodies in response to a non-threatening substance. 

How Our Natural Allergies Treatment Works

As a more progressive form of traditional chiropractic treatment, the Blair Chiropractic Technique places emphasises on the health of the upper cervical spine to treat and prevent conditions like allergies. The Blair Chiropractic Technique uses precise, non-invasive correction techniques to restore the upper cervical spine. Unlike conventional symptom management treatments, Blair Chiropractic specialists treat allergies at their root cause.

Your initial consult with a Blair Chiropractic specialist will involve a series of observational and diagnostic assessment techniques to gauge the health of your upper cervical spine. During this assessment, your chiropractor will use a variety of diagnostic imaging tools, such as cone beam computed tomography scans or X-rays, to pinpoint the exact location of any spinal misalignments that could be triggering your allergies. 

If a misalignment is detected, your chiropractor will perform a series of certified Blair Chiropractic adjustment techniques to gently coax the affected vertebrae back into alignment. Don’t worry, unlike traditional chiropractic treatment, the Blair Chiropractic Technique will never involve any painful twisting, popping, or pulling along the spine.