Asthma and/or COPD

 

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are respiratory conditions that make breathing harder and reduce lung function. Alongside breathing difficulties, many people experience mid-back stiffness, rib cage discomfort, spinal pain and muscle tension due to chronic coughing or laboured breathing (Blanchette et al., 2016; Lunardi et al., 2011).

 

Chiropractic care does not treat asthma or COPD directly, but it can help relieve the muscle and joint pain, stiffness and postural strain that often accompany these conditions.

 

How Musculoskeletal Conditions With Asthma & COPD Can Present

1. Thoracic & Rib Cage Pain or Stiffness – Tightness or discomfort in the mid-back, ribs and chest muscles from ongoing coughing or breathing challenges.

2. Neck & Shoulder Tension – Muscle tightness from overuse of the neck and shoulder muscles during laboured breathing.

 

Common Causes

• Repeated coughing straining the thoracic muscles and joints

• Overuse of neck, chest and upper back muscles for breathing

• Postural changes to make breathing easier
  (Blanchette et al., 2016; Lunardi et al., 2011)

 

How Chiropractic Can Help

Chiropractors can use gentle, evidence-based techniques to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort linked to asthma and COPD:

• Thoracic & Rib Mobilisation/Manipulation – Improve rib cage and mid-back movement, easing stiffness and pain (Engel & Vemulpad, 2011).

• Soft Tissue Therapy – Relieve tension in the breathing muscles with massage, stretching and trigger point techniques (Blanchette et al., 2016).

• Exercise & Rehabilitation – Build strength, flexibility and endurance to reduce pain and improve mobility (Spruit et al., 2013; Lunardi et al., 2011).

• Collaborative Care – Work with your GP, Physiotherapist, or Exercise Physiologist for complete management.

 

Chiropractic care can play a supportive role in managing the muscle and joint issues linked to asthma and COPD, helping improve comfort, movement and overall quality of life.