Can Chiropractic Care Help Treat Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious health condition that’s called a “silent killer” because it may present no immediate symptoms while it’s putting you at risk of serious health problems with your heart, kidneys, brain, and other systems. 

While you may think your only treatment option for hypertension is blood pressure medication, chiropractic care offers a drug- and pain-free way of reducing and managing your hypertension. 

Here at Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, we focus on offering chiropractic solutions especially for people who are looking for drug-free options. 

Read on to find out more about how chiropractic care can help you lower your blood pressure. 

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is another way of saying high blood pressure, which means the pressure of the blood inside your arteries and veins is elevated. 

Blood pressure is usually measured as two numbers: your systolic pressure (pressure in your arteries during a heartbeat) over your diastolic pressure (pressure in your arteries between heartbeats). A normal blood pressure reading is usually below 120/80 mm Hg. 

What causes hypertension?

There are two types of hypertension: primary hypertension, which develops over time without a specific cause, and secondary hypertension, which strikes quickly and is often caused by another condition. 

Primary hypertension is thought to be caused by:

• Family history
• Excess stress
• Poor diet
• Being overweight or obese

Diets, especially those high in sodium and saturated fat, are thought to contribute to hypertension by increasing your fluid retention and hardening your arteries. 

Secondary hypertension is associated with:

• Kidney disease
• Congenital heart defects
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid problems
• Adrenal problem

Alcohol and drug use can also contribute to high blood pressure.

What are the effects of hypertension?

Your blood vessels are designed to handle a specific range of blood pressure every day. 

Too little blood pressure (hypotension) can mean your blood doesn’t deliver oxygen and nutrients efficiently throughout your body, which can lead to fatigue and fainting spells. 

Too much blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to damaged arteries, heart disease, strokes, and other serious conditions. 

Can chiropractic care help treat hypertension?

You can reduce your blood pressure without the risks and side effects of blood pressure drugs. Of course, making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet and increasing your activity levels are important, but chiropractic care can also help.

In 2007, a study in the Journal of Human Hypertension found that chiropractic adjustment on the Atlas vertebra (C-1 vertebra) at the top of the spine reduced blood pressure at a level similar to taking two commonly prescribed blood pressure medications. 

Similarly, a 2018 study about alternative and complementary medicine treatments for hypertension found chiropractic care delivered a significant reduction in blood pressure. 

Numerous case studies have also shown the positive effects of chiropractic care on blood pressure, such as the case of a 38-year-old man who was able to reduce his blood pressure and stop his blood pressure drugs after two months of chiropractic treatment. 

If you have hypertension, you’re not doomed to take blood pressure drugs forever. Chiropractic care may offer a drug-free way to lower your blood pressure. To find out more, call us at 208-225-4358 or book your appointment online today.