While Spring is a beautiful season filled with brighter sunshine and blooming flowers that boost our mood and energy, for many people suffering from allergies, the seasonal change can significantly impact their quality of life.
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance- allergens such as pollen, mould, dust mites, animal dander or saliva, insect stings or bites, medication, food, and latex. Allergy-related diseases also include conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic asthma. [1]
The severity of an allergic reaction varies from person to person and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild irritation to life-threatening emergencies. While many people with allergies rely on pharmaceutical medications for relief, emerging research suggests that chiropractic treatment may also be beneficial.
The New Case Reports
This was the case for a 3-year-old girl who presented to a chiropractor with persistent allergies and nasal congestion, which had been present for two months. The case was recently published in the Asia Pacific Chiropractic Journal, which reported that the child’s mother cited secondary concerns including behavioural issues, poor sleep and a 6–7-month history of bed-wetting. The child had a history of a fall from a grocery cart at seven months old and had been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The mother’s goal for chiropractic care was to improve the child’s mood and attention.
The chiropractor conducted a thorough evaluation, which revealed various abnormalities, including a short left leg, head tilt, reduced range of motion, and subluxations in the cervical and thoracic spine. The young girl received 12 chiropractic adjustments over six weeks using the Torque Release Technique. The chiropractic adjustments included a combination of techniques, such as the toggle board for the upper cervical spine, the integrator instrument, the Arthostim instrument, the drop table for the pelvic and sacral regions, and high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique for the thoracic region.
During the six-week (twelve-session) evaluation, it was noted that the child’s symptoms had significantly improved after receiving chiropractic care. She experienced considerable improvement in the presentation of her allergies and improved sleep. Her mood also improved, and she was able to participate in more activities.
Previous cases
Further data from case reports include an 8-year-old girl presented to a chiropractic clinic with primary complaints of hip pain and a left-sided internal foot rotation. During her care, the patient’s allergies were identified, and significant improvements were noted in her hip and foot issues. After 38 weeks of chiropractic care, the patient’s IgE levels, a marker of allergies, had decreased. [2]
A 6-year-old boy with multiple health conditions, including nocturnal enuresis, headaches, ADHD, asthma, allergies, constipation, earaches, and cold hands. After receiving 25 chiropractic adjustments, the boy experienced significant improvements in his symptoms, including complete resolution of enuresis, cold hands, and constipation. His allergies were also reduced by 80%. [3]
Infants and children are not the only patients to have found allergy relief from chiropractic treatment. A 38-year-old female presented for chiropractic care with a primary complaint of allergy-induced asthma. The patient reported a history of asthma since adolescence and also experienced chronic sinus issues, headaches, and numbness in her right leg. With no prior chiropractic care and no current medication use, the patient sought chiropractic treatment to address her symptoms. The patient received subluxation-based chiropractic care, using the Torque Release Technique over six months. Surface electromyography and thermography were used to monitor changes in muscle activity and spinal alignment. After treatment, she reported complete resolution of her asthma and allergy symptoms, along with improvements in other complaints. [4]
These case reports demonstrate that chiropractic care offers a natural approach to potentially providing relief for individuals who suffer from these symptoms. Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of chiropractic care for these individuals and to better understand the underlying mechanisms involved. But that’s what we love, after all.
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References:
- Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia; About Allergies. (2024) https://allergyfacts.org.au/about-allergies/
- Korthius, M (2017). Improved Allergen-Specific IgE Levels in an 8-year-old Female Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A C aes Study and Selective Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health. Vol. 2017. Iss 2. Pp. 82-92, https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/01/01/improved-allergen-specific-ige-levels-in-an-8-year-old-female-followingchiropractic-care-to-reduce-vertebral-subluxation-a-case-study-selective-review-of-the-literature/ retrieved 2 December 2021
- Herring, R., and Wright, D, (2020). Resolution of Nocturnal Enuresis, Constipation, Headaches, Allergies and Cold Hands in a 6-Year-Old Male Following Chiropractic Care for Vertebral Subluxation: Case Study and Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health Chiropractic. Volume 2020. pp. 22-33, https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2020/07/28/resolution-of-nocturnalenuresis-constipation-headaches-allergies-cold-hands-in-a-6-year-old-male-following-chiropractic-for-vertebral-subluxation-case-studyreview-of-the-literature/
- Kim, S., & Wozniak, J. 2023. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. V-2023; P.1-10 https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2022/07/10/1751-improvement-in-a-patient-with-allergic-asthma-following-chiropractic-care-using-torque-release-technique-a-case-study/
