Chiropractic Care and Asthma in Mount Pleasant
The Intersection of Chiropractic Care and Respiratory Health: Addressing Asthma and Ear Infections
At Lighthouse Family Chiropractic in Mount Pleasant, SC, we frequently are asked about the role of chiropractic care in helping with conditions like asthma. This article aims to address the most frequently asked questions and shed light on how chiropractic care can contribute to respiratory health.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, exercise, cold air, and stress.
What Causes Asthma?
While there are many components and causes, the biggest correlations we have seen in our office are a c-section birth and frequent antibiotic use during infancy and early childhood. Studies have shown that the use of antibiotics in children under the age of 3 can increase a child’s risk of struggling with asthma and allergies by 2-4 fold!
Can Chiropractic Care Help with Asthma?
As nervous system-focused chiropractors, our main focus and goal is to remove interference from the nervous system so it can function optimally. When we have stress stuck in the nervous system, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including asthma and other breathing challenges. The most common area associated with asthma is the thoracic spine or the upper back. This is because this is where many of the nerves responsible for the lungs and our airways live. Removing interference from these areas with adjustments, it allows the nerves to work the way they should, helping with asthma symptoms. While we are not treating asthma directly, adjustments help improve respiratory function and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
How Long Will It Take?
The timeline for results varies from child to child. This is why we use care plans! Typically, the earliest signs parents will notice are changes in eating, sleeping, and pooping. That’s because these three things are the foundation of our nervous system and development. Think about a baby- their three main jobs are to eat, sleep and poop! Once we see changes in these areas, it tells us that we are on track to seeing bigger changes!
Chiropractic Care and Chronic Ear Infections
What are Ear Infections?
Ear infections, or otitis media, are common, especially in children. They occur when the middle ear becomes inflamed due to bacterial or, more commonly, viral infections. Symptoms include ear pain, fluid drainage, hearing difficulties, and fever. With recurrent or chronic ear infections, children get stuck in a cycle of fluid buildup, which ultimately allows for infection to strike.
What Causes Chronic Ear Infections
While most people look right to the immune system, there is another factor at play with chronic ear infections. The main cause of ear infections in kids is a build-up of tension in the upper neck, causing the eustachian tubes to become straighter. When this happens, the fluid cannot drain and becomes stagnant. Stagnant fluid is extremely opportunistic for germs, often leading to an infection.
Can Chiropractic Care Help with Ear Infections?
By removing the stress and build-up from the upper neck, we allow for the eustachian tubes and ears to drain. When the fluid can drain, it doesn’t allow for opportunistic infections to strike. This drug-free solution has proven to be extremely effective in getting to the root cause of chronic ear infections and can even help when your child is actively fighting an ear infection.
How Does the Nervous System Affect Ear Infections?
The upper cervical spine is closely linked to the nervous system pathways that control the ears, nose, and throat. Stress or interference in this region can interfere with nerve signals, affecting Eustachian tube function. By restoring proper alignment, chiropractors aim to enhance nervous system function and promote better drainage and function of the ears.
What Do Studies Say About Chiropractic Care and Ear Infections?
Several studies have explored the impact of chiropractic care on ear infections. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that children receiving chiropractic care experienced fewer ear infections and required fewer antibiotics compared to those who did not receive chiropractic care. Another study indicated that chiropractic adjustments can help improve ear drainage and reduce the frequency of ear infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Children?
How Often Should One Visit a Chiropractor for Asthma or Ear Infections?
What Should I Expect During a Chiropractic Visit?
The first visit to Lighthouse Family Chiropractic involves an in-depth health consultation and examination. One of our doctors will sit down with you either in person or on the phone and will discuss your child’s medical history, current symptoms, and any previous treatments. During this consultation, you’ll notice either Dr. Devin or Dr. Liv going all the way back to your fertility journey and birth experience. We always want to make sure we have the full picture in order to get to the root cause of your child’s struggles as well as to help us determine what care plan is best for your child at that time.
At Lighthouse Family Chiropractic, we utilize the CLA INSiGHT scans to determine how much stress is stuck within your child’s nervous system. This cutting-edge technology not only tells us how much stress there is, but also where it’s located, as well as how the autonomic nervous system is functioning as a whole. These scans are entirely sensory-based with nothing entering or leaving the body (like an X-ray) and are safe for the tiniest of infants and pregnant moms.
Based on your in-depth health consultation and nervous system scans, our two-doctor team will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan. This customized care plan will include the number of visits that we believe will get your child to your goals the quickest.
Both Dr. Liv and Dr. Devin are highly trained in adjusting children, especially children with chronic ear infections. Their combined unique experience as well as training perfectly equip them to handle even the toughest of cases. Adjustments are gentle, safe, and effective and are adapted to meet your child where they’re at. Our doctors also make sure to thoroughly explain what they are doing to both the parents, but the children as well to ensure comfortability for all parties!
Schedule Your Appointment
If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please call us at (854) 354-8989. Our team is here to support your health journey every step of the way!
