Chiropractic & Wellness Center

(317) 580-9867

Open mobile navigation
  • Schedule a New Patient Appointment
  • Home
  • What is Chiropractic?
  • About
    • Dr. Mary Jo Johnson, DC
    • Becky Troyer, LMT, LDHS
    • Lily Rigby, LMT
    • Kurt Johnson, Digestive Health Specialist
    • Lindsay Daniel, Chiropractic Assistant
    • Makaela Shannon, Administration
    • Kriss Luckett-Ziesemer, LMT
  • Services
    • Laser Therapy
      • Low Level Laser and Bone Fractures
  • Symptoms & Conditions
    • Back Pain
    • Stress
    • Headaches
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Indigestion
    • Anxiety
  • Nutritional Guidance
    • Complete Nutritional Workup
    • Nutrition and Detoxification
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What To Expect
      • Your First Visit
      • Phase 1: Relief Care
      • Phase 2: Corrective Care
      • Phase 3: Wellness Care
    • Health Resources
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Our Office
  • Blog
  • Community Content
    • Functional Medicine Chiropractic Care
      • Chiropractic Care For Children
      • Preventing Falls In Older Adults
      • How Technology Affects Health
      • Chiropractic Care For Athletes
      • Cold Laser Therapy
      • Heat Therapy
      • Cold Therapy
    • Drugfree Alternatives For Pain Management
      • Exercise
      • Diet
      • Acupressure
      • Massage
      • Lifestyle Practices
      • Yoga
      • Tai Chi
      • Strength Training
      • Mind-body Techniques
      • Stress Management
      • Aromatherapy
    • Nutrition
      • Vitamins And Nutrients
      • Superfoods
      • Whole Grains
      • Lean Protein Sources
      • Sugar Salt And Trans And Saturated Fats
    • 3D Spine Simulator
  • New Patient Forms Online
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • A Chiropractor’s Role in Reducing Inflammation

A Chiropractor’s Role in Reducing Inflammation

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Woman experiencing pain in leg

How Chiropractic Treatment Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation has a harmful effect on your body and increases your risk of many types of health conditions. Whether you already have a disease or condition or want to avoid getting sick in the future, regular visits to the chiropractor will help you keep inflammation under control.

Why Inflammation Happens

Inflammation is one of the ways your body protects itself when you're injured or sick. The inflammatory process can make you feel a little uncomfortable but helps you heal and reduces your risk of infection.

If you have a cut, sprained ankle, or another injury, you may notice redness, swelling, and pain due to inflammation. As your injury heals, the inflammation gradually goes away. If you've been sick, inflammation also subsides as you begin to get better.

Unfortunately, inflammation can become a chronic problem in some cases. The problem can happen if your immune system reacts too strongly to germs or mistakenly attacks healthy tissues because it believes there is a threat to your health. In some cases, chronic inflammation can occur for no apparent reason.

You may be more likely to develop inflammation if you're stressed, don't get enough sleep, smoke, drink too much alcohol, are overweight or obese, don't eat a healthy diet, have a chronic illness, or autoimmune disorder.

How Chronic Inflammation Affects Your Body

Signs and symptoms of chronic inflammation aren't always easy to spot and can be confused with other health issues. Common inflammation signs include:

  • Stiffness
  • Joint pain
  • Swollen or stiff joints
  • Sores in your mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Pain in your chest or abdomen
  • Fever
  • Weight gain
  • High blood pressure
  • Rashes

If you don't take steps to reduce inflammation, permanent damage to your body's cells and tissues may happen. Inflammation can be a factor in asthma, allergies, obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and other joint disorders, according to StatPearls.

Although anti-inflammatory medications and steroids decrease inflammation, these drugs can increase your risk of serious health conditions. Depending on the medication, you might be more likely to develop kidney disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, osteoporosis, or other conditions if you take it for a long time.

Chiropractic treatment offers a safe way to treat inflammation without side effects. In addition to treatments, your chiropractor may recommend lifestyle and diet changes that can relieve inflammation naturally.

Chiropractic Care Helps Reduce Inflammation

Chronic inflammation could be related to misaligned vertebrae in your spine. If the vertebrae press on your nerves, it's difficult or impossible for crucial signals from your brain to reach the various parts of your body. Decreased nerve function can affect the way your immune system works and trigger inflammation.

In a back pain study published in Chiropractic and Manual Therapies, blood tests showed that patients who received spinal manipulation therapy had less inflammation after treatment, in addition to reduced pain. Spinal manipulation involves using quick thrusts to realign the vertebrae in your back and neck.

Reducing stress may also help lower inflammation. Massage therapy, one of the treatments offered by many chiropractors, naturally lowers stress and prompts your body to release serotonin, a hormone that helps you feel calm and happy. Massage can also reduce the production of cortisol, a hormone related to stress.

Do you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep? If insomnia is a frequent problem, you may soon notice the signs of inflammation. Fortunately, spinal manipulation, massage, and other chiropractic treatments relieve pain and stress, helping you sleep better.

