Snoring and Sleep Apnea:
Causes and Treatment
Snoring is caused by a variety of reasons. It can be due to excessive flabby tissue in the throat, large tonsils, long uvula and more. One of the most common causes of snoring is a relaxed tongue. In other cases, nasal congestion from allergies or colds can cause snoring. It is the fast moving air through a narrow tube instead of a wider tube that causes the sound of snoring. Being overweight, going through menopause and having hypothyroidism are also common causes of snoring.
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted during sleep. Untreated, breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, and both the brain and body may not receive enough oxygen. Sleep apnea is characterized as central sleep apnea (CSA) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CSA occurs due to a malfunction of the respiratory control center. In OSA, the airway is blocked due to soft tissue collapsing in the back of the throat. Risk factors for sleep apnea include being over 40, large tonsils, gastroesophageal reflux, obesity, allergies and deviated septum. There is also potential for abnormal curves in the spine to complicate breathing patterns.
Chiropractic Care at Secrest Famiy Chiropractic
for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
While many people at Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills know that a chiropractor can help with back and neck pain, many do not realize that a chiropractor can help with snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Daniel P. Secrest, DC at Secrest Family Chiropractic implements a new therapy known as Zhou’s Hypoxicology Therapy Respiration Therapy (ZHT) to treat symptoms from sleep apnea and its associated symptom of snoring. ZHT strengthens the diaphragm through breathing exercises and oxygenating the blood with scheduled 30-minute sessions. Dr. Daniel P. Secrest, DC enhances the results of ZHT with cervical and lumbar spinal adjustments. It helps correct neck displacements, which affect the trachea. With a series of adjustments and ZHT, patients have improved nighttime breathing. Additional benefits include improved lung function and increased energy.
What happens during ZHT session?
Dr. Daniel P. Secrest, DC guides patients through a series of exercises designed to coax the trachea into its proper position. The process typically take one hour the first time but less on subsequent visits. Patients are also given a list of exercises to perform at home.
Solutions and Treatments for the Surrounding Communities of Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills.
On your first visit to Secrest Family Chiropractic, a full medical history will be taken and a physical exam is performed. Dr. Daniel P. Secrest, DC will also listen carefully to your symptoms in order to determine whether or not you have sleep apnea. If that diagnosis is made, he will create an individualized chiropractic treatment plan to meet your needs.
There are many health dangers associated with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea disrupts how the body takes in oxygen. It can cause high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and even death. If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, call Secrest Family Chiropractic to schedule an appointment for an evaluation and treatment at (480) 994-4411.