What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the airways. Left untreated, asthma-induced swelling can cause narrowing and excess mucus production along the airways. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Many people with asthma also have allergies, with environmental factors like smoke or air pollution often triggering or exacerbating asthma symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Asthma
Common signs and symptoms of asthma include a whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling, shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, coughing, and trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing. Symptoms can vary in severity, with some people only experiencing occasional symptoms while others may have more frequent or even daily symptoms. For some people, symptoms may only occur during certain activities like exercise, while for others, symptoms may be more constant. In severe cases, an asthma attack can cause low blood oxygen levels, bluish skin coloration, and heart rate arrhythmia.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Asthma
Many people with asthma also have allergies, with environmental factors like smoke or air pollution often triggering or exacerbating asthma symptoms. One study showed that upper cervical chiropractic care may help alleviate asthma symptoms by reducing the number of inflammatory cytokines in the body. Cytokines are a type of protein that the body releases in response to infection or inflammation.
Another study looked at the effect of vertebral misalignments on airflow and lung function in asthmatic patients. By correcting these misalignments, the patients' airways were less susceptible to swelling and inflammation, reducing the severity and frequency of asthma attacks.
How Our Upper Cervical Spine Treatment for Asthma Works
Our upper cervical chiropractic specialist, Dr. Gordon Elder, is an expert practitioner of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This technique focuses on rebooting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, reducing inflammation, and restoring natural alignment to the spinal column.
When working with asthma patients, Dr. Elder employs a two-step process to treatment. The first step is a 25-30-minute consultation to discuss symptoms, medical history, and spinal health. To pinpoint potential misalignments, Dr. Elder may also use a range of advanced 3-D imaging techniques. Following this consultation, you’ll receive a comprehensive report detailing your spinal health. At this point, you’ll also have the opportunity to ask Dr. Elder any questions about your condition and treatment options.
If a misalignment has been detected, Dr. Elder will then perform a series of low-force, non-invasive Blair Chiropractic adjustment techniques to gently coax the affected vertebrae back into their natural alignment.
We strongly encourage first-time patients to return for regular check-ups (for at least 3-5 months) to ensure their adjustment has set. Most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder to achieve long-lasting/permanent results.
If you’re looking for a natural treatment option for asthma, get in touch today to speak with Dr. Gordon Elder about the health of your upper cervical spine. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Elder also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.