On August 7, I see a patient for the 1st time whose primary complaint is bronchial asthma. She has been regularly taking a potent medication for years: Pulmicort. It is a very effective drug, but it also has its drawbacks. So, if at all possible, a life without it would be better for the rest of the body.
My osteopathic examination reveals that the impaired lung function is not so much determined by poor function of the alveoli, but is a result of improper function of the diaphragm (the primary respiratory muscle). Locally, this muscle exhibits excessive tone and is often in a so-called ‘high position,’ which does not benefit lung ventilation. Additionally, there is faulty control of this diaphragm via the phrenic nerve from the spinal cord, high in the neck.
This area has excessive local tension due to an old trauma. Inquiries with the patient reveal that at a very young age, she fell from a 5-meter-high haystack, resulting in a moment of unconsciousness and respiratory distress.
How wonderful it would be if we could get this diaphragm working properly again. We shall see.
