Chiropractic Care in the Treatment of Asthma

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, "one in 12 people (about 25 million or 8% of the U.S. population) had asthma in 2009." With such a high prevalence, asthma is undoubtedly a disease that needs to be looked at. While traditional solutions like inhalers and prescription medications are commonplace in the treatment of asthma, alternative methods such as chiropractic care should also be considered as viable options.

Asthma can occur as a result of environmental factors including air pollutants (dust, smoke), or because of emotional stress or related illness. It leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, irritating cough, and can even progress into a full blown attack in which an individual requires an emergency inhaler or even medical attention. These things occur because asthma causes the lungs and airway to constrict, and inflammation makes it difficult for the body to effectively conduct and deliver oxygen to needy cells.

Many individuals with asthma have resolved to maintenance of the illness, using inhalers and medication. But chiropractic care has been shown to help improve the condition with regular treatment, and provides an alternative to these traditional therapies.

Chiropractic treatment involves the realignment of the spine and therefore the nerves, which play a role in every function the body carries out. Accordingly, chiropractic manipulation can adjust an individual and eliminate obstruction during nerve impulse conduction to the lungs and airway. By restoring the body to its natural state of alignment, nerves can function as they should, allowing organs (namely lungs) to function as they should.

In addition to bettering nerve function, chiropractic care can also benefit asthma sufferers by fixing musculoskeletal alignment problems in the ribcage and spine. In doing so, the thoracic cavity is free to expand as it should, and take in the air the body requires to live.

Because asthma is such a widespread disease, it is important to look at all the treatment options, as some individuals respond better to certain methods. Chiropractic care for the treatment of asthma is a non-invasive option for patients who have either tried other unsuccessful routes, or patients who are looking for alternatives to medications. In addition to helping patients achieve optimum alignment, chiropractors may also consult them on ways to reduce exposure to asthma-inducing allergens or triggers. Lifestyle changes like these can also be an asset in the asthma treatment process.

Always consult your chiropractor, physician or other health care professional before seeking treatment or taking related advice herein.

Story credit: http://lasvegas.informermg.com/2013/03/30/chiropractic-management-for-asthma-sufferers-part-1-of-4/