Health Articles

Chiropractic Care Shown To Reduce High Blood Pressure 

Several research articles and numerous case studies have reported reduction or resolution of High Blood Pressure (hypertension) in patients under chiropractic care.   

One notable study,  Atlas Vertebra Realignment And Achievement Of Arterial Pressure Goal In Hypertensive Patients (Journal of Human Hypertension (2007), 1-6), was undertaken by investigators at Rush University's Department of Preventative Medicine in Chicago, after a medical doctor noticed that a number of his patients who had experienced "unexplained" resolution of high blood pressure were under the care of the same local chiropractor.  Curious, this doctor decided to conduct a double blind, placebo-controlled study to explore the hypothesis that realignment of one particular bone in the spine could positively affect blood pressure.  The results of his study indicate that chiropractic adjustment of the top bone in the spine "is associated with marked and sustained reductions in blood pressure similar to the use of two-drug combination therapy."

This landmark study establishes chiropractic care as useful alternative to drug therapy for the management of hypertension.  

A study by Welch and Boone in 2008 demonstrated a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure and resultant increase in pulse pressure after chiropractic adjustment to the cervical spine.  Click here to read the abstract for their study.  This study also provides a concrete demonstration of physiological effect resulting from chiropractic adjustment.  A copy of the full article is available at Path of Life.

Two other RCTs have recently been completed by Steven Roffers, D.C., a chiropractor and biostatistician / epidemiologist with the Chiropractic Research Alliance.  His studies, to be presented at the International Research and Philosophy Symposium at Sherman College in the fall of 2010, are entitled "Measuring the effects of specific cervical chiropractic adjustments on blood pressure and pulse rate:  A randomized controlled trial" and "A randomized controlled trial to measure the effects of specific thoracic chiropractic adjustments on blood pressure and pulse rate."  Both studies showed statistically significant (p<0.0001 or p=0.0001, respectively) decreases in blood pressure and pulse rate in adjusted individuals, with little or no change in unadjusted or placebo patients.  Links to abstracts and/or full text articles will be provided when these are available.

If you'd like to schedule an appointment at Bartholomew Family Chiropractic where we can check your spine for subluxation that could be causing high blood pressure call or email us.  We'll be happy to help you to explore chiropractic care and your natural options for reduction of hypertension.