Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways. When exposed to “triggers” such as dust, pet dander, smoke, or cold air, the airways constrict and may produce excess mucous hampering airflow. This makes it more difficult to breath and can lead to coughing, wheezing, and in rare circumstances even death. Deaths from asthma have greatly increased lately. The increasing dependence and over usage of medication are thought to be contributing factors to this increase in death. Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease.
Chiropractic and Breathing
The nervous system directly controls breathing and airway constriction/dilation. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is common in asthmatic sufferers. Mobility of the thoracic spine has been shown to directly effect respiratory function. Chiropractors correct subluxations in the spine which can irritate the nerve supply to the lungs and airways.
In a study of 81 asthmatic children, 73 showed significant improvement after chiropractic adjustments; 25 of them voluntarily decreased their medication by an average of 66.5%. Several reports have shown lung volume to increase after chiropractic care. In another study of patients with chronic pulmonary disease (including bronchitis and emphysema) over 90% reported improvement in symptoms after spinal care.
Sources
Eraham, RL, Pistolee RA. An impairment rating analysisof asthmatic children under chiropractic care. JVSR, 1997;1(4).
Melin G, Harajula R. Lung function in relation to thoracic spinal mobility and kyphosis. Scandanavian Journal of
Rehabilitative Medicine. 1987;19:89-102.
Masarsky C, Weber M, Chiropractic and lung volumes- A retrospective study. ACA J of Chiropr 1986; 23(9): 65-8
Kessinger R; Changes in pulmonary funtion associated with upper cervical specific chiropractic care. J Vert Sblux Res 1997; 1(3):43-9
Spitzer WO, et al. The use of B-agonists and the risk of death from asthma. NEJM. 1992;326:501-506.