Most people think of chiropractic care as something that only helps with back pain—and it definitely does. But what if improving your posture and spinal alignment could also make it easier to breathe?
That’s exactly what happened to a 37-year-old man who had been struggling with chronic lower back pain and shortness of breath. His story highlights the powerful connection between posture, breathing, and overall health—and how a chiropractic method called Advanced BioStructural Correction™ (ABC™) turned his life around.
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TLDR – Quick Guide
- Problem: Chronic back pain (lasting over 5 years) and shortness of breath.
- Assessment: Posture misalignments (forward head, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar hyperlordosis) plus restricted lung function on spirometry.
- Treatment: 12 weeks of Advanced BioStructural Correction™—two visits per week.
- Results:
- Back pain: gone by week 12.
- Posture: significant realignment of shoulders, pelvis, and spine.
- Breathing: lung function improved from 69% to 98% (normal) and other measures normalized or exceeded expected values.
- Back pain: gone by week 12.
- Lesson: Poor posture can restrict breathing. Correcting spinal alignment can restore both mobility and lung health.
Detailed Breakdown
Living With Chronic Back Pain
Back pain affects up to 80% of adults worldwide. This man’s pain lasted over five years, rated at 4–6/10, worsened with sitting, and coincided with shortness of breath. Despite medication, he found little relief—until chiropractic care.
The Chiropractic Assessment
Posture photos revealed:
- Forward head posture: 15° out of alignment
- Thoracic kyphosis: 45° (normal is 20–40°)
- Lumbar hyperlordosis: 60° (normal is 30–50°)
Spirometry showed restricted breathing:
- FEV1: 69% of normal
- FEV1/FVC ratio: 59%
- Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): 32%
- Small airway function: 60%
The Care Plan
- Frequency: 2 visits/week for 12 weeks
- Method: Advanced BioStructural Correction™ (ABC™) adjustments targeting spine, pelvis, and posture-related muscles
- Tracking: Posture photos and lung tests every few weeks
The Results
- Pain Relief: By week 12, his back pain was completely gone.
- Posture: Shoulders moved back by 2.86 cm, pelvis realigned, and overall upright posture improved.
- Breathing:
- FEV1: 69% → 98%
- FEV1/FVC ratio: 59% → 83%
- PEF: 32% → 87%
- FEF25-75: 60% → 102%
- FEV1: 69% → 98%
In just 3 months, his lung function went from “restricted” to above normal.
Why Did This Happen?
Poor posture compresses the rib cage and limits diaphragm movement, restricting lung expansion. By correcting spinal alignment, ABC™:
- Freed rib cage mobility
- Restored diaphragm efficiency
- Released tension in chest/back muscles
- Improved nerve communication to respiratory muscles
Key Takeaways
- Poor posture affects more than your back—it can compromise breathing.
- Spinal misalignments can compress the rib cage and limit lung function.
- Advanced BioStructural Correction™ doesn’t just relieve pain—it restores posture and boosts overall health.
- Correcting posture can make breathing effortless again.
- The body functions as a single system: fixing alignment improves movement, energy, and respiratory strength.
FAQs
1. Can poor posture really affect your breathing?
Yes. When your spine is misaligned—especially with forward head posture or a hunched upper back—it compresses the rib cage and reduces diaphragm movement, making it harder for the lungs to expand.
2. What is Advanced BioStructural Correction™ (ABC™)?
ABC™ is a chiropractic technique that releases stuck areas of the spine and corrects posture. Unlike temporary fixes, it focuses on structural correction, allowing the body to realign and function better over time.
3. How long does it take to see results with ABC™?
In this case, the patient experienced dramatic improvements in 12 weeks with two sessions per week. Some people feel relief after just a few treatments, while others may need several months depending on the severity of misalignment.
4. Does chiropractic care only help with back pain?
No. While it’s often sought for back and neck issues, chiropractic care—especially posture-focused methods like ABC™—can improve breathing, energy levels, mobility, and even nervous system function.
5. Is this type of care safe for everyone?
Most people can safely benefit from chiropractic care, including ABC™, though treatment plans are customized to the individual. A thorough assessment ensures it’s appropriate before care begins.
