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Can a chiropractor help with sleep apnea?

I am a 27 year old male and I have sleep apnea. Can a chiropractor help with sleep apnea?

13 Answers

Those suffering from sleep apnea can benefit from chiropractic adjustments of the neck to support the muscles and soft tissues in the area. This can help reduce tension and promote better breathing. Collapsing of the air tubes could be happening as a result of a misalignment in the neck, shoulders and skull. Additionally, chiropractic can resolve other problems that can further complicate the condition, including sinus congestion, lung, thyroid and liver functions which can support overall health to reduce inflammation, digestive problems and more.
Sleep apnea is not a diagnosis that is treated by Chiropractors. However, many patients report that they do better when they are under Chiropractic care. They have a feeling of calmness and relaxation after a treatment and some with a lasting effect.
That depends on the reason for the sleep apnea. Your chiropractor should take a detailed history and perform a thorough examination before treating. He or she may offer you dietary or lifestyle advice that may help as well.
First you need to figure out the reason for your sleep apnea. I do not say that Chiropractic care is an all end cure for sleep apnea, but by receiving treatment, it can help with alignment issues and improve nervous system communication, allowing you to gain more sleep throughout the night.
Sleep apnea has been associated with abnormal posture, position, and range of motion of the vertebrae in the neck. With a proper examination and treatment plan, chiropractic with physical therapy will help.
No.
It's certainly not something I do as a chiropractor.

Dr. Jonathan Donath, DC, MS
Chiropractic can help calm down the nervous system allowing the body to be less stressed, giving you a better nights sleep. You would need to be evaluated by a professional who deals with sleep disorders.
It depends on the chiropractor. Some chiropractors only adjust the spine, known as straight chiropractic. It is possible that might bring relief, but I would want to know their experience with sleep apnea before I proceed with care. Then there are holistic chiropractors who treat body and mind issues. Also it is relevant to ask about their experience and results with sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can be very complicated and it depends on the individual as to what is causing their sleep apnea. I believe there are some chiropractors can help with that, but I wouldn’t call it a speciality for all chiropractors.

Skylar Bakko, DC QNCP PAK BFM

Chiropractic care can definitely help with sleep apnea. While it may not be the sole solution, making sure the joints of the thoracic spine, ribs and neck are moving well can help ensure proper breath capacity as well as helping soft tissue structures such as the trachea and nasal passages to maintain alignment while sleeping. In our office we also address all of the muscles. By keeping muscles in these areas loose we can help remove the above listed issues as well as help with sleep postures.

Dr. Latza
Yes.
Yes, I recommend looking for a Chiropractor trained in TMJ disorders and/or Craniotherapy.