Introduction: The Body’s Alarm System
Ever sprained your ankle or cut yourself and noticed redness or swelling? That’s inflammation, your body's natural repair system. While acute inflammation heals injuries, when it becomes chronic, it can silently cause symptoms like persistent neck pain, headaches, and lower back pain - common in Hastings and throughout Hawke’s Bay.
The Two Faces of Inflammation
Inflammation isn’t always harmful:
Acute inflammation is helpful and temporary—your immune system rushes in to heal wounds.
Chronic inflammation, however, lingers and becomes harmful. According to Harvard Health, it’s been linked to serious illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even Alzheimer’s (health.harvard.edu, health.harvard.edu).
Factors that drive chronic inflammation include:
Poor posture and spinal stress
Sedentary lifestyle
Unhealthy diet
Chronic stress and disrupted sleep
Is Inflammation Behind Your Pain?
Unchecked inflammation can:
Irritate nerves leading to tension and persistent neck pain
Trigger muscle tightness contributing to headaches and migraines
Increase joint stiffness causing lower back pain that won’t ease
Often, underlying structural shifts in the spine add stress to tissues and fuel inflammation.
Chiropractic Care & Inflammation
Chiropractic adjustments help restore spinal alignment and reduce tension on nerves and joints. Beyond symptom relief, emerging evidence suggests adjustments may lower inflammation itself.
A study on chronic lower back pain patients showed a significant reduction in inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-α after spinal manipulation (health.harvard.edu, health.harvard.edu, awakenomaha.com).
A systematic review confirms spinal manipulation as a cost-effective, guideline-supported treatment for neck and back pain (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Natural Steps to Combat Chronic Inflammation
Here are proven, practical strategies widely supported by research:
Stay Active – Even regular walks reduce inflammation (health.harvard.edu).
Choose Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Berries, leafy greens, fatty fish, olive oil, and nuts. Harvard highlights the Mediterranean diet as beneficial (health.harvard.edu).
Manage Stress & Sleep – Mindfulness and consistent sleep support immune balance.
See a Chiropractor – Adjustments can help reduce structural stress and may lower inflammation markers.
Looking for natural relief for neck pain, headaches, or lower back pain in Hastings or Havelock North? Start with a complimentary consultation at Structural Chiropractic.
🖚 Final Thoughts
Chronic inflammation could be a hidden driver behind your persistent pain. Take control by addressing lifestyle, posture, and structural factors early. Don’t just mask symptoms.
Ready to feel better?
Book your complimentary consultation today:
Address: 807 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings
Call: 06•651•1004
Book Online: Structural Chiropractic
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