What are Allergies?
Allergies is an umbrella term used to describe an irregular immune response when an individual is exposed to specific pathogens or substances. Although usually occurring in bouts of mild symptoms, allergies can become severe and debilitating, with some cases even resulting in fatalities.
There is virtually no limit to what can cause an allergic response, so the cause has to be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Common allergy triggers include things like pollen, pet hair, or dust. In other cases, individuals may only have an allergic reaction to a specific type of food, insect sting, or a chemical found in a specific beauty product.
While researchers are becoming more aware of the diverse range of allergy triggers, the root cause of the allergy is often neglected in favor of treating and easing symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Allergies
Given the variety of different causes, allergies will often manifest differently depending on the type and severity of the individual’s allergy. Some common symptoms of allergies include sneezing, runny nose, hives, fatigue, congestion, swelling at the site, or, in severe cases, swelling of the esophagus, conjunctivitis, and nausea.
Individuals with severe allergies may experience a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis. This reaction can cause the individual to vomit and/or have difficulty breathing. If you believe that you or someone you know may be experiencing anaphylaxis, contact emergency services immediately.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Allergies
While an allergic reaction is triggered by an external stimulus, what is really occurring is an overactive response from your immune system. The immune system is controlled and guided by the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is located in the upper cervical spine around the upper back and the base of the neck. If this control center is impacted by a misaligned upper cervical vertebra, it can begin to send disrupted or incorrect signals to the immune system, potentially triggering an abnormal immune response.
By restoring the upper cervical spine to its correct position, blood flow and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid will be restored, and the CNS can resume its natural functions. Ideally, this may prompt the body’s natural healing processes to prevent the immune system from overreacting when faced with subsequent allergy triggers.
How Our Allergies Treatment Works
Whether you suffer from mild or severe allergies, an upper cervical chiropractic assessment could help alleviate your allergic reactions. Before we can begin treatment, our upper cervical specialist, Dr. Bello, will perform a basic assessment to determine whether you are suffering from an upper cervical vertebral misalignment. This assessment will typically involve the use of X-ray and/or cone-beam computed tomography scans.
If a misalignment is identified, Dr. Bello will perform a series of painless, non-invasive adjustments to the area to restore the vertebra to the correct position. While it may take a few treatments, this treatment plan can eventually ease your allergic reactions, or even get rid of them altogether. The entire adjustment process is pain-free, and doesn’t involve any pulling, twisting, or cracking.
If you’re looking for an alternative and natural treatment for your allergies, Dr. Bello is here to help. He offers upper cervical chiropractic care to patients in Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Westwood, and the surrounding areas.