Improvement in Breathing, Sleeping, and Infections in Cystic Fibrosis Patient Under Chiropractic

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study on October 28, 2019, documenting the improvement of a patient with cystic fibrosis while under chiropractic care. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation defines the condition on their website. "Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time."

The Mayo Clinic website described Cystic Fibrosis (CF) by explaining, "Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas."

In this case, a 34-year-old woman who had been medically diagnosed with CF went to the chiropractor in the hopes of increasing her overall wellness and possibly boosting her immune system. She had been diagnosed with CF ten years prior to her visiting the chiropractor. Since the age of 12, the woman had been suffering with a persistent cough that was thought to be allergies. When she was in college and participated in athletic activities, she seemed to get worse and experienced periodic episodes of shortness of breath with a persistent productive cough.

Prior to starting chiropractic, the woman was suffering with upper respiratory and sinus infections once every 2-3 months which required prescription antibiotics. Unfortunately, as soon as she stopped taking the antibiotics, she would get worse again. She reported that her condition was affecting her sleep and her overall quality of life.

A chiropractic examination revealed postural irregularities and increased muscular tension in her upper back area. Both static and motion palpation of the spine revealed spinal segmental issues were present. Thermography (heat readings) of the spinal also confirmed spinal issues. Spinal x-rays were also taken.

Based on the findings of the examination, vertebral subluxations were determined to be present. Specific chiropractic adjustments were started to address the subluxations.

A full follow-up was performed after 12 months of chiropractic care. In that reassessment, the woman reported that she had not required prescription antibiotics since she started chiropractic unlike previously when she required antibiotics every 1-3 months to address her CF.

The woman stated that she was experiencing "less dramatic ups and downs" since being on chiropractic care. The woman also stated that she was able to engage in more aerobic activities with an increased ability to perform such things as running with much less difficulty breathing. She also reported that she was sleeping better.

In their conclusion, the authors of the study summed up the case by saying, "We described the chiropractic care of an adult CF sufferer resulting in improvements in her CF symptoms and overall quality of life."

Want to improve your quality of life? Give chiropractic care a try in Chapel Hill, NC! Call us at 919-307-6688 to schedule your free consultation with one of the Chapel Hill chiropractors.