How the Immune and Nervous Systems Work Together — and Why Chiropractic Care Matters

Your immune system and nervous system are more connected than most people realize. Together, they form the foundation of your body’s ability to defend, adapt, and heal. The nervous system acts as the body’s command center—sending, receiving, and processing information—while the immune system serves as its front line of defense, detecting and responding to threats like bacteria, viruses, and inflammation.

What many don’t know is that these two systems communicate constantly. The brain and spinal cord, which make up the central nervous system (CNS), help regulate immune responses through a complex network of signaling pathways. In return, the immune system can influence the nervous system through cytokines and other immune messengers. When the nervous system is functioning optimally, it helps the immune system respond faster and more effectively.

How is this related to chiropractic?

Here’s where the spine comes in: the spine is not just a stack of bones—it’s a protective shield for the central nervous system. Any misalignment in the spine (also known as subluxations) can create tension, interfere with nerve signaling, and disrupt the brain-body connection. This interference may compromise the communication between your nervous and immune systems.

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring alignment, improving spinal mobility, and removing nervous system interference. When your spine is properly aligned, your nervous system can function more freely—and that translates into better coordination of your immune system and a greater ability for your body to heal and adapt.

In short, a healthy spine supports a healthy nervous system, which supports a resilient immune system. That’s why regular chiropractic care isn’t just about pain relief—it’s about optimizing the way your body functions from the inside out.