Chiropractic and the Flu

It's fall again, and this is the time of year of sniffs, coughs, and flu. It's understandable that most people are worried about getting the symptoms of the flu, because it can prevent us from working well, going to school, or participating in our favorite hobbies.

Did you know that chiropractic has a long backstory with the flu? The very history of chiropractic shows a fascinating connection between infectious viruses and chiropractic care. In fact, chiropractors were not even licensed in most states of the USA in the early 1900's until after the dramatic events of the 1918 flu pandemic. Prior to this pandemic, chiropractors were often accused of practicing medicine without a license and even jailed. However, chiropractors showed amazing success at helping their patients to survive the flu in 1918, and the public perception quickly grew to accept chiropractors as healing doctors. Shortly thereafter, most states began licensing chiropractors. Today, of course, chiropractors are licensed to practice in all 50 states and many countries.

As hygiene has improved and other methods of battling the flu have been developed, much has been forgotten about the startling success of chiropractic in saving many lives during the flu pandemic.

As newly mutating viruses continue to make the news today across Peoria, Illinois, America, and the world, it is important to remember that the best strategy in defending oneself against the flu is to be as healthy as one can be. A strong immune system should be able to defeat most viruses, and strengthening the neuroimmune system is at the heart of chiropractic.