Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Could a Neck Adjustment Lower Your Blood Pressure?

A New Study Shows a Link Between Hypertension and Spinal Alignment

We are still unsure of what causes hypertension (high blood pressure), but recent studies indicate that an upper cervical (neck) adjustment may reduce hypertension for some of the 65 million Americans battling it.

The study done at University of Chicago, published in the Journal of Human Hypertension, analized the possibility of a connection between a spinal realignment and a decrease in blood pressure.

"We set up a double-blind study to really look and see if in fact this procedure was affecting high blood pressure," said University of Chicago Medical Center hypertension specialist George Bakris.

The results were amazing. The patients who received the chiropractic adjustments saw their blood pressure drop an average of 17 points -- a dip that usually takes two blood pressure medications to reach.

"My blood pressure dropped tremendously!" said Denise Nieman, who had participated in the study.

Why It Works

The C-1 vertebra, located at the top of the spine, operates like a fuse box in the body. When it is “tweaked” out of place, it can pinch arteries and nerves at the neck's base, which not only causes discomfort but also affects blood flow and nerve function.

When the spine is misaligned (subluxated), it can affect all types of things, and it can even cause all types of diseases and conditions.

So, for patients like Nieman, whose X-rays showed her C-1 subluxated, the special chiropractic adjustment lowered the pain and her blood pressure simultaneously.

While it is still not as common as other treatments for hypertension, chiropractic is gaining credibility and popularity. I think that Thomas Edison said it best: “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” ...Chiropractic.