Chronic Inflammation, the Fire You Can't See
Inflammation is supposed to switch on, heal something and switch off. When it stays on for months or years, it shows up as aches, fatigue, brain fog, gut trouble and weight that won't budge, and it quietly raises your risk for bigger problems down the road. We find what's keeping it going and help you turn it down.
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What Is Chronic Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation is a low-grade immune response that doesn't shut off. Common signs include joint and muscle aches, fatigue, brain fog, digestive problems, skin flares, mood changes and stubborn weight gain. It's driven by things like poor diet, blood sugar swings, gut imbalance, stress, poor sleep, environmental toxins and hidden infections, and it's linked to heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver and autoimmune conditions. At the Osteopathic Center for Healing in Rockville, MD, Dr. Neil Spiegel, DO, MBA and Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP use a functional medicine approach to find the drivers through your history and labs, then build a plan with food, gut repair, targeted supplements, sleep and stress support.
What Does Chronic Inflammation Feel Like?
It rarely shows up as one big symptom. It's usually a handful of things that don't seem connected.
When Is Inflammation Helpful, and When Is It Harmful?
The Kind That Heals
You sprain an ankle and it swells, turns red and feels warm. That's your immune system rushing in to repair the damage. Once the job is done, it shuts off.
The Kind That Lingers
A low-grade response that never fully switches off. You may not notice it day to day, but over time it wears on your joints, gut, blood vessels, brain and metabolism.
people worldwide die from diseases linked to chronic inflammation, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer, according to StatPearls (NIH).
What Keeps Inflammation Going?
Most people have more than one driver. Finding yours is what makes the plan work.
Gut Imbalance
A leaky or out-of-balance gut lets irritants through and keeps the immune system on alert. Gut health
Blood Sugar and Weight
Spikes from sugar and refined carbs, plus extra belly fat, both fuel inflammation. Weight loss program
Stress and Sleep
Ongoing stress and short sleep keep stress hormones and inflammatory signals high. Fatigue
Toxins and Mold
Water-damaged buildings, chemicals and other exposures can keep the body reacting. Mold & Lyme
Hidden Infections
Lingering viral, bacterial or tick-borne infections can drive symptoms for years. Mold & Lyme
How Do We Find the Cause?
Your Whole Story
When symptoms started, what was going on in your life, where you've lived and worked, what you eat, how you sleep. The timeline often points right at the cause.
The Right Labs
Blood work that looks at inflammation, blood sugar, hormones, nutrients and more. When it makes sense, we add gut or environmental testing.
A Plan Built for You
We go over your results together and map out what to work on first, so you can tackle one thing at a time.
How Do We Turn Inflammation Down?
Food
More vegetables, fruit, fiber, fatty fish, nuts and olive oil. Less sugar, refined carbs and ultra-processed food. We may test for or try removing specific trigger foods.
Gut Repair
Healing the gut lining and rebalancing gut bacteria so your immune system can calm down.
Targeted Supplements
Things like omega-3s, vitamin D, magnesium or curcumin, chosen based on your labs.
Sleep and Stress
Seven to eight hours of sleep and real tools for stress, because both change your inflammation levels.
Movement
Regular exercise lowers inflammation over time. We'll start where you are, especially if you hurt.
In-Office Support
When it fits your plan, IV therapy, peptides or hormone care can help you feel better faster.
Who Will Look at the Whole Picture?
Dr. Neil Spiegel, DO, MBA is an osteopathic physician who looks at how your whole body works together. Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP is certified in functional medicine and works with hormones, gut health and energy every day. Together they look for what's driving your inflammation and treat that.
What Do People Ask About Chronic Inflammation?
What Is Chronic Inflammation?
It's a low-grade immune response that stays switched on for months or years instead of shutting off after healing. Over time it can damage tissues and raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other conditions.
What Are the Signs of Chronic Inflammation?
Common signs include achy joints and muscles, fatigue, brain fog, digestive problems, skin flares, low mood, frequent illness and weight gain around the middle.
What Causes Chronic Inflammation?
Usually a mix of things, like diet, blood sugar swings, gut imbalance, stress, poor sleep, toxins or mold exposure, hidden infections and hormone changes.
How Do You Test for Inflammation?
We start with your history, then use blood work that looks at inflammation, blood sugar, hormones and nutrients. Gut or environmental testing may be added when it makes sense.
Can Diet Lower Inflammation?
Yes. Eating more vegetables, fiber, fatty fish, nuts and olive oil, and less sugar and processed food, is one of the most effective changes you can make.
How Long Until I Feel Better?
Many people notice changes within a few weeks of starting their plan. Deeper healing, especially of the gut, often takes a few months.
Request an Appointment
Tell us what you've been dealing with, and our team will reach out to schedule your first visit.
Let's Find What's Fueling It
Book a visit with Dr. Spiegel and Jennifer in Rockville, MD.
Not ready to book? Start with a free 15-minute call