Sleep apnea affects 1 in 15 people or roughly 20 million people in the US. Research shows that 2-4% (6.2-12.4 million Americans) of people are undiagnosed with sleep apnea. These numbers are staggering. The one recommended solution I have seen over the years is a CPAP machine but what is the main reason why we continue to see so many individuals suffering from sleep apnea?
Based upon the Mayo Clinic, they break this down into two categories: Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is usually caused by excess weight, neck circumference, a narrow airway, being a male, being older, family history, use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers, smoking or nasal congestion.
Central Sleep Apnea is usually caused from being older, heart disorders, using narcotic pain medications and individuals who suffered from a stroke.
The most common treatments that are recommended are a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). Sometimes you may be recommended for oral appliances or an EPAP (expiratory positive airway pressure). There are even more extreme treatments such as surgery and so forth.
But what about some holistic, more natural routes? How about looking at how the body is functioning via the nervous system? What is going on with the brain? How balanced is the brain and the nervous system?
Your nervous system controls every single function in your body. If the nervous system is not functioning correctly, then this would lead to the possibility of many different variables, such as sleep apnea.
Why go to a chiropractor in the first place? Instead of looking from the outside in, a Chiropractor is going to look at what are the areas of your life not allowing you to be the best version of YOU. A Chiropractor does not see you as broken or need to be fixed but rather, what is going on in your life that is allowing your body to express itself and manifest the things you are experiencing.
Then, a chiropractor will perform specific tests and exams to determine how well your nervous system is functioning overall and share with you what is recommended and needed for you to return to the perfection you were designed to be: Happy, Healthy and Vibrant.
Click here for the research on Chiropractic and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you have any questions, please share in the comments or send us an email.
drvic@visitthewellnesspath.com or give our office a call: 708.497.2441
Until next time, BE well… LIVE well… The CHOICE is yours…
Dr. Vic
Leading Advocate for Inspiring Individuals to Discovering Their Potential