Breathe Better This Allergy Season
“Wow, I can breathe better after my adjustment!” Misaligned vertebrae, or subluxations, particularly in the upper back and neck, can irritate nerves that control the diaphragm and respiratory muscles. Patients often report that a chiropractic treatment adjusting the upper spine can improve respiratory function by enhancing thoracic spine mobility and correcting nerve function. The result is a better ability to expand and contract the diaphragm and lungs. Counseling on posture can also help with breathing issues, as forward head posture (slouching) can inhibit breathing. Let us know if you experience difficulty breathing, including allergies, asthma, or COPD. After assessment, your Bronston provider may recommend manual adjustment, soft tissue therapy, or physical therapy.
Note: Research shows that chiropractic care can be a complementary approach to medical treatment for respiratory diseases. Studies have reported a 20% reduction in bronchodilator use, a 39% reduction in asthma severity ratings, and improvements in respiratory function test outcomes following chiropractic care – along with better quality of life for patients.
Breathing exercises can be a helpful technique to strengthen your lungs and improve your breathing. Try pursed-lip breathing, where you relax your shoulders and neck, inhale through your nose for 2 seconds, then exhale slowly for 4 seconds through pursed lips (as if you’re blowing out a candle). Or try belly (diaphragmatic) breathing, where you lie down with knees bent, placing one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Inhale through your nose over 3 counts, lifting the belly before the chest, then exhale slowly over 6 counts using abdominal muscles. (per Dr. Adam Rosenbluth for AARP)
You may need an allergy assessment through our Community Care Clinic, as many people experience sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy nose in the spring, summer, or fall months. This is called seasonal allergic rhinitis, sometimes known as hay fever. Triggers can include pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds, which trick your immune system into overreacting. Molds are another cause of allergic reaction, including dampness in a house or outdoors from decomposing leaves. Pets and dust mites can also cause respiratory symptoms that may have you reaching for tissues – and reaching out to the Clinic for help. Allergies can lead to asthma symptoms such as raspy breathing, wheezing, or difficulty getting a full breath. Bronston providers can help assess your respiratory symptoms and recommend medical treatments, including antihistamines, decongestants, inhalers, nasal sprays, a neti pot for nasal rinsing, or allergy shots.
Breathing well is crucial for optimizing your physical and mental health, as it enhances your body’s oxygen use, regulates blood pressure and heart rate, reduces stress, enhances sleep, and improves your ability to focus. Complementary chiropractic and medical therapies can help. Please call the Clinic at 608.781.2225 if you’re ready to breathe better!
