Asthma is typically understood as a condition of the lungs.
Tight airways. Inflammation. Difficulty breathing.
And while that is true, it may not be the whole story.
Because breathing is not just a lung function.
It is a neurological function.
Your lungs do not decide when to breathe.
Your brain does.
My Story: From Asthma to a Different Understanding:
I was diagnosed with asthma as a baby.
My birth was anything but typical.
My mother went into labor on a Saturday morning, and I wasn’t born until Monday. It was a long, stressful labor in an overwhelmed hospital where multiple births were happening at the same time.
I was the last baby delivered, and there wasn’t even a room available. I was born in a hallway.
It was a forceps delivery.
From the very beginning, there was stress placed on my body, especially my spine and nervous system.
And I struggled to breathe.
For the first 21 years of my life, asthma was part of my identity.
I relied on medication. I made trips to the emergency room. Stress from school, life, and even sports would trigger breathing issues.
Baseball was especially challenging. As a pitcher, I had to run to build strength, and that exertion would often bring on symptoms.
At the time, I thought my lungs were the problem.
But later, I began to understand something much deeper.
Breathing Is Controlled by the Nervous System
Breathing is regulated by the nervous system.
The brainstem, along with specific nerve pathways, controls the rhythm and depth of each breath.
The diaphragm, your primary breathing muscle, is controlled by the phrenic nerve, which originates in the neck.
The lungs themselves are influenced by the autonomic nervous system, which helps regulate airway constriction and relaxation.
This means that how well you breathe is not just about your lungs.
It is about how well your brain and body are communicating.
Where Chiropractic Fits In
Years later, while in my PhD program in neuropsychology, I went to a chiropractor for neck and lower back disc issues.
I wasn’t seeking help for asthma.
But something unexpected happened.
Over the next four to six months, I no longer needed asthma medication.
That was the turning point.
Through chiropractic care, I began to understand the role of the spine in supporting the nervous system.
When spinal function improves, communication improves.
And when communication improves, the body has a better opportunity to regulate itself.
The Role of Stress on Breathing
Stress plays a major role in asthma.
The body shifts into a heightened state, often called “fight or flight.”
In this state, breathing patterns change. Muscles tighten. Airways can become more reactive.
For someone already dealing with asthma, this can trigger symptoms.
If the nervous system is already under stress, it becomes even harder for the body to regulate breathing efficiently.
This is why addressing the nervous system matters.
Nutrition and Inflammation
Another major piece of my transformation was nutrition.
Certain foods can contribute to inflammation in the body, which may affect how the lungs respond.
Others support better function and regulation.
Learning what to eat and what to avoid became a key part of my journey.
This is not about perfection.
It is about giving your body the environment it needs to function at its best.
A Different Way to Look at Asthma
Asthma is not just about the lungs.
It is about how the entire system is functioning.
The nervous system
The spine
Stress levels
Inflammation
Lifestyle
All of these factors play a role.
Chiropractic care is not a treatment for asthma.
But it is a way to support the nervous system, which plays a central role in how the body regulates breathing.
Your Body Is Designed to Adapt
The body is not fragile.
It is adaptable.
When given the right input, it can change, improve, and function at a higher level.
That is what I experienced.
And it is what I have seen in many others over the years.
Take the First Step Toward Better Function
If you or your child is dealing with asthma, it is worth looking beyond just the lungs.
At Ptak Family Chiropractic, Dr. Jeffrey Ptak and Dr. Jakob Yates focus on supporting the nervous system and improving how the body functions as a whole.
If you would like to explore a different approach and better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms, we are here to help.
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward better breathing and better function. 310-473-7991.