Narrative: A 64-year-old corporate consultant presented with long COVID manifestations. His major complaints were cold intolerance, fatigue, and insomnia. He rated his fatigue at 2/10 on a scale where 10/10 represents the most severe manifestation of the symptom. He had been able to sleep only 3-4 hours per night for several months. He had been accustomed to playing tennis 2-4 times per week but had not played at all for several months prior to presentation.
He was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea approximately three months after his acute COVID-19 infection. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was ongoing for this condition.
He also suffered a recurrence of atrial fibrillation around the time of this infection. He was taking Diltiazem™ (a calcium channel blocker) and Pradax™ (an anticoagulant) for atrial fibrillation as well as Zyrtec™ for seasonal allergies at the time of presentation.
On chiropractic examination, multiple vertebral and upper extremity subluxations were found on palpation. Active cervical range of motion was restricted in rotation and lateral flexion bilaterally. The right quadriceps femoris muscle was found to be inhibited on manual muscle testing. A sagittal suture fault was revealed according to Applied Kinesiology protocols. Lower rib excursion was restricted on the right. Arterial blood pressure measured 150/98 mm/Hg.
Chiropractic adjustments for the correction of vertebral and upper extremity subluxations and cranial faults were administered five times over a four-week period. He was asked to perform daily oropharyngeal exercises to augment his CPAP therapy.
On the third visit, blood pressure was 134/80 mm/Hg. The patient stated he was sleeping as much as 5.5 hours per night, and his fatigue level was ‘not bad’. On the fifth visit, the patient reported his fatigue level to be 1/10 most days. His sensitivity to cold temperature was no longer worse than before COVID-19 infection. He reported sleeping at least 4 hours, often 5-6 hours per night. Overall, he stated he was feeling ‘better’. Several weeks after this visit, he had resumed playing tennis.
This is our sixth report of long COVID under chiropractic care. The results to date support the hypothesis that chiropractic adjustments can reduce the severity of COVID-19 long haul symptoms.
Author keywords: Chiropractic - Subluxation - Long COVID - Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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