Chiropractic
Care for the Treatment of Hypertension
A study headed by George Bakris, MD
compared blood pressure readings of 25 patients who received specific
adjustments to the atlas vertebra (the top bone in the neck), compared to 25
patients who received sham chiropractic adjustments. Eight weeks after undergoing the procedure,
25 patients with early-stage hypertension had significantly lower blood
pressure than the 25 similar patients who received sham chiropractic adjustments.
Compared to the patients who received
sham adjustments, those who received real chiropractic adjustments saw an
average of 14mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number) and
an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number).
So how is this possible? The control centers for the body are located
at the base of the brain called the brainstem.
These centers control basic unconscious bodily functions such as
breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.
If the Atlas vertebra pinches against the brainstem, it may not cause
pain but it can upset these basic functions.
This procedure has the effect of not
one, but two blood-pressure medications given in combination. The adjustment has the additional benefit of
not causing adverse side effects.
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