Inflammation Can Heal or Harm
Not all inflammation is bad. In fact, acute inflammation is one of the body's most important healing tools. It kicks in after injuries like a sprained ankle or a cut to help you heal. But when the same inflammatory process doesn’t shut off, it can become chronic inflammation, a destructive process linked to nearly every major chronic disease.
At Structural Chiropractic in Hastings, we often help patients identify lifestyle and structural triggers that keep their bodies in a constant state of stress, fueling inflammation and discomfort.
What the Research Shows
Harvard researchers call inflammation a "unifying theory of disease", as it's been linked to:
- Coronary artery disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
The difference lies in how long the inflammatory process continues.
The Nervous System–Inflammation Connection
Your nervous system and hormones regulate every function in your body, including your immune response. When you’re constantly stressed, your body keeps releasing inflammatory chemicals, including white blood cells called lymphocytes.
That immune activation is useful in the short term. But when it stays switched on, it can start to damage healthy tissues, silently setting the stage for disease.
Healthy Habits to Break the Inflammation Cycle
The great news? Your daily choices can either fuel or fight inflammation.
Acute inflammation = healing. Chronic inflammation = destruction.
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that protect you, but can become harmful if over-activated.
Managing daily stress, getting enough sleep, and reducing postural strain helps your nervous system stay in balance.
Next Steps: Invest in Long-Term Wellness
Your body is designed to heal, but only if it’s not stuck in survival mode. Chronic inflammation is your body’s last resort, not its default setting.
That’s why we focus on helping patients in Hastings and Hawke’s Bay create a resilient nervous system through corrective chiropractic care, movement, and lifestyle changes.
Have questions about how to reduce stress and feel more in control of your health? We're here to help.
Science Source:
Inflammation: A Unifying Theory of Disease. Harvard Health. 2006.