Chiropractic Care for Long-COVID:  A Natural Holistic Approach to Recovery

What is Long-COVID?

Long-COVID is a term used to describe lingering symptoms and complications that persist long after the acute phase of COVID-19 has passed and something that has become increasingly of concern in the wake of the pandemic.

Currently, it is estimated between 10 and 30% of those who suffer from COVID-19 will have chronic long-running symptoms.  While health professionals have made substantial progress in understanding and treating long-COVID it looks like we still have a way to go. The role of chiropractic care in the natural holistic management of this condition is also gaining more attention.  This blog explores how chiropractic care may play a valuable part in someone’s journey to recovery from long-COVID.

Long-COVID, aka post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, can present in various ways.  Symptoms range from persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive difficulties to musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, and depression.  The nature of long-COVID in how it affects many different systems of our body suggest that a comprehensive approach to treatment and management is important.

The Role of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a natural holistic approach that focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system.  Chiropractic seeks to restore the body’s natural balance and function that assists improve overall health.  While chiropractic care cannot cure COVID-19 or long-COVID, it can offer several benefits that complement your healthcare regime.

Pain Management

Musculoskeletal pain is something many long-COVID patients experience, often due to inactivity and prolonged bed rest.  Our chiropractors at Connect Chiropractic are primary care practitioners that are qualified in diagnosis and treating these conditions.  Using a combination of gentle spinal adjustments and other manual techniques assists in alleviating pain and improving mobility.

Enhanced Immune Function

A well-functioning nervous system is vital for a well-functioning immune system.  Chiropractic care aims to optimise the nervous system, potentially aiding the body’s ability to fight off infections, including long-COVID.

Stress Reduction

Anxiety and depression are common in long-COVID patients.  Chiropractic care can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being through spinal adjustments and body relaxation techniques.

Improved Respiratory Function

Breathing difficulties are a hallmark of long-COVID.  By ensuring optimal spinal alignment and nerve function chiropractic care can help improve lung function which facilitates better breathing.

Overall Well-Being

A fundamental principle of Chiropractic is that the body has an innate ability to heal itself.  By ensuring your spine and nervous system is working at its best and removing any areas of interference in your brain-body communication promotes a state of overall well-being that can be especially beneficial for long-COVID patients.

Case Studies and Anecdotal Evidence

A recent exploratory study of patients with long-COVID looked at how participants responded to a course of chiropractic care over 8-12 weeks.  What they found was that average fatigue levels decreased from 76% to 25% in patients and improvements were seen in heart rate variability, balance, and quality of life¹

While research on the specific effects of chiropractic care on long-COVID is still in its early stages, anecdotal evidence and case studies have shown promising results.  Some patients have reported a reduction in symptoms, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life after receiving chiropractic treatment.  These findings, although not conclusive, suggest that chiropractic care has a positive role to play in the comprehensive care of patients suffering long-COVID.

Long-COVID presents a formidable challenge to patients, families, healthcare providers and our entire community.  While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for this condition, chiropractic care offers a natural, holistic, and patient-centred approach to managing its diverse symptoms.  With a focus on pain management, immune function, stress reduction, respiratory health and overall well-being chiropractic can play a valuable role that supports long-COVID patients on their journey to recovery.

If you are recovering from long-COVID and are seeking Chiropractic care, please book an appointment with one of our chiropractors at Connect Chiropractic, or call us at 03 9512 5882 to book an appointment.

[1] www.spinalresearch.com.au/exploratory-study-examines-chiropractic-protocol-and-long-covid/