Asthma is an inflammatory condition that constricts the airways and affects the bronchial area. Symptoms for this chronic illness includes wheezing, coughing, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing.
Naturally, not every asthma patient will experience all of the same symptoms. In addition, some people have more severe effects from the disease than others. A serious asthma attack could be characterized by prolonged wheezing, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and sometimes, extremity numbness. Asthma attacks, whether believed serious or not, warrant immediate attention.
So what causes asthma? Some experts believe that certain people have an inherited predisposition to the condition. Moreover, environmental triggers, like cigarette smoke and other air pollutants, may also be a cause. Some childhood allergy sufferers go on to develop asthma. However, most do not.
What does chiropractic care have to do with asthma? Well, chiropractors treat asthma patients! First of all, an evaluation of the spine is needed. Misaligned segment of the spine can put pressure on the nerves and may result in abnormal nerve functioning. Chiropractic adjustments tailored to the asthma patient work to restore the alignment of the spine, enhance the nervous system, and increase thoracic cage motion. The effect could be fewer asthma symptoms.
In fact, studies have indicated that chiropractic care has resulted in some asthma relief for an impressive number of patients. However, that is not to suggest that chiropractic care should substitute traditional medicinal therapy, it should not. Asthma patients should continue to see their doctors and take their medication as prescribed. Still, some asthmatics who undergo regular chiropractic treatments realize steady progress and go on to minimize (or even negate) their need for medication (which is always a good thing!). Certainly not everyone reacts in the same, but the outlook is promising.
Can chiropractic treatments help asthma patients? Studies and many patient testimonies suggest they can.