Receive chiropractic treatment to lessen the severity and frequency of your asthma symptoms. In this four part series I discuss how regular chiropractic care can help asthma sufferers better manage their condition.
In part one, I provided an overview of asthma and an overview of chiropractic treatment. In part two, I discuss specific ways chiropractic treatment helps those who suffer from asthma. In part three, I give nutritional information to help control asthma symptoms. Part four contains lifestyle strategies to help those who suffer from asthma live a healthier, fitter, more functional life.
Disclaimer: Chiropractic care is not a cure for asthma. Chiropractic treatment may help decrease the severity and lessen the frequency of asthma symptoms by optimizing nerve flow and improving spinal motion. Chiropractic treatment does not replace the use of an inhaler during an asthma attack.
Consistent chiropractic treatment helps asthma patients in four distinct areas. Chiropractic treatment to the neck, middle back, lower back and ribcage each contain specific benefits to those with asthma.
The middle back is named the thoracic spine in medical terminology. The thoracic spine contains twelve articulating vertebra and twelve spinal nerve roots.
The spinal cord begins in the brain and travels through the spinal column. Spinal nerve roots branch off the spinal cord between each individual vertebra. The spinal nerves that branch off the spinal cord in the thoracic spine transmit nerve signals between the brain and the muscles in the thoracic spine and ribcage, and the internal organs inside the ribcage.
The ribcage contains twenty-four ribs, twelve on each side. Each rib articulates with the spine and travels around the body to the front. The top seven ribs on each side, nicknamed the true ribs, attach directly to the sternum through the costal cartilage. Ribs number eight, nine and ten on each side, called the false ribs, attach to the costal cartilage of the ribs above it. The bottom two ribs on each side, named the floating ribs, do not attach to the sternum.
The costal cartilage is hyaline cartilage that contributes to the expansibility of the ribcage. As we age the costal cartilage calcifies and become bone. Child and younger adults still possess cartilage in their ribcage while older adult’s cartilage has ossified into bone.
Restoring proper nerve flow and improving skeletal motion throughout the thoracic spine and ribcage works wonders in helping asthma sufferers breathe better.
In my personal clinical experience, I’ve observed that asthma sufferers usually have multiple subluxations in their thoracic spine and ribcage. Meaning they lack proper skeletal motion in the joints between the individual vertebrae and ribs. A subluxation is defined as a skeletal misalignment or a joint which is lacking its proper motion and can be causing nerve impingement. In most cases muscle tightness accompanies a subluxation.
The primary objective of chiropractic care is the restoration of proper skeletal motion through the removal of subluxations. Restoration of proper skeletal motion serves two chief purposes: Optimizing nerve flow and increasing musculoskeletal function thus maximizing the body’s capabilities. Chiropractic treatment provides the thoracic spine and ribcage the ability to function at their highest capacities.
Chiropractic care optimizes nerve flow. Chiropractic treatment to the thoracic spine re-establishes proper nerve flow between the brain and the muscles in the thoracic spine, the muscles that move the ribcage and the internal organs.
Muscle work to the muscles in the thoracic spine and ribcage reduces their tension. The combination of the chiropractic adjustment and muscle work improves ribcage motion and function. Increased joint mobility optimizes ribcage expansion and increases breathing capabilities.
The neck is named the cervical spine in medical terminology. The cervical spine possesses seven articulating vertebra and eight spinal nerve roots.
Chiropractic care to the cervical spine benefits asthma sufferers through several methods.
The phrenic nerves originate from spinal nerve roots on both sides of the spinal cord at vertebral levels C3, C4 and C5. These long nerves originate in the neck and travel through the chest cavity and supply nerve signals to the diaphragm.
The diaphragm is a sheath of muscle that spans the bottom of the ribcage. It separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm is the primary muscle in the normal breathing process.
Normal breathing takes place when the diaphragm contracts and descends and the muscles between the ribs contract. The lower position of the diaphragm increases volume and decreases pressure in the chest cavity. A vacuum is created and air is bought into the lungs. When the diaphragm relaxes it ascends and pushes air out of the lungs.
A properly functioning diaphragm is vital for the breathing process. Unimpeded nerve signals from the cervical spine to the diaphragm are a key ingredient to the breathing process. Chiropractic treatment to the cervical spine optimizes nerve flow to the diaphragm thus improves breathing capabilities.
The vagus nerve originates in the brain not the spinal cord. The vagus nerve is nicknamed the wandering nerve because of its length and multiple duties. The vagus nerve travels down the neck to transmit signal to and from several internal organs including the lungs.
The vagus nerve helps control the smooth muscles that line the breathing airways. Hyperactivity of the vagus nerve is directly linked to spasms of the smooth muscles in the airways.
In general, chiropractic treatment balances and regulates the body. If a body part is under-reacting the restoration of proper nerve flow to the area increases function. If a body system is over-reacting the restoration of proper nerve flow helps decrease the over-reaction.
Chiropractic care to the upper cervical spine may help to lessen the hyperactivity of the vagus nerve. Normal activity of the vagus nerve decreases the muscle spasms in the airways and reduces the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms.
The chiropractic adjustment to the cervical spine helps restore proper nerve flow to the lungs and diaphragm. Unimpeded nerve signals between the brain and the breathing system is significant in the management of asthma symptoms.
The lower back is named the lumbar spine in medical terms. The lumbar spine has five articulating vertebrae and five spinal nerves.
Part of the diaphragm originates on several lumbar vertebrae. Proper motion in the lumbar spine has a direct connection to the diaphragm. Chiropractic treatment to the lumbar spine is important to those with asthma
The health benefits of chiropractic treatment reach far beyond neck and back pain. Chiropractic care to the spine and ribcage helps asthma patients in numerous ways. Utilize chiropractic care to help combat asthma symptoms.
Chiropractic care is non-invasive, non-surgical, functional medicine which restores proper physiology. Re-establishment of proper nerve flow and maximization of the body’s healing capabilities benefits asthma sufferers of all ages. Restoration of proper skeletal motion improves the breathing capacity of asthma patients.
Receive chiropractic treatment to improve your health and the health of your family. Incorporate the use of regular chiropractic treatment to reduce the severity and the frequency of asthma symptoms. Include chiropractic care in your health strategies to improve your health, fitness and functionality and to better manage your asthma.
Dr Donald A Ozello DC of Championship Chiropractic in Las Vegas, NV
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“Running: Maximize Performance & Minimize Injuries” https://www.amazon.com/Running-Performance-Chiropractors-Minimizing-Potential/dp/1493618741
**Disclaimer: Always consult a medical professional before beginning an exercise program. Always work within your capabilities. Never perform an exercise that elicits or increases pain or symptoms. Reading this article and viewing the linked videos does not take the place of seeing a medical professional. Please visit a medical professional for evaluation, diagnosis & treatment.