October 22, 2025
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition where breathing is interrupted during sleep. It can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and is associated with other health concerns such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
While CPAP machines are a standard treatment, some people look for complementary approaches to support breathing and reduce symptoms.
A recent case report highlights how chiropractic care, combined with orofacial myofunctional therapy and lifestyle strategies, supported a 42-year-old man with OSA.
The Patient’s Experience
The patient had been using a CPAP machine for over five years but experienced side effects like dry nose and throat, puffy eyes, and difficulty sleeping with the mask. He also travelled frequently for work, which made CPAP use challenging.
The Approach
Over 90 days, the patient participated in a multi-faceted program that included:
- Chiropractic adjustments to improve posture and support nervous system function
- Orofacial myofunctional therapy to strengthen tongue and soft palate muscles, improve swallowing, and reduce mouth breathing
- Nutritional guidance to reduce inflammation and support overall health
- Postural and ergonomic corrections to address forward head posture and spinal alignment
- Exercise recommendations (though the patient did not fully follow this component)
The goal was to improve airway tone, reduce inflammation, and help the patient manage his OSA more naturally.
The Results
After completing the program, the patient experienced:
- A drop in apnea events from 55.4 per hour to 3.4 per hour
- Weight loss of 40 pounds, with an 8% reduction in body fat
- An 8-point drop in body mass index
- Improved posture, including a more retracted head position, better shoulder alignment, and reduced thoracic curvature
- Increased muscle tone in the face and neck
These outcomes suggest that a structured, conservative program focusing on posture, oral muscle function, and lifestyle changes may support the management of OSA.
What This Means
This case highlights that conservative approaches, including chiropractic care and orofacial exercises, can complement traditional OSA treatments. Each person’s needs are unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to individual goals and health circumstances.
While CPAP and other medical interventions remain important for many patients, strategies that improve posture, oral muscle tone, and overall health may support better sleep quality, reduce symptoms, and enhance well-being.
Key Takeaways:
- Chiropractic care can help address posture and nervous system support linked to airway function
- Orofacial exercises may strengthen muscles involved in breathing and swallowing
- Lifestyle changes, including nutrition and ergonomics, support overall health
If you or a loved one are exploring ways to improve sleep quality and reduce snoring, speak with a healthcare professional about strategies that could complement existing OSA treatments.
Contact UsReference:
David E. Hopper, Gregory Cramer, Conservative Treatment Using Chiropractic Care and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Case Report, Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, Volume 22, Issue 3,2023,Pages 234-238, ISSN 1556-3707, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2023.03.008.
Post on October 22, 2025
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