High Blood Pressure
Hypertension occurs when the force of blood flowing through the blood vessels is abnormally strong. Chronic hypertension can lead to serious health complications including heart attacks and heart failure, blood vessel damage, strokes, and kidney disease. In the United States, 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure or about 70 million people. This health problem costs the US $46 billion each year in health care services, medications, and missed work.
Your nervous system is responsible for monitoring and altering your blood pressure. The nerves in your body control the constriction of small muscles in your blood vessels, as well as orchestrate the strength and rate of your heartbeat. When you start to exercise, your body will recognize the increased oxygen demand and compensate by changing your heart rate. Doctors of Chiropractic help to ensure your nervous system is functioning optimally. Some chiropractic patients have noticed a normalization of their blood pressure while under chiropractic care. For example, in a chiropractic pilot study involving 80 people found there is a relationship between the upper neck vertebrae and the body’s natural blood pressure control reflexes. The author of the study stated, “With gentle chiropractic adjustment to the upper neck, blood pressure can be lowered, with good results measured for older patients in particular.” In a study of chiropractic management of a hypertensive, 38-year-old male complaining of high blood pressure of 14 years duration was suffering from the side effects of medications including bloating sensations, depression, fatigue, and impotency. After three chiropractic visits, the patient’s M.D. stopped one medication and reduced another. After six adjustments, medication was reduced again. All medications were stopped after seven adjustments. Medication side effects had abated as well. After 18 months, the patient’s blood pressure remained at normal levels.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). NIH – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Pubmed Health. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0024199/.
High Blood Pressure Facts. (2/19/2015). CDC – National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm.
Nansel, D. et. al. (1991). Effects of cervical adjustments on lateral-flexion passive end-range asymmetry and on blood pressure, heart rate and plasma catecholamine levels. J Manipul Ther. 1991;14:450-456. http://gonstead.com/rsrchtitle/effects-of-cervical-adjustment-on-lateral-flexion-passive-end-range-asymmetry-and-on-blood-pressure-heart-rate-and-plasma-catecholamine-levels/.
Plaugher, G. and Bachman, T.R. (1993). Chiropractic management of a hypertensive patient. J Manipul Ther. 1993;16:544-549. http://gonstead.com/rsrchtitle/chiropractic-management-of-a-hypertensive-patient/.