Research Articles
Chiropractic for High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition that develops when blood flows through your arteries at a higher-than-normal pressure. It is a very common disease in the United States, where more than 3 million cases are diagnosed per year. If left untreated, it can cause serious health conditions including heart disease and stroke.
What causes high blood pressure?
There are two types of high blood pressure, primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.
With primary hypertension, there’s no identifiable cause. This type of blood pressure tends to develop gradually over time.
Secondary hypertension, unlike primary hypertension, is caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Conditions that can cause secondary hypertension include:
- Age
- Race
- Family history
- Being overweight or obese
- Physical inactivity
- Using tobacco
- Too much salt (sodium) in your diet
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Stress
- Chronic conditions
- Certain medications
- Illegal drugs
Complications from high blood pressure
High blood pressure can cause serious health problems. The longer it goes untreated, the greater the damage. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause:
- Heart attack or stroke
- Aneurysm
- Heart failure
- Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in your kidneys
- Thickened, narrowed, or torn blood vessels in the eyes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Memory loss
- Dementia
How is high blood pressure treated?
Lifestyle adjustments and medication are the most common treatment methods for reducing high blood pressure. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is recommended that you:
- Improve your diet
- Get regular physical activity
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit your consumption of alcohol
Depending on the severity of your condition, medication may be prescribed to help lower your blood pressure and reduce symptoms caused by high blood pressure.
Chiropractic for high blood pressure
Chiropractic for high blood pressure is an often-overlooked treatment method, although it’s been proven through scientific research to greatly reduce hypertension. Additionally, studies have shown that individuals who receive chiropractic adjustments for high blood pressure can often times have their prescription medications significantly reduced.
Case studies showing positive changes in high blood pressure after chiropractic care are becoming more and more abundant. Although chiropractic is not a treatment for any specific disease, it is designed to maximize your body’s recuperative abilities.
Research supporting the treatment of high blood pressure with chiropractic
“Chiropractic management of a hypertensive patient,” a case study by Plaugher G. Bachman, describes a 38 year old male patient who suffered from high blood pressure for 14 years. He also noted side effects from the blood pressure medication he was taking (Minipress and Cogard).
Chiropractic analysis revealed vertebral subluxation complex at Cervical 6-7, Thoracic 3-4, and 7-8 motion units (vertebrae). The patient underwent chiropractic care and after just 3 adjustments, the patient’s medical doctor stopped the Minipress and reduced Cogard. After 6 adjustments, Cogard was reduced again. All medication was stopped after 7 chiropractic adjustments. Medication side effects had abated as well. After 18 months, the patient’s blood pressure remained at normal levels.
Another study titled, “The effect of cranial adjusting on hypertension,” describes the experiences of three hypertensive patients who underwent chiropractic Sacro Occipital Technique.
One of the patients was a 73 year old woman with a blood pressure of 170/100. Immediately following chiropractic care, her blood pressure dropped to 120/78. Over the next few months it measured 140/72.
The second patient was a 41 year old woman with a blood pressure of 170/95. After chiropractic care it dropped to an average of 147/90. She was instructed to remove her dental plate at night and a couple times throughout the day. Her blood pressure then dropped to 130/90.
The third patient in the study was a 74 year old male on blood pressure medication who presented a blood pressure of 140/100. After a series of chiropractic adjustments, he was told by his medical doctor to reduce and eliminate medications. He presented a blood pressure of 130/80 on his last visit.
How long does it take to see results?
Patients have reportedly experienced improvement in as little as one visit, although a treatment plan involving continued chiropractic adjustments is generally recommended. Everyone’s situation is different, which is why it’s necessary to receive a comprehensive chiropractic evaluation to assess your body’s needs.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from high blood pressure, chiropractic is a proven treatment method that’s all natural and maximizes your body’s ability to function.
We invite you to schedule an appointment with our chiropractic office to receive a comprehensive consultation where one of our doctors can assess your situation, properly diagnose the issue, and get you started on a treatment plan to help reduce your blood pressure and experience long-term remission.
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