HARTFORD, Conn. -- Chiropractor Dr. Gina Carucci says there may an alternative to over-the-counter medications used in treating the common cold.

Video: Does Chripractic Fight Colds?

Carucci told Hartford television station WFSB that getting an adjustment may help to improve the immune systems.

"There have been studies that show that various immune cells and markers are elevated when people are in chiropractic care," said Carucci.

Dr. Rolf Knoll, of St. Francis Hospital, said however that common cold is caused by a virus and it must run its course.

"You can treat the symptoms, but you really can't treat the common cold," said Knoll.

The station reported that chiropractors say that chiropractic treatment can shorten the duration of a cold.

Carucci said she conducts a motion palpation on some patients to analyze where there might be that restricted segment of the body. She said restrictions can be resolved by placing her hand on the affected area and applying a little pressure.

Mary Sulla, a patient of Carucci, said she credited her cold-free winter to the chiropractic care she's been receiving for almost a year.

"I found, being a first grade teacher, I'm with little kids with colds galore. I haven't missed a day of work this year and it's the first time in 18 years that I haven't been sick in the fall," said Sulla.