Your chiropractor can recommend other ways that will help you lower inflammation, including:

  • Changes to Your Diet. Eating too many fatty, sugary, fried, and junk foods can trigger inflammation. Adding more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein to your diet can be helpful.
  • Losing Weight. Your inflammation level may rise if you're overweight or obese. Losing weight with a sensible diet and exercise plan can help you avoid serious health conditions related to weight gain and inflammation.
  • Exercising More. Making exercise part of your regular routine not only lowers inflammation but strengthens your bones, muscles, and heart while reducing stress.

Sources:

StatPearls: Chronic Inflammation

Chiropractic and Manual Therapies: Effects of Spinal Manipulative Therapy on Inflammatory Mediators in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Non-Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, 1/8/21

Chiropractic Economics: Chiropractic Adjustments Promote a Strong Immune System During the Holidays, 12/21/18

Healthline: Understanding and Managing Chronic Inflammation

  • About Chiropractic Care
    • What is Chiropractic
    • How Does it Work
    • Who is Chiropractic For
    • Vertebral Subluxation
    • Wellness Resources
  • Common Conditions Treated
    • Auto Accident Injuries
    • Back and Shoulder Pain
    • Body Pain
    • Chronic Condition Relief
      • Conditions Affecting Women
      • Headaches
    • Herniated Discs
    • Improved Health
    • Pediatric Ailments
    • Repetitive Use Injuries
    • Respiratory Function
  • Health & Wellness
    • Healthy Thinking
      • Get Positive
      • Relaxation Techniques
    • Life in Motion
    • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
      • Treat Yourself Well
      • Treat Others Well
      • Eat Well
    • Wellness Essentials
      • At Home
      • At Work
      • Exercise
      • Nutrition
      • What You Wear
    • Wellness Perspectives
      • Physical
      • Social
      • Spiritual
      • Mental
  • Therapies & Techniques
    • Techniques
    • Therapies
  • Newsletter Library
    • Weight Loss
    • Staying Motivated
    • Staying Young
    • Life-Work Balance
    • Stress & Anxiety
    • Mind-Body Connection
    • Wellness
    • Pregnancy & Parenting
    • Back, Body & Joint Pain
    • Senior Health
    • Breaking Bad Habits
    • Healthy Tips
    • Exercise & Fitness
    • Injury Rehab & Prevention
    • Kid's Health
    • Illness Prevention
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
  • Wellness4Kids
No form settings found. Please configure it.

Featured Links

  • Services

    We are a wellness-oriented family practice utilizing Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, Nutrition & Digestion, Laser Therapy, and Active & Passive Rehabilitation Therapies.
    Learn More
  • Schedule a New Patient Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment with us today!

    Click Here
  • Online Forms

    Patient forms are available online!
    Click Here

Our 96th Street office is convenient to north Indianapolis, Nora, Carmel, and Zionsville.

Chiropractic Office Hours - Dr. Mary Jo Johnson

Monday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Therapeutic Massage Hours - Becky Troyer, CMT

Monday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:50 am-7:30 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

Special appointment only.

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Lily Rigby, CMT

Monday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Tuesday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Wednesday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Kriss Luckett-Ziesemer, CMT

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

9:40 am-6:30 pm

Friday:

10:00 am-4:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Thank you Dr. Johnson - your gentle and holistic approach to chiropractic care and wellness is greatly appreciated. Your work and that of your wellness team is among the best!"
    R. D.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

    Don't Let Back Pain Get You Down This Summer; Chiropractic Can Help

    Spending too much time on the couch due to back pain this summer? Chiropractic treatment could help you salvage your summer. ...

    Read More

    Chiropractic Care for Osteoarthritis

    Tired of living with osteoarthritis pain? Your chiropractor may be able to help. ...

    Read More

    Myofascial Release

    Not all pain is caused by obvious injuries like broken bones or cuts. Some pain may stem from the myofascial tissues. These tough membranes are wrapped around your muscles to provide support and connect them to other parts of the body. When myofascial tissue becomes stiff, it may restrict movement in ...

    Read More

    Chiropractic and Headaches

    Have headaches become an unwelcome part of your life? Chiropractic care may help you finally get rid of your pain. ...

    Read More

    How to Make Sure Your Chiropractic Adjustment Lasts

    A few surprisingly simple steps can help you maintain your chiropractic adjustment results longer. ...

    Read More

    Chiropractic and Vertigo

    Medication isn't the only solution if you suffer from vertigo. Chiropractic treatment may finally stop the spinning. ...

    Read More

    The 3 Most Common Chiropractic Questions Answered

    Looking for a natural way to treat pain? Chiropractic care offers an effective solution. ...

    Read More

    How Chiropractic Care Can Help While Pregnant

    Tired of pregnancy aches and pains? Chiropractic care can ease your symptoms naturally. ...

    Read More

    How to Enjoy Summertime Activities Without Back Pain

    Want to avoid an aching back this summer? Try a few of these suggestions. ...

    Read More

    Winter Activities that Can Cause Pain and How to Prevent It

    Do you know how to avoid winter aches and pains? ...

    Read More

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for more articles

Follow Us

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map