Blood pressure and Chiropractic
Did you know that getting your neck adjusted and lower your blood pressure. Yes, it's true according to a recent study that is published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension (volume 8 number 5 May 2006) researchers found that anatomical abnormalities (subluxation if you are a chiropractor) of the cervical spine at the level of the Atlas vertebra are associated with relative ischemia of the brainstem circulation and increased blood pressure. Manual correction of this Mal alignment (subluxation) has been associated with reduced arterial pressure. This pilot study test the hypothesis that correcting Mal alignment of the Atlas vertebra reduces and maintains improved blood pressure. In the study and 50 patients that were not taking medication and suffered from stage I hypertension were evaluated using randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design at a single center. Patients received no medication during the eight week study session. After baseline measurements of their blood pressure were taken they received chiropractic adjustments or a sham procedure. Considering that the technique performed was (NUCCA) it is difficult or impossible for the patient distinguish between a real chiropractic adjustment or the sham procedure. Statistical analysis performed comparing the baseline and eight week visits. The study demonstrated an 8/5 mm reduction in pressure at eight weeks over the placebo (sham adjustment) group. In other words, a patient that had a blood pressure of 147/92 at the end of the week study had a blood pressure of 130/82 and the only treatment received was chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine.
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In my opinion, this is a landmark study. This proves what we chiropractors have been saying ans seeing in our practice all allong. Chiropractic adjustments transcend neck and back pain and can affect the human physiology at all levels. Traditional medicine has its time and place and can be very useful. This may be the beginning what Thomas Edison stated over 100 years ago: " 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." This is what chiropractors do everyday all over the world!!
posted by Dr Peter J Brockman, Chiropractor @ 7:39 PM
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