Many people suffer from some form of breathing problems such as asthma, allergies, lung disease, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). While there are a variety of treatment options such as medication and surgeries, most people don’t even consider chiropractic treatment as a way to reduce and relieve symptoms of certain respiratory conditions.

The Spine’s Role in Respiratory Health

Think of the spinal cord as the roots of a tree. If the roots are in poor condition, it can cause the entire tree to suffer. In the same way, when something is out of alignment within the spine, other parts of the body may also function poorly. Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and how disorders within those systems can affect a person’s health. It is a generally drug-free, hands-on approach to health care. Spinal manipulation is the most common form of treatment performed by chiropractors, but other manual therapies and approaches are used such as heat and ice, relaxation and meditation, lifestyle counseling, nutrition advice, exercise, and other treatment methods.

Thoracic Nerves and Respiratory Function

Chiropractic care focuses on correcting subluxations or misalignments within the spine that can affect different areas of the body beyond your spine, including the respiratory system. The thoracic nerves are found in the chest, but they stem from the spinal order. They help to operate the lungs and the rest of your respiratory system such as the muscles within the chest, ribs, upper back, and neck. Misalignments within the spine can impact the thoracic nerves which can cause problems with the lungs expanding or contracting, resulting in breathing complications that can become severe.

How Chiropractic Treatment Can Benefit Respiratory Health

In chiropractic treatment, it is common for patients suffering from back or neck pain to also have difficulty breathing or another form of respiratory issue. This is because everything within the body is connected. For the body to function optimally, the spine must be in proper alignment so that the nerves attached can function properly and support the organs they are connected to within the body.

Your chiropractor will address the cause rather than merely treat the symptoms and note any subluxations within the spine that may be putting stress on your thoracic nerves. A combination of manual adjustment, soft tissue therapy, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes will be offered to you as a custom treatment plan that will not only reduce your breathing problems but will also return your body to optimal health giving you a better quality of life.

Taking a Breath of Fresh Air with Chiropractic Care

There can be many different causes and reasons behind respiratory problems, many of which are often rooted in the health of the spine. If the spine is out of alignment, the nerves will suffer and the organs controlled by those nerves will become impaired. To learn more about chiropractic treatment and how it can help you breathe easier, contact our office today for more information or a consultation.

Optimizing your respiratory health with chiropractic care can provide relief and improve your overall well-being. Don’t let breathing difficulties hold you back from living your life to the fullest.

Schedule a consultation with O'Neill Chiropractic today and take the first step towards better respiratory health and a brighter future.