Chiropractic and the management of Hypertension
September 22, 2010
Hypertension is a widespread health issue these days, affecting approximately 25% of adults. Chronic hypertension can speed up the development of a number of other health problems such as atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack and congestive heart failure. This issue is a major one to address, because managing hypertension is a very effective way to reduce these other disease processes that are direct a result of it.
There is some recently documented evidence that chiropractic care consisting of specific upper neck adjustments, nutritional and dietary change and lifestyle modification have a profoundly positive effect on the management of hypertension. The recommended dietary change is moving toward a Paleo-Mediterranean type diet consisting of mostly lean protein, fibrous vegetables and fruits, nuts & seeds, and is primarily eating low on the glycemic index. Certain supplements are also quite helpful such as Coenzyme Q-10, vitamin D, and L-carnitine to name a few. Exercise and stress management are also important components of the lifestyle changes, as well as intermittent fasting.
Implementing these suggestions along with the specific neck adjustments were actually TWICE as effective at reducing hypertension than traditionally prescribed medications, and these results were found in more than one research study. This is a completely natural way to manage high blood pressure, and with fewer side effects than those that come with the traditionally used drugs. Indeed there are those who have certain types of hypertension that are more organic in nature and will need medication as an intervention, but with such a large percentage of the population affected by this health issue, I think it is nice to know that there is quite a lot one can do to improve quality of life and help to manage hypertension, giving a sense of empowerment.
Diet, exercise, occasional fasting, lifestyle changes and specific chiropractic adjustments can help you feel more vital and alive, and now research shows it can also help manage high blood pressure. Sounds great to me!
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September 23, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Thanks, Dr Susan- I like the focus on individual health balancing- like chiropractic- as a basic treatment for cardiac disease. Not only are you giving the appropriate adjustment to help the body manage the imbalance/disease, but most of the chiropractors I’ve known (esp you) take some real time to connect, listen and show compassion. I hear about many medical professionals who find they have no time to do so in a modern medical practice- even if the desire is there!(- and I’m sure it is in most cases.) And even if they do have the space to listen, there’s also not as many visits as one would have with a chiropractor. Which often makes me feel like my chiropractor is my primary doctor. She has the “pulse” on my health like few others.
Thanks for all your care over the years!