Thursday, February 20, 2020

Corona Virus, Spanish Flu and Chiropractic


Listening to the news reports one can not help but believe that we are all doomed to fall victim to the Corona virus making its way out of China.  Yes, it seems to be quite virulent and mortality from it is higher than typical viruses;  however, as with most viruses our best defense is to use proper hygene and keep our immune system supported.  Healthy immune function is important for everything from the cold and a runny nose, to influenza, cancer, and heart disease.  This entails getting adequate sleep, eating right (avoiding over consumption of processed foods and their additives, watching our sweetener intake), drinking plenty of fluids  and consuming vitamin C and D which have been shown to improve the resistance of the immune system.


As I thought about this, it reminded me of an historical chiropractic point.  Chiropractic came into its own during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919. (<-This link downloads a PDF)  Chiropractic historians have marked the 1918 Flu Pandemic as a major factor in the success and proliferation of the chiropractic profession as a whole.   During the time before the take over of healthcare by the pharmaceutical industry, chiropractic was actually licensed and utilized to treat many infectious disease and disorders; even polio up to the 1950’s.   As mentioned above, the best defense is a strong immune system.  So how did chiropractic help?  Multiple studies show the positive benefits of the chiropractic adjustment  here and here.  

Specifically, chiropractic has been shown to  reduce the production of pro inflammatory substances in the body,  stimulate the production of immune boosting white blood cells and enhance their activity.   Spinal adjustments have been found to increase and even kick off the production immunoglobulins which act as anti bodies against disease causing organisms.

How effective was chiropractic in its efforts against the Spanish flu?  In Davenport, Iowa, 50 medical doctors treated 4,953 cases, with 274 deaths. Throughout Iowa, excluding Davenport, 4,735 patients were treated by chiropractors with a loss of only 6 cases.   Epidemic reports show that in New York City, during the influenza epidemic of 1918, out of every 10,000 cases medically treated, 950 died.  The same reports show that chiropractors cared for 3,490 cases of influenza with only 7 deaths.  In Oklahoma there is a clear record showing that chiropractors were called in 233 cases where medical doctors had cared for the patients, and finally gave them up as lost. The chiropractors saved all but 25 of these “lost” cases.  National figures show that 1,142 chiropractors treated 46,394 patients for influenza during 1918, with a loss of only 54 patients.  These figures clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of chiropractic care in helping our bodies fight against disease.

This is only one aspect of the amazing benefits of chiropractic.  Numerous studies and research have shown profound affects of the adjustment on the musculoskeletal system, neurology, hormonal balance, immunology and even psycho-emotional states by way of modulating the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) and its effect on the body, all with virtually no negative side effects.

I would urge you to consider putting the powerful effects of chiropractic care into your wellness regime before you need to depend on the medico-pharmaceutical establishment for crisis care.  We welcome all patients, whether you are looking for an alternative or addition to your medical care.

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