Chiropractic Can Also Improve Lung Function
Most people that struggle with asthma have noticed that stress often makes breathing more difficult. This phenomenon is also well-documented in the medical literature. According to an in-depth review, it was concluded that, “Current evidence indicates that the stress-asthma relationship is causal.” This clearly shows that dysfunction of the Nervous System can have a negative effect on lung function, which explains why neurologically-focused chiropractic care can also help.
I’ve heard many clients in my career tell me they can breathe easier and deeper after beginning chiropractic care. After struggling for years, one lady improved her lung function from 45% to 95% after a few weeks of regular care, which even surprised her lung specialist. Another elderly client was able to stop using an oxygen tank to breathe, allowing him to even go on an overseas vacation. We’ve also had many clients with chronic asthma notice that they are able to decrease or even stop using their inhalers.
Medical treatment for asthma, unfortunately, fails to address the neurological component of lung problems, while relying on corticosteroids that can provide short-term symptomatic relief, but often create a wide range of long-term side effects (see chart below). According to one study, “Systemic corticosteroid therapy is associated with significant adverse effects, including the promotion of osteoporosis,” and this effect has been found in even low doses.

As most doctors are unaware of other ways of helping children and adults with asthma, these drugs are often overused. As a large review from 2021 stated, “This medication is highly effective for both acute and chronic diseases, but evidence indicates that indiscriminate oral corticosteroid use is common, posing a risk of serious side effects and irreversible harm.” A more recent non-steroidal drug commonly prescribed for asthma was thought to be safer, but is now even required to have a “Boxed Warning” by the FDA, due to “serious mental health side effects, including suicidal thoughts or actions.”
Many studies have demonstrated the positive effects of specific chiropractic care on lung function, with one study of 58 people finding that “After only two weeks of treatment, almost half of the patients with “abnormal” lung function had improved to where they were testing within “normal” limits.” A large literature review concluded: “The research shows that those treated with chiropractic care had a decrease in frequency and severity of asthma symptoms and improved their quality of life.”
While those suffering with lung problems can likely benefit from regular chiropractic care, improved lung function is essential for everyone, as breathing effectively can improve all health problems, as well as general wellbeing.
by Dr SJ NANA, DrNana.co.za

References:
Osteoporosis in the corticosteroid-treated patient with asthma
Popular Asthma Medicine Linked to Severe Mental Health Side Effects
Asthma Drug Still Being Prescribed to Kids Despite Potential Mental Health Risks
Analysis of Neuropsychiatric Diagnoses After Montelukast Initiation
Studies Show Positive Impact of Chiropractic Care on Lung Function
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care And Pulmonary Function: A Case Study
The immediate effects of spinal thoracic manipulation on respiratory functions
Chiropractic care for patients with asthma: A systematic review of the literature
Journal of Asthma: Chiropractic Treatment for Asthma? You Bet!

Please see my previous articles related to this topic:
Muscle Cramps: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Often Helps
Children Can Heal & Adapt More Effectively To Life's Challenges, With Chiropractic
Autism: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care Can Help