By Dr. Matthew Kenney
Asthma continues to rise in our country at an alarming rate. Over $11 billion is spent annually on this disease alone and yet things are not improving. In fact, by 2020 it is estimated that 1 out of 14 people will suffer from it. The most common treatment usually involves medications such as inhalers, steroids, anti-spasmodics and bronchodilators however the statistics tell us that this approach is not working. Furthermore, these medicines while sometimes helpful in reducing symptoms offer no permanent cure and cause side effects especially in children. Let me share with you the experiences I’ve had in practice and how I’m able to help people with asthma.
To breathe properly your brain must send a signal down your spinal cord that will then exit via a nerve root (that runs between 2 vertebrae) and branch out to reach the lungs. If the vertebrae are out of position they choke off and irritate the nerves because they lie in such close proximity to the spine. This decreases the nerve energy to the lungs and alters their ability to function properly. This makes sense right? Children with asthma usually have structural misalignments to their upper and middle back areas. When I examine the posture of a child with asthma I often see shoulders that slouch forward causing a slightly hump-back appearance and often see 1 shoulder resting higher up than the other. This (along with x-rays when appropriate) tells me that the spine is not properly positioned. Once the vertebrae are realigned through chiropractic adjustments the nerves can once again properly transmit their messages and normal function returns. This alone often allows asthma to be eliminated or reduced in severity.
In practice I have seen many children with asthma and have witnessed first-hand the amazing results that can be attained through spinal adjustments. I’ve seen pulmonary function (breathing) tests dramatically improve, medication able to be eliminated (or significantly reduced) and children be able to participate in and enjoy activities more. Best of all there are no side effects to this method. It may not be the first thing you’d think of for helping asthma but it is safe, effective and side-effect free. Those concerned about asthma should strongly consider chiropractic to help themselves and their children.
