There’s a lot of talk about chronic inflammation these days for good reason. Inflammation itself is not bad when it is doing its job. Acute inflammation is a healing function of the body as a response to trauma such as a sports injury or illness such as a sore throat. The problem is when inflammation becomes chronic and has the potential to cause chronic disease.
What Does the Research Say?
Studies done in recent years show a link between C-reactive protein and the increased risk of stress and depression. C-reactive protein or CRP is a known byproduct of inflammation in the body. CRP is released by the liver into the bloodstream and can be determined with a simple blood test. Researchers have found that people with higher levels of CRP have higher incidences of depression related hospitalization, are prescribed depression related medications more often and report higher levels of stress. The increased risk was double or triple that of people with low CRP levels.
Does Inflammation Cause Stress, or Does Stress Cause Inflammation?
While studies have shown a link between inflammation in the body and stress related illness, more research needs to be done to determine what exactly is behind the link. One possibility lies in the link between elevated CRP levels and increased levels of specific cytokines that are known to increase stress. Other studies have shown that chronic stress can affect the immune system, causing the body to think it needs to protect itself from trauma or illness that doesn’t exist.
What Can You Do?
Treating chronic inflammation may help fight depression. And decreasing stress and depression can help eliminate inflammation from the body, stopping the vicious circle in its tracks. At Advanced Wellness and Rehab we help patients who have found no relief in conventional conservative treatments. Learning to live with pain and the often resulting in depression is not your only solution. Call us today for your free consultation to get started down the road to long term wellness.
