Can Chiropractic Care Help with Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is the condition that affects the air flow, or decreases breathing while one is asleep. While those with sleep apnea may get enough sleep, they do not get quality sleep because when they are asleep, their airway becomes blocked or narrowed, preventing enough oxygen to flow through the body. Sleep apnea can be very dangerous and symptoms usually include daytime sleepiness, drowsiness, chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and lowered quality of life.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Sleep Apnea?

If sleep apnea is resulting from a misalignment or subluxation in the spine, then there is a good chance that regular chiropractic care may help improve sleep apnea conditions. One case study done in February 2014 found that chiropractic care could be useful.

In the case, a 34-year old man suffered from years of sleep apnea. He showed the symptoms of daytime drowsiness, lack of energy, loud snoring, and difficulty breathing while he slept at night. His doctor prescribed him a continuous positive airway pressure machine that he slept with every night for three years.

The man decided to approach chiropractic care to see if his sleep apnea conditions would improve. The chiropractor discovered that there were vertebral subluxations that were interfering with the body’s nerve communication that controlled the man’s breathing mechanisms. After three months of regular chiropractic care, the man’s neck curvature improved greatly. This also led to the patient not snoring at night and having an increase of energy. His daytime drowsiness also disappeared. Furthermore, he was able to sleep through the night without waking and was able to discontinue use of the breathing machine and medications.

The patient’s sleep apnea had also caused him other health issues, including heartburn and anxiety. Chiropractic care was able to decrease the patient’s sleep apnea symptoms, which helped the patient’s anxiety and heartburn to disappear too. His quality of life improved greatly.

Will Chiropractic Care Work for Your Sleep Apnea?

Regular adjustments have been found to help individuals in many different ways. However, the main purpose of chiropractic care is not to heal sleep apnea, but instead to heal and correct any subluxations in the spine. Many times health issues arise because the spine is not in optimal health. When the spine’s health is addresses, many patients experience the relief of other health problems, as well.

If you suffer from sleep apnea or other sleep issues, visit our doctors at The Joint. Our wellness adjustments are gentle and effective for improving your overall health. Our goal is to get your spine as healthy as possible, which will hopefully result in better health all around.

Story Link


Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Tom Hart

DrKellyAdmin

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *