Inflammation is a big problem. A very big problem. Chronic inflammation has been implicated in many diseases, and research has connected inflammation with quite a list of health issues. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), inflammation can contribute to or even cause arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, congestive heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, not to mention a variety of autoimmune diseases.
According to WebMD, symptoms of inflammation can include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Loss of joint function
In many cases, only a few of these symptoms are present. However, inflammation may also be associated with general flu-like symptoms including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue/loss of energy
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle stiffness
To deal with inflammation and pain, the ACA estimates that more than 14 million patients turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which suppress the symptoms of headaches, musculoskeletal pains, arthritis, sports injuries, menstrual cramps, and allergies—and are responsible for more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,500 deaths a year in the United States alone. NSAIDs do not provide a viable solution to the problem of chronic inflammation—and, instead of protecting from chronic diseases, may actually promote them.
According to the ACA, the causes of chronic inflammation are many. Low-fiber diets, the use of antibiotics, “leaky gut” syndrome, factory-farmed meats, dairy products, grains, food sensitivities or allergies, and refined sugars are all implicated in having some contribution to chronic inflammation. The goal is to reduce inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases without NSAIDs and lessen your risk of long-term health consequences. That means it all boils down to maintaining a healthy lifestyle – which includes less stress, getting enough sleep, exercise, and of course, proper nutrition.
That’s where we come in. At Carlson Chiropractic Center, we are committed to helping each of our patients find their way to better health – which includes deflating inflammation – and a better way of life. If you want to know how chiropractic can make a difference in your health and wellbeing and lessen your risk for disease, give us a call today!