Can Chiropractic Help With Sleep Apnea
Can chiropractic really help with sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a condition in which the airways become constricted during our sleeping times. Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea will often wake themselves up or those who are sleeping nearby (not fun). Individuals will try alternative ways to help with their sleep, wear masks, sleep in a different bed, try dope…..still with the same effects though. The reason still being that the airways are closing. Well, lets take a step back and see what chiropractic can do again. Chiropractors are nerve system specialists. In our office we utilize the Gonstead system which is personalized, specific care to each individual. We utilize x-rays to eliminate guessing and to see the structure of your spinal column. Chiropractic and nerves. Not chiropractic and low back pain! This is amazing! So, your nerve system controls everything you do? Yes. Does it control my respiratory system? Yes! If I am suffering from a condition which my respiratory system is failing should I get checked for a possible vertebral subluxation? Wait! What is a vertebral subluxation? A vertebral subluxation is when one or more vertebral bones acts (pressure) upon our nerves causing signs and symptoms to appear in our daily lives. So, then yes you should get checked!
Chiropractic allows your body to restore normal function. No devices, no cutting, and no dope. Probably a good thing to have your nerves checked and realize what chiropractic can offer you and your family.
A study published on Feb. 3, 2014, in the scientific periodical, the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, documents the case of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) being resolved with chiropractic care.
The authors of the study note that symptoms of OSA can include excessive daytime sleepiness, unrefreshing sleep, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and an overall decrease in quality of life due to a lack of quality sleep,. They report that, as of 1997, the prevalence of OSA in the United States was between 3-7% of the population.
In this case, a 34-year-old male went to the chiropractor in hopes of receiving help for his sleep apnea. He suffered with the symptoms of OSA for many years before finally being diagnosed five years earlier with the condition by his MD. His symptoms included daytime drowsiness, lack of energy, loud snoring, and difficulty breathing while he slept at night. Based on the prescription of this MD, the man had been using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine every night for the past three years.
A chiropractic examination was performed specifically looking for vertebral subluxations that were causing nerve system interference that could be affecting the man’s breathing mechanisms. The examination consisted of palpation, postural analysis, spinal range of motion, surface electromyography (SEMG), and spinal x-ray imaging.
The examination results indicated the presence of subluxations. The neck x-rays showed a reversal of the neck curvature and subluxation degeneration, indicating significant amount of nerve system interference. Based on the positive findings of subluxation, a specific course of chiropractic corrective care was started.
A three month evaluation showed an improvement in the man’s neck curvature. The study authors reported that the man was no longer snoring and was experiencing an increase in energy. As a result, he was not experiencing daytime drowsiness. He was also able to sleep throughout the night and discontinue use of his CPAP machine. The man also showed a significant increase in his quality of life as he was able to discontinue his medications and was no longer experiencing anxiety or acid reflux.
