Chiropractic May Help to Reduce Hypertension
I just came across an interesting paper in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. (Published by McCoy Press)
The paper was a case study of a 57-year-old male who had hypertension of 150/90 mm Hg as well as a few other musculo-skeletal complaints. The patient was examined and found to have a C1 subluxation using the NUCCA technique. After sixteen chiropractic treatments to his upper cervical region his blood pressure had returned to normal values of 120-130/80-90 mm Hg.
As a Chiropractor these kinds of results always amaze me but after 23 years of practice do not surprise me anymore. We have seen similar results in our practice over the years.
I am currently treating a patient with achalasia (inability to swallow due to a loss of motor innervation to the esophagus.) I am hopeful that chiropractic will be able to help this patient as he has exhausted all other medical alternatives at this point. Only time will tell.
Please do not assume that because of the successful results with one patient that all patients with hypotension will respond in the same way with chiropractic treatment. This was only a single case study – more studies need to be done before we can determine if there is a definite correlation between chiropractic adjustments and hypotension.
Chiropractic is not a therapy that is directed at specific conditions or symptoms but is concerned with locating and correcting spinal subluxations. Subluxations are segmental restrictions or misalignments in the spine that also interfere with normal nerve function. A healthy nervous system plays a role in the control and regulation of every cell, organ and structure in the body. Chiropractic adjustments not only restore normal joint biomechanics but have the ability to restore normal nerve function as well.
Many people think that Chiropractic is only helpful for your back or neck pain. However, Chiropractic is about having an optimally functioning nervous system that in turn, allows you and your body to be as healthy as possible.
Yours, in optimal health,
Dr. David Egan
Scott Road Chiropractic
Mar 07, 2019 at 4:08 PM
Hi did you have any positive outcome with the patient with Achalasia
Mar 07, 2019 at 9:13 AM
Hi Nicole. Unfortunately, no. Our treatment did not help him. Dr. David Egan
Dec 24, 2021 at 6:42 PM
Dr Egan, I am a 75 yr old male suffering from Achalasia. Have you worked with others sufferers and what were there outcomes? Would it be possible to get a copy of the article you referenced or at least a complete citation i.e., title data etc. Happy holidays.
Jan 04, 2022 at 7:00 PM
Hi Gary. I managed to find the study synopsis and journal the blog referenced. To read the entire study you need to pay for unfortunately. David Egan Reduction in Arterial Blood Pressure Following Adjustment of Atlas to Correct Vertebral Subluxation: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, Volume 2014 Scott Torns, DC Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ August 11, 2014 ~ Pages 54-60 Abstract Objective: This investigation was a placebo-control, randomized, prospective longitudinal cohort study to examine the long term effect Atlas Orthogonal (AO) upper cervical chiropractic care has on arterial blood pressure (ABP). Methods: Twenty participants were computer randomized into a placebo-control group and a therapeutic group. All participants were examined radiographically, and coordinate values were calculated for Atlas dysfunction per AO Technique. The therapeutic group received an AO adjustment while controls received a sham adjustment. Pre and post therapeutic intervention ABP values were recorded for each participant. Subsequent measures for ABP were again recorded at one week, two weeks, four weeks, and lastly, six weeks after intervention. The Atlas was adjusted utilizing an AO Adjusting Instrument. No adverse reactions were recorded in either group. Results: The therapeutic group demonstrated significant lowering of both their systolic and diastolic values. Improvements in systolic values continued to be statistically significant at six weeks. The effect on the diastolic values failed to reach significance after four weeks. There were no statistically significant differences detected in the systolic or diastolic values of the control group. Conclusions: This investigation provides further evidence connecting upper cervical chiropractic care and ABP regulation. While the exact mechanism remains in question, data suggests an appropriate dose may be one upper cervical chiropractic visit per month for patients that suffer from high ABP.
Jan 04, 2022 at 7:01 PM
Hi Gary. I did have a patient with Achalasia but unfortunately chiropractic treatment didn't help him with his symptoms. Dr. David Egan