Chiropractic Benefits for Allergies

Seasonal allergies can give you a whole lot of grief, and if you're like everyone else who struggles, you've probably tried just about every remedy: allergy meds, nasal sprays, humidifiers—you name it. But here's something that might have slipped your mind: how about trying a chiropractor?

You probably know chiropractors for fixing back problems, but studies indicate that it could also help with your immune system and maybe even ease up those nasty allergy symptoms. Let's look at what the research says and what some patients have gone through.

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How the Spine and Immune System Connect

Chiropractic care is based on the understanding that spinal alignment can influence the function of the nervous system, which plays an essential role in coordinating many of the body’s physiological processes, including immune responses. When areas of the spine are not moving properly, it may contribute to altered nerve signaling. In some individuals, this can be associated with increased muscle tension, stress responses, or other factors that may influence how the body manages inflammation.

While chiropractic adjustments are not a cure for allergies, they may support overall well-being by improving spinal mobility and reducing sources of physical stress that can affect the nervous system. By promoting better neuromusculoskeletal function, chiropractic care may help the body regulate inflammatory responses more effectively, potentially making allergy symptoms easier to manage.

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Research Spotlight: Chiropractic and Allergy-Related Symptoms

Crohn’s Disease and Allergy Relief

Terret & Yamaguchi, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research

One controlled study followed 57 patients with Crohn’s disease—many of whom also reported allergy issues. Seventeen patients received chiropractic adjustments while continuing their regular medications. Results included:

• 12 of 17 achieved long-term remission
• 9 reported symptom relief

Researchers observed that vertebral subluxations in the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions were common among these patients. They proposed that correcting these misalignments may improve nerve communication tied to digestion and immune response (Terret & Yamaguchi, JVSR).

Sinus and Breathing Improvements

Kessinger & Bonita, Chiropractic Research Journal, 2000

A 27-year-old man suffering from chronic sinusitis, headaches, and insomnia experienced 50% fewer symptoms in three weeks and became symptom-free after three months of upper cervical adjustments. Imaging confirmed correction of an atlas misalignment.

Self-Reported Improvements in Thousands of Patients

Leboeuf-Yde et al., Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1999

In a study involving 1,504 questionnaires, 23% of patients reported improvements in non-musculoskeletal symptoms after chiropractic care, including:

• Easier breathing
• Improved digestion
• Better circulation
• Reduced asthma/allergy symptoms

While these outcomes are self-reported and not proof of cause-and-effect, they highlight a trend clinicians frequently observe.

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Case Examples: When Chiropractic Helps Allergy-Like Conditions

A four year old boy who was suffering from stuffy sinuses, vomiting, and terrible headaches found himself nearly fully recovered after getting chiropractic adjustments for six months. The vomiting stopped altogether and he started eating regularly again (McCarthy, R ICPA Newsletter July/August 1997).

Another survey of Australian chiropractors turned up an interesting pattern: over 50% said they see asthma symptoms improve after a single adjustment - and more than a quarter of them also report reductions in sinus problems, constipation, migraines, and indigestion in their patients - (Jamison JR, McEwen AP, Thomas SJ. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1992; 15:171-180.).

Even pediatric clinics lean on chiropractic treatment to make a real difference—kids that undergo chiropractic care tend to come down with fewer infections and get prescribed fewer antibiotics than kids only getting mainstream medical treatment - (Van Breda, WM and JM. Journal of Chiropractic Research Summer 1989).

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Learn More About Natural Allergy Support

If you’re exploring holistic ways to manage allergies or respiratory symptoms, chiropractic care may be a valuable piece of your wellness plan.

Explore our services:

• Chiropractic Care 
• Allergy Relief Solutions 
• Upper Cervical Chiropractic 

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Ready to Start Feeling Better This Allergy Season?

Elevate Chiropractic offers personalized, patient-centered chiropractic care designed to support your overall health—including how your body responds to allergens. If you’re interested in a more natural approach, or an option to add to your existing treatment, schedule your consultation today and discover whether chiropractic care can help you breathe easier with less allergy nuisance.

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