People see chiropractors for a variety of health and wellness goals and concerns. As chiropractors, our main goal is always first and foremost restoring the function of the brain and nervous system. Without that, the body is unable to heal and self-regulate properly.  In doing this, we see improvements in many issues you wouldn’t normally think about in relation to your spine.

A study (sourced below) has shown that through a specific adjustment of a single vertebra, you can in fact significantly lower blood pressure with chiropractic care

The first vertebra of the spine (C1) or atlas connects the base of the brain to the neck. The atlas relies solely on surrounding muscles and ligaments and is not interlocked with the remainder of the spine. This makes it uniquely prone to misalignment.

This bone connects to the base of the brain at the brain stem and a misalignment of just half of a millimeter can put abnormal pressure and stress on the stem. Severely bodily functions are controlled and this area, including the cardiovascular system.

In a 2007 study at the University of Chicago, 50 participants who each had Atlas displacement, as well as hypertension, were divided into two groups. The first group was given a specific chiropractic adjustment on their displaced Atlas vertebra. The second group was given a “placebo” treatment, intended to resemble chiropractic care. As a result of the single chiropractic treatment on the first group, they registered a significantly lower blood pressure. On average, each patient recorded a reduction of 27 blood pressure points (17 systolic/10 diastolic), which was reported to be like using a two-drug combination therapy. Assessments were given after the treatment, and again eight weeks later. The improvement in blood pressure continued eight weeks after a single adjustment to the Atlas vertebra.

While more research is necessary to understand exactly which specific nerves affect which specific functions, the established links between the nervous system and cardiovascular health demonstrate a step in the right direction.

Through regular chiropractic care, a healthy diet, stress reduction, and regular exercise, you can lower your blood pressure naturally.  If you’re concerned about high blood pressure and would like to explore more natural treatment options, contact us.

We can help you assess your spinal health and recommend an appropriate treatment plan, call Maple Lake Chiropractic today! We look forward to hitting your health and wellness goals with you.

RESOURCES

http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/2007/20070314-atlas.html

http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Atlas_Vertebra_Realignment.shtml

http://www.100percentchiropractic.com/can-chiropractic-lower-blood-pressure/

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