Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition affecting one in every three adults in the United States. It increases the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Over the years, a broad array of interventions has been explored for controlling blood pressure levels, ranging from pharmaceutical therapies to lifestyle changes. Among these, chiropractic care, specifically upper cervical chiropractic adjustments, has generated much interest for its potential impact on blood pressure. This article delves into the relationship between upper cervical chiropractic adjustments and blood pressure regulation.
What is Upper Cervical Chiropractic?
Before delving into the main topic, it is important to understand what upper cervical chiropractic entails. This specialized area of chiropractic care focuses on the top two vertebrae of the spine, known as the Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2). Misalignments or subluxations in these vertebrae can potentially impact the surrounding nerves and blood flow to the brain.
Upper cervical chiropractic adjustments are gentle, precise, and typically non-invasive procedures aimed at correcting these subluxations, thereby reducing nerve interference, improving spinal health, and enhancing overall wellbeing.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Blood Pressure: The Research
There is some evidence suggesting that upper cervical chiropractic adjustments may help reduce blood pressure. One of the most notable studies was published in the Journal of Human Hypertension in 2007. Conducted by George Bakris and his team, the study compared blood pressure changes in 50 patients with early-stage high blood pressure who underwent a specific upper cervical adjustment versus 25 similar patients who received a placebo intervention.
The researchers reported a significant reduction in blood pressure in the group receiving the upper cervical chiropractic adjustment compared to the placebo group. The reduction was equivalent to what would be expected from a two-drug combination therapy for blood pressure. Moreover, these reductions occurred without any adverse effects and were still present eight weeks after the adjustment.
The Possible Mechanism
While the mechanisms by which upper cervical chiropractic adjustments could influence blood pressure aren't fully understood, there are a few theories.
One hypothesis is based on the proximity of the C1 and C2 vertebrae to the brainstem, which plays a role in regulating cardiovascular function. Misalignment of these vertebrae could put pressure on the brain stem, affecting its ability to regulate blood pressure. By correcting the alignment, upper cervical chiropractic adjustments could remove this pressure, allowing for more normal functioning of the cardiovascular regulatory pathways.
Another theory pertains to the role of the vertebral arteries, which pass through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae to supply blood to the brain. A misalignment could potentially impede blood flow through these arteries, and a chiropractic adjustment could alleviate this obstruction.
Considerations
While chiropractic care can be a valuable part of an overall wellness strategy, it should not be used as a standalone treatment for hypertension. Blood pressure management typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and, in many cases, medication. Individuals interested in upper cervical chiropractic adjustments for blood pressure should discuss this with their healthcare provider to ensure it fits appropriately into their overall treatment plan.
How Our Hypertension Treatment Works
As a specialist in upper cervical care, Dr. Bejian Shamloo employs cutting-edge, non-invasive technology to assess spinal health and pinpoint any misalignments, regardless of their scale, in order to help treat hypertension.
Dr. Shamloo uses sophisticated 3D imaging technology, a substantial improvement over traditional 2D X-rays, for diagnostic purposes. This enables him to make more accurate and delicate corrections that sustain longer. He then applies non-invasive, safe, and holistic techniques to adjust the misalignments.
Following the appropriate alignment of the upper cervical spine, the body is primed to restore normal nerve functionality. This sets in motion the body's innate healing mechanisms, contributing to damage repair and overall health enhancement.
If you are seeking a natural treatment for hypertension, please contact Upper Spine Knoxville today. Operating in Tennessee, Dr. Shamloo offers upper cervical chiropractic care to patients in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City, and to those residing in nearby regions.