Allergies and Chiropractic Care

Some of the most common signs of allergies involve the respiratory system. Most people with allergies find it difficult to breathe, and may even have symptoms of wheezing, coughing and sneezing. These symptoms can increase the stress in the muscles and joints that are involved in breathing.

People with allergies often notice tightness in the chest area and may find it difficult to inhale while breathing. This is often because the respiratory muscles have been overworked. To get a better understanding, let’s examine some of the muscles that may be affected by allergies:

• The Intercostal Muscles: These muscles are located between the ribs and are responsible for about 25% of the air getting into our lungs

• Diaphragm: This is a muscle located on the bottom of the lungs that is responsible for 45% of the air that enters our lungs.

• Scalenes and SCM: These muscles are located in the neck area and are referred to as accessory muscles, as they play a supportive role to the larger muscles.

Patients with chronic allergies may notice these muscles tighten over time and may have difficulty moving their neck due to this tightness. Patients may also experience pain and tenderness in the region of their ribs.

Chiropractic care can help alleviate the symptoms that allergies may cause. Techniques such as laser therapy and ultrasound can help reduce muscle tightness. Stretches and trigger point therapy can increase the range of motion in the neck. Manual techniques can help increase the motion in the spinal joints which can help reduce the stress placed on the respiratory muscles.