Can a Chiropractor Help With Sleep Apnea? Yes—Here's How

How Can a Chiropractor Help with Sleep Apnea?

Quality sleep is vital to healthy living. It helps the body to heal itself and revitalize after a busy day. Many people look forward to sleep time, but for individuals living with sleep disorders, it can be a frustrating period.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects 3% to 7% of men and 2% to 5% of women in the U.S. The condition makes it harder for the patients to sleep well at night.

Can a chiropractor help with sleep apnea? Are breathing machines the only remedy? Dunwoody's chiropractic care professionals look at the answers below.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that makes breathing while sleeping difficult. Those affected often stop breathing at intervals because the soft tissues in the throat and palate collapse and block their airways. The airway reopens when the body reflexively reacts to the lack of oxygen.

The constant gasping for air leads to restless sleep. As a result, patients wake up feeling tired and unable to function during the day. In many cases, they may not know the source of the problem unless someone is there to witness the cessation of breathing.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Mental fatigue
• Loud snoring
• Waking abruptly
• Low energy
• Brain fog
• Insomnia
• Feeling unrested
• Sore throat

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to seek professional help. Untreated sleep apnea can cause various health conditions, including abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.

Visiting a sleep specialist is the default treatment option for most people. However, more people are waking up to the efficacy of chiropractic care in treating sleep disorders.

How a Chiropractor Treats Sleep Apnea

People asking, "Can a chiropractor help with sleep apnea?" often believe that chiropractic treatments are only for joint problems. However, the reality is different.

Chiropractors can treat sleep apnea in the following ways:

Spinal Adjustments

The breathing difficulties you're experiencing may be due to misalignments in your spine. The spine plays an integral role in your bodily functions. Therefore, any misalignments can affect your sleep.

A chiropractor will diagnose and resolve problems such as vertebral disc damage, pinched nerve, and an obstructed windpipe.

Sleep Position Coaching

A chiropractor can work with sleep apnea patients to find positions that will make breathing easier while sleeping. The best sleeping positions will keep your spine stable enough to prevent air blockage while you sleep.

Lifestyle Adjustment Recommendations

A chiropractor can help determine if other underlying factors contribute to your obstructive sleep apnea. For example, work posture, inconsistencies in sleep schedule, and poor weight management are common issues that can worsen sleep apnea.  

Working with your chiropractor to make adjustments in these areas can lead to better results overall.

Schedule a Consultation with Your Local Chiropractor

Hopefully, now you know the answer to "Can a chiropractor help with sleep apnea?" If you've been battling sleep disorders, it's time to get ahead of the problem.

Compass Family Chiropractic is the leading chiropractic service in Dunwoody, GA. Schedule a consultation with the team today to get started on the journey to recovery.