As the spring season unfolds, abundant rain and humidity promote the growth of flowers, shrubs, and trees. However, these conditions also set the stage for a less welcome trio: coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. These common responses are not just nuisances; they’re our bodies’ way of dealing with environmental irritants. Coughing and sneezing cause high pressure buildup inside the chest to expel irritants from the sinuses, nose and throat. Asthma episodes cause the chest and rib cage to pull and push out of the chest which can also be strenuous on the rib cage.  This can lead to rib cage strain and pain often aggravated by repeated coughing, sneezing and wheezing.

Practical Ways to Support Rib Cage Health

Here are three practical ways to help maintain rib cage health and alleviate the strain caused by chronic coughing, sneezing, and wheezing:

1. Regular, Gentle Exercise: Activities like walking or yoga can strengthen the muscles around the rib cage and lungs, helping to improve posture and increase lung capacity. This support can reduce the physical stress on the rib cage during episodes of coughing or sneezing.
2. Proper Breathing Techniques: Learning and practicing breathing exercises that focus on diaphragmatic breathing can help manage the intensity of coughs and sneezes. These techniques promote more efficient air movement, reducing the need for forceful rib cage expansions.
3. Adequate Hydration: Keeping well-hydrated, especially in warmer weather, helps thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to breathe and lessening the need for forceful coughs to clear irritants from the throat and lungs.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Rib Cage Function and Comfort

Chiropractic care can be a valuable component in managing the musculoskeletal discomfort associated with repeated coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. This form of care focuses on manipulation of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the spine and rib cage, to improve body function and relieve pain.

1. Enhancing Musculoskeletal Alignment: Chiropractors are skilled in techniques that help adjust and correct alignment issues in the spine and rib cage. Proper alignment can ease the strain on muscles and joints, allowing for easier movement and breathing. When the rib cage is correctly aligned, it can expand and contract more efficiently during breathing, which is particularly beneficial during periods of repeated coughing, sneezing or wheezing.
2. Reducing Muscle Tension: Chronic respiratory challenges can lead to muscle tension, particularly around the neck, shoulders, and thoracic region. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve this tension, which in turn can reduce pain and improve the overall mobility of the rib cage. This is crucial for those who experience tightness and discomfort due to persistent coughing or wheezing.
3. Educating on Proper Posture and Breathing Techniques: Chiropractors often provide guidance on posture and breathing techniques that complement their manual adjustments. Good posture supports better lung capacity and more effective breathing patterns, which are vital for those who frequently deal with coughing, sneezing and wheezing.

Regular chiropractic care can help maintain musculoskeletal health which is essential for those who experience frequent coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. By taking proactive steps, those affected can enjoy the vibrant spring months with greater comfort and less concern about their respiratory health.

Contact Dr. Donkin with questions or to get help with how coughing, sneezing and wheezing may be affecting your rib cage comfort and health.