Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 6/22/2009

Question
I am 31 and found out a year ago i have sleep apnea and was not able to get used to cpap.  Just read some things online that neck curvature can cause sleep apnea.  I do have neck curvature and am wondering if I should go see a chiropractor.  Is this long term treatment or will I see results quick in regards to less apnea events?  I am also trying to lose 20 pounds and will see if that helps.  I am able to monitor my apnea at home with my pulse oximeter and am trying different things to see what helps.  Should I give chiro adjustments a try?  Will any chiropractor be ok or certain ones?

Answer
James,

Thank you for your question. Although case reports may exist suggesting that there may be link between spinal manipulation and improvement of sleep apnea symptoms, there is no compilation of scientific evidence to show that chiropractic or manipulation of the spine can correct or improve sleep apnea, nor is there any compelling scientific evidence to show that (abnormal) neck curvatures cause sleep apnea.

The best evidence for the effectiveness of spinal manipulation is for specific, non-surgical musculoskeletal disorders, of which sleep apnea is not. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep. Apnea may occur hundreds of times nightly, 1-2 times per minute in severe cases, and is often accompanied by wide swings in heart rate, precipitous decrease in oxygen saturation, electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, and interrupted blood supply to the brain in patients who undergo sleep studies.

Current medical evidence shows that there is a strong association with apnea and potential cause of the most debilitating medical conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, insulin-resistance diabetes, depression, and, as mentioned, and sleepiness-related accidents.

According to a 2009 E-medicine article (Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Treatment & Medication by Downey, Gold, and Wickramasinghe):

"General and behavioral measures, such as weight loss and avoidance of alcohol use, sedative use, and being in the supine position, are elements of nonsurgical treatment. Mechanical measures include OA therapy or positive airway pressure with a CPAP or BiPAP device. Pharmacologic therapy is not part of treatment. No clinically useful drug therapy is currently available."

I hope that this helps to answer your question.