Inflammation

Dr. Jimenez Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Inflammation Team. Inflammation is part of the body’s defense system that plays a role in healing. It refers to the body’s process of fighting:

• Infections
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Injuries
• Toxins

This is all done so the body can heal itself. When something damages the cells, the body releases chemicals that trigger a response from the immune system.

It plays a critical role in healing, but chronic inflammation can increase the risk of various diseases, including:

• Cancers
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Atherosclerosis
• Periodontitis
• Hay fever

It can result from different musculoskeletal disorders. This includes:

• Autoimmune disorders – example, rheumatoid arthritis
• Infections

When inflammation affects a joint, fluid can accumulate inside the joint. This can cause pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion.