A study undertaken by the Journal of Physical Therapy Science in September 2016 demonstrates that chiropractic care has a more significant impact on healthy respiratory function than previously realized.
Although some chronic respiratory conditions are genetic, lifestyle has a significant role to play. Take for example cigarette smoking, toxins and pollution in the air, long-term
exposure to air conditions (molds and other pollution are often found in air conditioning systems), vehicle emissions, emotional stress and more. The list goes on!
Although your genes may not be changeable, limiting your exposure to environmental toxins and regular chiropractic care has been shown to provide an alternative treatment reducing one’s dependence on inhalers and other medications.
Chiropractic Care Can Improve Respiratory function!
The study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science took a group of individuals aged between 20 -38 years and separated them into two groups. One group received Chiropractic Adjustments involving the realignment of the spine and nerves, the other group received fake chiropractic care. Both groups had their lung function tested before and after their treatment. The group that received actual Chiropractic Adjustments saw a significant improvement in lung function, whereas the individuals that received fake chiropractic care had no improvement.
Although Chiropractic care is not a cure for respiratory disease, it can help to alleviate the intensity of symptom by optimizing nerve flow and improving range of motion.
While in chiropractic school, several of my fellow students experienced asthma episodes. It was not uncommon to see another chiropractic student, wheezing and having difficulty, simply get adjusted and get up and breathe. With the rapidity that many asthma attacks strike, it may not be practical to avoid your rescue breather and run down to your chiropractor. Nevertheless, with regular chiropractic care lung function can improve and help you to have less reliance on medicine.
Reference:
Shin, DC & Lee, YW. (September 2016). The immediate effects of spinal thoracic manipulation on respiratory functions. Journal of Physical Therapy Science; 28(9):2547-2549. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.2547