Asthma is a disorder of the lungs characterized by spasms of the bronchial passages. These spasms restrict the flow of air in and out of the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. Asthma has traditionally been treated with inhalers that deliver medicine directly into the lungs. You may not realize, though, that chiropractors have additional treatments for asthma. Some chiropractors believe that adjustments to the upper back area may release tension on the muscles and nerves in the chest, and relieve some of the symptoms of asthma. A chiropractor may also examine your diet to see if a minor food allergy or chemical sensitivity could be making your asthma worse. It's also known that asthmatics are more likely to be deficient in certain B vitamins, and supplementing your diet with these vitamins may reduce the severity of your asthma attacks. A chiropractor may suggest you take additional supplements, or even suggest relaxation exercises to help you stay calm during an asthma attack. It's important to remember that you should talk to a medical doctor before discontinuing the use of any prescription asthma medications.
