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Inflammation has been one of the biggest health buzzwords of the last five years. Increasing research shows how inflammation is connected to chronic diseases. Today, we’re highlighting the most common causes of inflammation, including how chiropractors can help.
Several things can cause chronic inflammation, including:
• Acute inflammation, including infections or injuries • Untreated acute inflammation, which can lead to chronic inflammation and more serious is-sues • Autoimmune disorders, where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue • Long-term exposure to irritants, including industrial chemicals and polluted air • Smoking • Obesity • Alcohol • Chronic stress
Chronic inflammation is more serious than acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to the development of several diseases, including cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, asthma, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s diseases.
Traditionally, doctors will treat chronic inflammation using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over the counter options include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve). These drugs work well for short-term reduction of inflammation and pain. However, long-term reliance of NSAIDs is linked with the increased risk of ulcers and kidney disease, among other issues.
Corticosteroids, a type of steroid hormone, may also be used to treat inflammation. These com-pounds decrease inflammation and suppress the immune system, which can help prevent your body from attacking healthy tissue. Again, long-term use of corticosteroids can be an issue: it’s linked with high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and vision problems, for example.
Some supplements are marketed as a treatment for inflammation. Fish oil and curcumin, for example, are two popular ways to reduce inflammation. Some people take these supplements daily to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, for example. Others take ginger, garlic, cayenne, and other spices, which have also been linked to reduced symptoms of inflammation.
However, a growing number of people are avoiding NSAIDs, steroids, and supplements to treat inflammation; instead, they’re relying on chiropractors.
How Chiropractors Help
Chiropractors are trained to spot symptoms of inflammation. Although they cannot actually diagnose inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, chiropractors can recommend treatments for symptoms of inflammation.
Chiropractors might recommend using TENS to relieve pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, for example. TENS involves running low-level electrical current to targeted spots to reduce inflammation at the source.
Alternatively, chiropractors can use spinal manipulation to relieve inflammation. Spinal manipulation can reduce back pain and target the root cause of inflammation. Some chiropractors may also recommend a low-intensity ultrasound to relieve inflammation. By applying an ultrasound at a targeted part of your body, the waves can reduce inflammation at the source.
Consider scheduling a free consultation with a chiropractor near you today to discover how to relieve your inflammation.