Happy Spring! Along with the anticipation of beautiful spring weather comes many individual’s anticipation of Spring Allergies. Spring Allergies are said to affect almost 25 million Americans.
We all know the most common Allergy Symptoms that work their way back into our daily routines: sniffling, sneezing, itching, watery eyes and even a rash. But for some of us, it may not just be a sneeze here or there – these allergies can have the ability to affect our everyday lives and how we function.
Pollen is for the Bees.
Airborne pollen is the most common cause for seasonal allergies.
Allergies are your body’s reaction to allergens or particles your body considers foreign. The second time your body encounters an allergen your mast cells become activated within minutes – they then release a powerful cocktail of histamine, leukotrienes and prostaglandins which trigger symptoms many associate with allergies including sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, hacking cough and itchy eyes.
Histamine can cause your airways to constrict like asthma or cause blood vessels to become more permeable which can lead to fluid leakage or hives. Leukotrienes cause hyper secretion of mucus which can then lead to a runny nose or increased phlegm. Sounds fun right?
Mold spores, dust air borne contaminants, dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches and environmental chemicals, cleaning products, personal care products and foods can all cause allergic reactions. Every person is different in what he or she reacts to.
We all know the most common treatments for allergies, they’re located in the drugstores and are usually “on sale” this time of year. Many allergy medications include antihistamines, decongestants nasal sprays and allergy shots – all of which may have side effects like increased heart rate, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
The truth is, these drugs only mask allergy symptoms and don’t actually fix the root of the issues causing the reaction.
How can you help treat your allergies without medication?
Chiropractic – I know what you’re thinking – how is fixing my back going to help my allergies? Allergy Sufferers can benefit from chiropractic – keep an open mind.
It’s impossible to understand the causes of allergies without thinking about the connection between the immune and nervous systems. The immune system is not an independent – it acts under the direct supervision of the nervous system.
When the nervous system is not working properly it impacts the functioning of the immune system. If the immune system is out of order the results can be disastrous. An immune system that is ineffective is not able to fight infection but it often times overreacts to harmless substances which cause allergies.
Chiropractic treatment for allergies is a drug free option that corrects the nervous system and disruptions that are at the heart of a skewed immune system responses. Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation is prepared to use a variety of chiropractic techniques to treat the spine and ensure ideal alignment. With proper alignment, the nervous and immune system can work optimally.
Acupuncture – Acupuncture can help treat allergies by addressing imbalances in the body with the use of acupuncture. According to traditional Chinese Medicine, allergies are caused by weak immune systems. Our acupuncture department examines our patients to discover issues rooted deeply in each individual who suffers from allergy symptoms where they may be deficient. Strengthening these deficiencies the body is able to ward off sneezing, runny nose, watery or itchy eyes all caused by symptoms of allergens.
If you are suffering from Spring Allergies or are dreading this upcoming Spring weather because of your allergies don’t worry! We can help you enjoy the beautiful weather and pretty flowers this Spring and Summer! Give our Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation office a call at 732-345-1377 to schedule a consultation with one of our chiropractors to talk about your allergy concerns.
