Chiropractic Benefits for Asthma

Living with asthma can mean navigating a world of triggers, medications, and unpredictable flare-ups. While traditional treatments remain essential, many people are exploring complementary approaches to support their breathing and overall wellness. 

Chiropractic care—known for its focus on spinal alignment and nervous system function—has gained attention as a potential way to help asthma sufferers reduce tension, improve mobility, and support better respiratory function. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how chiropractic care may benefit individuals with asthma and what you can expect from this holistic approach.

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Can Chiropractic Care Help Reduce Asthma?

As of 2021, asthma affects approximately 28 million children and adults across the U.S. (Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation) Medications are the main method for managing asthma, but plenty of families are searching for other options to support relief from asthma symptoms.

One of the alternatives considered is chiropractic care, which focuses on spinal adjustments aimed at enhancing the performance of the nervous system. Since the autonomic nervous system controls the lungs and airways, it’s possible that improvement in spinal alignment may increase respiratory function and decrease airway impairment of some individuals.

The following are three studies on pediatric asthma and chiropractic care, showing how these results could be interpreted by families in search of relief.

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A Study of Asthmatic Children Under Chiropractic Care

A self-reported asthma-impairment study was conducted on 81 pediatric patients receiving chiropractic care over a two-month period. Practitioners represented different approaches to vertebral subluxation correction, creating a broad, real-world clinical sample.

Key Findings

• 90.1% of subjects showed significant improvement in impairment scores after 60 days (p < 0.05; effect size 0.96).
• Medication reduction: 25 of 81 children (30.9%) voluntarily reduced medication by an average of 66.5%.
• Fewer asthma attacks: Among 24 children with prior attacks, episodes decreased by 44.9% (p < 0.05).
• Gender differences: Boys showed a larger effect size (1.2) than girls (0.75), though both groups improved.

Conclusion

Though further research was needed, researchers concluded that chiropractic care focused on vertebral subluxation correction may be a safe, medication-free option associated with reduced asthma impairment and fewer attacks. 

Citation: Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research.

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Two-Year Study on Chiropractic Adjustments and Persistent Asthma

A group of 47 medically diagnosed asthma patients (mild to severe and persistent) was studied for two years while receiving specific chiropractic adjustments. Patients averaged 26 visits during the study.

Key Findings

• All 47 patients showed 87%–100% improvement in asthma-related symptoms.
• Many reduced reliance on rescue medication.
• Improvements were maintained even two years later, suggesting possible long-term benefit when used alongside traditional medical care.

Conclusion

This long-term observational study suggests chiropractic care may offer sustained symptom improvement for some individuals with asthma.

Citation: Today’s Chiropractic, Nov/Dec 2000. Cited by Lakeland Chiropractic.

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Michigan Chiropractic Council Pediatric Asthma Study (1996)

Study Details

• Included 80+ children, birth to age 17
• Average age: 10 years
• Duration: 30 days of chiropractic care
• Conducted by 70+ chiropractors across Michigan

Key Findings

• Asthma attacks decreased from 4+ per month to approximately 1 per month.
• Medication use decreased by nearly 70%.
• Patient satisfaction averaged 8.5/10.

According to study director Dr. Bob Graham, improvements were linked to enhanced biomechanical and neurological function following chiropractic adjustments.

Conclusion

Short-term chiropractic care was associated with reductions in asthma attacks and medication use in this pediatric group.

Citation: Michigan Chiropractic Council, 1996.

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How Chiropractic Care May Support Asthma Symptoms

Although chiropractic care does not treat asthma directly, it’s possible that chiropractic adjustments may help the body function more efficiently.

Possible supportive mechanisms include:

• Improved thoracic spine mobility for easier chest expansion
• Reduced irritation of nerves influencing respiratory function
• Improved autonomic regulation and stress response
• Better posture, which can positively impact lung capacity

Source:

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Note: Chiropractic care could complement—not replace—a physician-directed asthma treatment plan.

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Who May Benefit From Chiropractic Care?

Many parents seek evaluation for their children when asthma symptoms persist or recur despite standard management. Other individuals pursue care with the aim of reducing symptom burden or improving overall function without increasing medication use. Some present with postural abnormalities or chronic musculoskeletal tension in the thoracic region, often associated with sensations of chest tightness. 

Additionally, symptom exacerbation in response to psychological stress or increased muscular tension is frequently reported. Although the underlying motivations vary, these patients share a common objective: achieving improved respiratory comfort and overall well-being.

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Chiropractic Care for Asthma: A Promising Area Worth Exploring

While research is ongoing, the existing studies show promising outcomes for many families. Chiropractic care may offer improvements in asthma-related impairment, quality of life, medication use, and attack frequency when paired with a wellness plan.

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Ready to Explore Natural Support for Asthma?

If you’re curious about whether chiropractic care could support your or your child’s breathing, health, and overall well-being, we’re here to help. Our clinic provides gentle, individualized chiropractic care with a focus on nervous system balance and pediatric wellness.

Schedule a consultation today to learn whether this approach may be a good fit for your family.