An estimated 25 million Americans live with asthma, which equates to 1 in every 13 Americans. If you or someone you know has asthma, you are likely using traditional methods to treat your asthma symptoms. This includes various types of asthma medications and inhalers. Like several other health conditions, asthma does not have a cure. However, did you know that chiropractic care is another all-natural option to identify and treat the source of your health condition? Keep reading to find out how chiropractors can help patients with asthma.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a long-term lung disease that makes it difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. This is a serious disease that can be fatal when not properly managed. While there is no cure, asthma can be managed with medications and therapy to achieve a normal, healthy life. Some people are born with this disease, while others don’t develop it until later in life.
Typically, an asthmatic person’s airways in their lungs are swollen and inflamed. This makes the airways very sensitive to things you are exposed to, known as asthma triggers. Triggers can range from the weather and dust to pet danger and smoke. When a person inhales these triggers, this causes their airways to become more swollen, thus making it harder to move air in and out of the lungs. As the muscles around the airways tighten, this makes it more difficult to breathe. Indeed, this is called an asthma attack, flare-up, or episode.
Asthma Symptoms
- Changes in your lung functions
- Feeling tired or weak when exercising
- Feeling tired, upset, or moody
- Having shortness of breath
- Losing your breath easily
- Symptoms of a cold or allergies (i.e. cough, headache, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat)
- Trouble sleeping
Causes of Asthma
- Allergies
- Environmental factors (animal hair, cockroaches, dust, chemical and paint fumes, feathers, mold, and weather)
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Smoking tobacco
- Stress
How Chiropractors Can Help Patients with Asthma
The body’s respiratory system is linked to your spinal health. The brain and spinal cord make up the nervous system. When there is any dysfunction of this nervous system, this can cause serious issues within the body, including the respiratory system. Indeed, spine misalignments are a common cause of any disruption of the nervous system. These misalignments can worsen asthma symptoms, which is not ideal for patients with asthma.
Luckily, a licensed chiropractor can perform gentle, safe adjustments that will identify and remove any misalignments. In turn, this will help the body function better and help patients better manage their chronic lung disease. Additionally, receiving regular adjustments can help the immune system function properly, which can reduce the risk of becoming sick. Since colds can significantly worsen asthma symptoms, you can see how chiropractic care is an excellent therapy to consider.
Chiropractic Research
There are numerous studies showing the benefits of chiropractic care for patients living with asthma. In one study, a three year old boy suffering from asthma since birth had several asthma attacks every week. After receiving one month of regular chiropractic adjustments, the child had a major reduction in his asthma symptoms. Overtime, the child experienced no more symptoms.
In another study in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 81 children living with asthma received chiropractic treatment. After two months of care, the children experienced a 45 percent in the number of asthma attacks they experienced. Furthermore, 31 percent of the study group chose to reduce the amount of asthma medication they were taking prior to the chiropractic care.
As you can see, chiropractic care is an effective supplement treatment for patients with asthma. It’s recommended to talk with your primary care doctor to determine what your best options are. Like others, you may find that chiropractic is a great stand-alone or pairs well with your medication or inhaler. No matter what option you decide, we encourage you to discover how the experts at Awaken Chiropractic in Parker and Denver, Colorado can help you awaken your health and better manage your asthma symptoms and attacks.
