Chiropractic Care and Autoimmune Conditions: 6 Things to Know

Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. They can cause a wide range of symptoms and significantly affect quality of life. Medical treatment, usually led by a rheumatologist or other specialist, is the foundation of care.

Chiropractic care does not treat autoimmune disease. Many people with these conditions also live with neck, back, and joint pain, and that is where chiropractic care may have a place. Here are six things to know.

1. The Nervous System and Immune System Do Communicate

This is established science. The vagus nerve carries signals between the brain and the organs, and laboratory research shows it can dampen the release of inflammatory chemicals. Under stress, the brain also triggers the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which changes how the immune system responds.

These pathways help explain why stress and flare-ups often go together. They are an active area of research, most of it still in the laboratory.

2. Adjustments Have Not Been Shown to Improve Autoimmune Disease

Laboratory studies by chiropractic researchers show that an adjustment can briefly change some immune and inflammation markers in the blood. A 2021 systematic review found no clinical evidence to support or refute an effect on immune outcomes that matter to health, and the World Federation of Chiropractic found no credible evidence of a clinically relevant effect.

For autoimmune disease itself, the research consists of case reports, case series without comparison groups, and one small pilot trial in 21 people with multiple sclerosis. That trial found changes in some inflammation markers and no meaningful change in symptoms.

3. Joint Pain and Stiffness Are Where Care May Help

Pain and stiffness are part of daily life with many autoimmune conditions, and not all of it comes from the disease itself. Mechanical neck and back pain is common in everyone. Broader research on spinal adjustment suggests modest benefits for some neck and back pain, though those results are not specific to the instrument-assisted techniques we use. Moving more comfortably makes it easier to stay active.

4. Flares Change the Plan

The Arthritis Foundation advises against chiropractic treatment of joints that are actively inflamed. During a flare, we avoid swollen, hot, or painful joints, and it is often better to wait until your medical team has the flare under control.

5. The Spine Needs Special Care in Some Conditions

Several autoimmune conditions affect the spine directly:

• Rheumatoid arthritis can loosen the ligaments that stabilize the top two vertebrae of the neck. This can be present without symptoms, so medical clearance and appropriate imaging come first.
• Ankylosing spondylitis can fuse vertebrae together and weaken the bone. A fused spine can fracture easily, so adjustment is generally not appropriate and medical clearance is essential.
• Long-term steroid use can thin the bones, which affects how any hands-on care is delivered.

Tell us your diagnosis, your medications, and any imaging you have had. Our practice uses gentle, instrument-assisted techniques, and recommendations are based on your individual examination.

6. Your Specialist Leads Your Care

Medications for autoimmune disease protect joints and organs from lasting damage. Chiropractic care is never an alternative to them. We work alongside your medical care, and we will tell you when something needs your specialist’s attention.

Seek prompt medical care for a painful, red eye with sensitivity to light, sudden numbness or weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a hot, swollen joint with fever.

Start With an Assessment

If you are living with an autoimmune condition and also dealing with neck pain, back pain, or stiffness, an evaluation can assess your spinal health and show whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you. At each visit, we perform a thorough assessment and adapt care to your needs.

Reach out to the At Last Chiropractic team in Lithia. Together, we can decide on an approach that complements your medical care. Book your appointment today, or start with the new patient evaluation below.