As both a Doctor of Chiropractic and as a father, I try to keep up with the latest information that could possibly affect the health of both my children and my patients. These days, a lot of news coverage has been devoted to the volcanic ash cloud that has been plaguing parts of Northern Europe due to the eruption in Iceland. Already, the occupants of Great Britain have been advised to remain indoors to avoid breathing problems; volcanic ash may be exacerbating asthma symptoms.
We’re lucky that this ash cloud/asthma correlation will not be affecting American children. However, the news in the U.S. about asthma strikes me as rather grim. For Americans, the rise in the prevalence of asthma is comparative to the escalation of the obesity epidemic—that is, more of our children are affected with asthma than ever before and the problem is increasing. And like obesity, asthma is a dangerous condition that can affect every part of a child’s life.
Even worse, this spring has proven to be one of the nastiest allergy seasons in history, and we know that asthma and allergies are often related. The weather this year has been unusual, and the early and exceptionally warm spring we’re experiencing (after a colder and snowier-than-usual winter) are causing pollen counts to escalate.
It’s comforting for me to know that there is little danger that my own children will be affected by this disorder. Ninety-seven percent of children with a Doctor of Chiropractic as a parent are unaffected by asthma. I really believe that if more people were aware of this statistic, more parents with asthmatic children (as well as asthmatic adults) would seek out chiropractic care to treat asthma symptoms.
But how does chiropractic help with asthma?
Every function of the body—including respiration—depends on the flow of information between the body and the brain. The spine is part of the central nervous system, which coordinates the activity of all parts of the bodies.
Spinal misalignments may irritate the nerves that bring information from the brain to the lungs and back. When any interruption occurs along this route, health problems are always the result. Normal breathing is not possible if the brain and the respiratory system are unable to communicate properly.
Chiropractic can help remove the irritation to the nervous system caused by spinal misalignments, thereby allowing it to regulate breathing. Our bodies are capable of remaining healthy and performing nearly every task (such as breathing) optimally when total postural/spinal alignment is achieved.
Is chiropractic safe for my children?
I would never recommend any pediatric treatment that I didn’t fully believe was safe. In fact, I wouldn’t allow any treatment on a child that I wouldn’t use on any one of my own three kids. The treatment used at our office for children and infants is known as Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP), which involves the use of an instrument that provides a gentle force of vibration.
It is in no way traumatic—in fact, even infants often find this type of chiropractic treatment soothing. An amazing benefit of CBP for children, and especially those with asthma, is that it focuses on total spinal alignment and postural correction. In other words, chiropractic care that starts early can lead to better overall health for a lifetime.
Monmouth Spine and Rehabilitation Center offers a free consultation to help you learn more about our services. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help with asthma (and allergies), please contact our Red Bank, NJ office.
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