18 Jun Chiropractic Approaches to Pediatric Asthma Management
Pediatric asthma is a common, long-term condition that not only affects children’s breathing but also influences their overall quality of life.
While traditional asthma treatments typically involve the use of inhalers and steroids to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups, more parents are turning to chiropractic care as a complementary approach.
Here’s a closer look at how chiropractic methods can be beneficial in managing pediatric asthma.
1. Enhancing Respiratory Function: Chiropractic care focuses on improving the alignment of the spine and the function of the nervous system, which controls all the body’s organs and systems, including the respiratory system.
Misalignments in the spine—particularly the upper back—can interfere with nerve pathways that control breathing and lung function. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help improve nerve function and thus enhance the child’s ability to breathe more easily.
2. Reducing Thoracic Spine Restrictions: In some children with asthma, the thoracic spine (the part of the spine connected to the rib cage) may have restricted movement, which can adversely affect respiratory function.
Chiropractic adjustments that target these areas can reduce such restrictions, increasing lung capacity and potentially decreasing the severity and frequency of asthma attacks.
3. Promoting Better Posture: Poor posture can contribute to the worsening of asthma symptoms, as it can lead to increased pressure on the lungs and restricted airflow.
Chiropractors can work with children to help improve their posture through spinal adjustments coupled with specific exercises designed to strengthen the core and back muscles. This in turn can help children breathe more easily and efficiently.
4. Alleviating Stress and Enhancing Immune Response: Stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Chiropractic care is known for its ability to decrease stress by reducing tension in the spine and nervous system. Furthermore, improving spinal alignment and reducing nerve interference may boost the immune system’s functionality, potentially decreasing the frequency of asthma-related respiratory infections.
5. Complementing Conventional Asthma Treatments: It’s important to note that chiropractic care does not replace traditional asthma treatments prescribed by a pediatrician or pulmonologist but rather complements them.
Chiropractors often work in conjunction with medical professionals to ensure a holistic approach to managing the child’s asthma, focusing on improving the child’s overall health and reducing dependence on medications.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free option for parents seeking to complement their child’s asthma management strategy. By improving spinal alignment, enhancing nerve function, and supporting overall health, chiropractic methods can help manage some of the symptoms associated with pediatric asthma.
If you’re interested in exploring how chiropractic care can benefit your child’s asthma management plan, book a consultation with Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic.
Contact our Broken Arrow office at 918-940-4630 to learn more about our pediatric chiropractic services and how they might help.