Recent research reported in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on a woman with cystic fibrosis reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing patients with this disorder. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in a woman suffering from this health challenge and calls for more research in this area.
“Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the various health challenges that people experience.” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.
McCoy added “In the case report presented, the woman was suffering from cystic fibrosis and several other issues that improved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine.”
According to researchers, the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function.
This case reported on a 34-year-old female suffering from cystic fibrosis. In addition, she had a productive cough that had been mistaken as allergies, shortness of breath, upper respiratory infections, and sleep disturbance. She was constantly on antibiotics.
The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her neck, midback, low back, and pelvis. She also had tight muscles throughout her spine. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic adjustments, she experienced improvement in the quality of her life, her breathing and sleep improved. She had “less dramatic ups and downs” when it came to her symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis. She no longer needed antibiotics and she returned to physical activity as her breathing issues resolved.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic for those with cystic fibrosis.
