According to the CDC (centre of disease control in America) high blood pressure occurs in approximately one out of three adults and in over two out of three seniors. Of these only about half of adults with high blood pressure are believed to have it uder control. High blood pressure puts patients at risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, all three of which are in the top ten causes of death in the United States. While diet, exercise and other aspects of lifestyle are major factors affecting blood pressure some severe cases may still require medication to control it. Less severe cases may need medication as well while working toward naturally lowering it. Is there a way for chiropractic to help reduce blood pressure? According to the journal of hypertension there could be.
In a March 2007 article titled, Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients a pilot study, 50 patients with stage one hypertension not on medication were assigned to receive chiropractic care . Patients received adjustments once per week for 8 weeks over the course of the study. After completion of the study the results showed with 90% on average reduction to normal levels. This is especially significant considering earlier medical studies have shown that in order to control blood pressure even 70% of the time in stage-one patients requires at least two blood pressure medications taken together.
This study was a pilot and was a relatively small study, but it certainly provides good evidence that chiropractic care could help reduce blood pressure and hopefully a larger study will be done. Until then a good diet, exercise and topped up with chiropractic care all go toward good health.