Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that affects your breathing while you sleep. It can have unpleasant short-term effects like excessive daytime sleepiness as well as unpleasant long-term side effects. At our chiropractic clinic, Back & Neck Care Chiropractic in Vancouver, WA, we offer a way to reduce your symptoms of the condition, so you can receive a better night's sleep and feel more refreshed during the day.
About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when your breathing starts and stops repeatedly throughout the night. Two different forms of sleep apnea exist, including obstructive and central. Central sleep apnea is when the muscles that control your breathing aren't sending the proper signals. Obstructive sleep apnea is when your throat muscles relax and block your airway. Obstructive is the most common type of sleep apnea.
Symptoms
You have episodes where you stop breathing while you sleep. You may notice that you wake up in the middle of the night being unable to breathe. You might snore loudly or wake up with a headache. You may have trouble staying asleep. Irritability, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty focusing are also common symptoms.
Who's at Risk
Obesity increases your risk for sleep apnea. With obesity, you might have fat deposits that accumulate near the upper portion of your airway. You're more likely to have narrower airways if you have a thicker neck. In some cases, you might have a narrower airway than normal as a result of genetics. It's more common for men to have sleep apnea than women, and it's more common in people as they age. You could have sleep apnea if you have a family history, smoke, or have a condition like asthma or a hormone disorder.
Chiropractic Sleep Apnea Treatment
Our doctors will recommend chiropractic adjustments to help with your breathing issues. We may also recommend certain exercises that will help you gain more oxygen. Additionally, the exercises will retrain your respiration. Our chiropractor will also encourage you to make lifestyle changes that can improve your condition.
Your sleep apnea treatment will consist of an evaluation of your condition by asking a few questions about the symptoms you are experiencing. Our chiropractor will develop a treatment plan that is designed to meet your health goals.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Vancouver, WA
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may benefit from chiropractic techniques to improve your condition. Call Back & Neck Care Chiropractic today at (360) 253-6674 to learn more about our sleep apnea treatment or to schedule a consultation.
