What are Allergies?
Allergies occur when your body's immune system mistakes harmless substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites, for dangerous foreign invaders (known as allergens). When your immune system detects an allergen, it produces antibodies, causing the onset of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can range in severity from mild hay fever to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Signs and Symptoms of Allergies
Symptoms of allergies can vary widely, depending on the type of allergy and the person experiencing it. In most cases, allergies will produce symptoms within minutes to hours after exposure to the allergen. Some common signs and symptoms of allergies include itchy eyes, a sneezing and runny nose, asthma, hives, eczema, facial swelling, coughing, or breathing difficulties.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Allergies
Although it may not be immediately obvious, there is a strong connection between dysfunction in the upper cervical spine and allergy incidence. Because of its position at the top of the spinal column, the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine play a key role in supporting the muscles and nerves of the craniofacial region. Therefore, a vertebral misalignment in this region of the spine can not only impact the function of the airways, but it can also disrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the brainstem. Left untreated, nerve flow dysfunction can trigger a cascade of problems in the immune system, potentially triggering or exacerbating overactive immune responses to common allergens.
How Our Upper Cervical Spine Treatment for Allergies Works
When treating allergies, Dr. Gordon Elder, our in-house chiropractic specialist, employs the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique, a gentle and non-invasive approach to chiropractic care. This treatment is specifically tailored to each individual, as no two people are alike. The goal of our treatment is to eliminate airway obstructions, improve the function of the immune system, and restore natural alignment to the spinal column.
Dr. Elder’s treatment program begins with a one-on-one consultation to discuss your symptom frequency, allergen sensitivity, and spinal health. At this point, Dr. Elder will typically use a combination of conventional examination techniques and advanced 3-D imaging tools to scan your spine for vertebral misalignments. Afterwards, you’ll receive a detailed spinal health report and have an opportunity to discuss your next steps with Dr. Elder.
If a vertebral misalignment is found, Dr. Elder will perform a series of precise, low-force Blair chiropractic adjustment techniques. By gently coaxing the affected vertebrae back into their natural position, Dr. Elder will remove any impedances to nerve flow along the spinal cord and ease the impact of craniofacial dysfunction during an allergic reaction.
We strongly recommend that first-time patients return for regular check-ups (for at least 3-5 months) with Dr. Elder to check on symptom occurrence and ensure their adjustment has set. Most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder to achieve significant reductions in allergy frequency and severity.
If you’re looking for a natural and effective treatment option for your allergies, get in touch today to speak with Dr. Gordon Elder. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Elder also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.