August 19, 2014
Should you see a chiropractor for asthma? The answer to this question was reported in one medical journal called the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics.
Researchers in Denmark wanted to know how patients responded to chiropractic for treating various conditions besides the usual back and neck pain relief. The scientist surveyed both chiropractors in Australia, South Africa, Japan, Canada, Mexico, the U.S., and Hong Kong, and their patients for this study. There were 385 chiropractors who participated in the study and 5,607 patients. The researchers were specifically looking for benefits on asthma and breathing, circulation, digestion, heart function, hearing and ringing in the ears, sinus problems, and urination.
Of the 5,607, 27% of patients reported improved breathing and 26% reported improved digestion after receiving chiropractic care. The authors of the study didn’t report a specific percentage improvement in asthma, but if over a quarter of them are noting improved breathing, that’s an excellent sign that chiropractic treatments are helpful.
Several sources state statistics for the U.S. that 23 million people have asthma and 13.6 million have COPD, another breathing disorder. Since there are 317 million people in the U.S., those with breathing disorders (including asthma) would total about 12% of the population.
Asthma affects people of every race and age. Sex doesn’t matter for asthma; men and women both can have asthma. COPD is caused by exposure to cigarette smoke in 80% of the cases. It’s the fourth top cause of death in the U.S.
It is good news that chiropractic could help all those sufferers get in touch with natural relief! If you or your child is experiencing asthmatic symptoms, contact Dr. Baker in Parma Heights, OH today.
Reference:
Leboeuf-Yde, C., et al. Self-reported nonmusculoskeletal responses to chiropractic intervention: a multi-nation study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005; 28(5): 294-302.