Chiropractic Treatment Can Help Alleviate High Blood Pressure

Some chiropractors and health researchers have conducted studies over the past several years looking into how specific chiropractic techniques can help to alleviate common ailments such as high blood pressure.

The University of Chicago conducted promising research that did in fact see a drop in the blood pressure of individuals who received what is called an ‘atlas adjustment’ versus patients who received a placebo treatment.

What is an atlas adjustment?

The part of the spine that researchers believe may be in part responsible for blood flow and blood pressure is located near the neck, and is referred to as the cervical or vertebra. This vertebra is also called the atlas vertebra.

X-rays are necessary to perform the adjustment and alignment on this part of the spine, and your chiropractor may use a special sound wave machine to complete the treatment. While not the answer to everything, many patients who have received an atlas adjustment report feeling much better, with a reduction in pain.

Choosing a Chiropractor

If you are interested in having an atlas adjustment treatment, seek out a professional who is a member of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). These men and women are certified in this type of procedure and likely have a great deal of experience with the appropriate techniques.

There is still uncertainty about how effective the treatment is in the long-term, so it is wise to not put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. You should continue to consult with your medical doctor on a regular basis regarding your high blood pressure.

It may be possible to cease taking prescribed medication for the condition after receiving an atlas adjustment, but it also may be possible to need to resume taking the medication if the adjustment’s immediate effects do not have longevity.

If you are experiencing neck pain or hypertension, always visit your regular general practitioner first, who can then refer you to a professional for a spinal adjustment if they feel it may help. If your doctor does not outwardly suggest the adjustment, you should feel comfortable with bringing it up and having a discussion about their opinion on the treatment and its results.

Some doctors are reluctant to send you to a chiropractor because it may not be an absolute cure or may require repeated visits, and there is so far a lack of solid research into the aspect of hypertension relief.