Is your body failing? Is it turning on itself and leaving you in pain, debilitated, and frustrated – you could have an Autoimmune Disease.

WHAT IS AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?

Autoimmune Diseases come in many different forms, some of which you know of, others that are more rare, and even some that would likely surprise you. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, thyroid diseases, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, psoriasis, and many more.

With millions affected worldwide, autoimmune disorders are now becoming a leading cause of death among young and middle-aged women!

WHAT CAUSES AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?

Although this is a complicated topic, the common thread that defines this category is the “body attacking itself”.

Operating as an organized, well-orchestrated system, the body maintains tight regulation of every single activity in order to best adapt, survive and hopefully thrive in a given environment.

The one caveat, and what is found to be a major contributing factor to autoimmunity is the one’s lifestyle choices. Yes, genetics surely play a role, but it’s the decisions you make that will have the largest effect.

Factors range from exposure to toxins like heavy metals or mould, bacterial overgrowth and infection, or chronic inflammation from numerous sources including gut permeability and a sedentary lifestyle. Additional factors include stress, medication use, poor sleep…essentially anything that negatively impacts your health and body’s function could precipitate autoimmunity.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

1. Joint and muscle pain.
2. Fatigue.
3. Weight loss.
4. Fever.
5. Dry eyes, mouth, or skin.

HOW TO START “THE FIX”

The traditional medical approach for an autoimmune disease will very likely include immune suppressant and anti-inflammatory medication. While that may work for some short-term symptom reduction, those medications are not without serious long-term side effects and will only address the collateral damage from these conditions.

Here are some steps that will yield big returns by improving the body’s function and giving it the best chance at slowing down the process and in many cases, even building better health than what had existed prior to an autoimmunity diagnosis.

Exercise

It almost goes without saying, but engaging in a regular training program that improves strength, mobility, and conditioning will have a positive effect on nearly every measurable aspect of the body’s function. This includes immune system health and reduction of chronic inflammation, both important outcomes in those suffering from an autoimmune condition.

Diet

Another no-brainer… obviously diet is a key component to improving the chances of recovery. However, what may surprise you most is what is NOT included in the recommended fuel sources.

With grain consumption playing a role in gut permeability and leading to autoimmunity, removing grains (especially gluten-containing grains) is a fundamental step in the healing and repair process.

If damage to the gut remains unchanged, improvements and even resolution of some disorders is unlikely.

In addition, reducing processed carbohydrates while increasing quality protein and good fats will accelerate the benefits to someone undergoing an autoimmune progression.

Stress Reduction

Lastly, anything you can to improve or enhance your body’s ability to handle stress is going to be a massive bonus. This includes correcting neuro-spinal problems, getting more quality rest, managing your workload, and disconnecting from our digital devices more often.

Do you have an Autoimmune Disease? What has worked for you? We’d love to hear from you!

Dr. Steven Gall has been offering exceptional chiropractic care to infants, children and adults for over 25 years. He has spent his life learning, and improving his knowledge, skills and ability to provide his care. As a public speaker and health coach he strives to assist people in seeing and attaining a life of extraordinary health. Contact the office to join others who have started the same journey.

Given that The World Health Organization estimates the lifetime prevalence of non-specific back pain at 60-70%, it just makes sense that you understand what could be causing it and how to start solving your problem once and for all!

 Here are 9 possible reasons you have back pain.

1. Sciatica

Sciatica is technically not a diagnosis but a description of a grouping of symptoms.

Any condition that increases pressure on the lumbar nerves or directly to the sciatic nerve can cause debilitating pain. 

2. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can be a byproduct of aging but also a side effect of injury and immobility.

As the cartilage between discs and joints becomes damaged, normal movement can become difficult and painful.

3. Soft Tissues

Strain and sprain injuries to the muscles and ligaments around the spine can be a common source of pain.

This type of pain can be more diffuse and spread further into the muscles along the spine.

4. Disc Degeneration

The deterioration of intervertebral discs can occur with the normal wear and tear of aging or can be accelerated with abnormal forces placed on the spine.

While disc degeneration is not always a cause of back pain, there is a higher incidence of chronic low back pain in those with severe disc degeneration.

5. Herniated Disk

If the spinal discs reach a point where the disc ruptures, increased pressure may be placed directly on the nerve roots or the walls of the disc can become irritated… both causing back pain.

6. Stress

It is common to assume that pain in the back also means there’s a physical problem in that area… research continues to say “not necessarily”.

Stress can affect our levels of back pain and improved management of stress can aid in the recovery process.

7. Smoking

Believe it or not, puffing away on a cigarette can make your back hurt even more.

Whether it is increased joint inflammation or altered blood supply, the chemicals found in cigarettes increase the chance you’ll suffer from back pain.

8. Hypermobility and Weakness

One of the most often missed culprits causing lower back pain is too much movement, especially in the lumbar spine. This is one of the reasons creating more movement in an already mobile lumbar spine could be detrimental.

Strengthening tissues around the spine with compound exercises such as deadlifts (yes I said deadlifts) can be integral to the healing process.

9. Other

Of course, let’s not forget there can be many other causes of back pain.

The source of pain could be postural distortion, indigestion, a urinary tract infection, a fracture or not to scare you… even cancer.

Well, it’s complicated.

If you’ve ever wondered why some people will have success with one intervention while others with back pain are still suffering… now you know.

The most likely scenario is because there’s a mixture of different factors at work.

Try Something Different

With back pain being one of the top reasons for visits to physicians, days off work, and disability, it seems to make sense we approach back pain from a different and multi-factorial perspective.

The shortlist includes:

1. Strength Training, Conditioning and Proper Mobility / Stability
2. Dietary Improvements
3. Bio-Structural Testing and Correction (Corrective Chiropractic)
4. Stress Management

Which of these have you tried?

What worked for you?

Dr. Steven Gall has been offering exceptional chiropractic care to infants, children and adults for over 25 years. He has spent his life learning, and improving his knowledge, skills and ability to provide his care. As a public speaker and health coach he strives to assist people in seeing and attaining a life of extraordinary health. Contact the office to join others who have started the same journey.

Chiropractic is the world’s largest drugless health profession and continues to change and transform millions of lives for the better. However, along the way, a handful of myths have emerged that inhibit people’s understanding and therefore the inclusion of chiropractic into their regular health-creating routine.

Let’s put these misunderstandings to rest and help millions more experience the incredible benefits that come from a clear brain-body connection.

Dr. Steven Gall has been offering exceptional chiropractic care to infants, children and adults for over 25 years. He has spent his life learning, and improving his knowledge, skills and ability to provide his care. As a public speaker and health coach he strives to assist people in seeing and attaining a life of extraordinary health. Contact the office to join others who have started the same journey.