High blood pressure is one of the most common secondary conditions it seems like nearly every patient over the age of 40 comes in with. What's scary is that there are few outward signs and symptoms of high blood pressure to let you know that you've got it. That's why periodical screenings to check your blood pressure are so valuable especially considering that hypertension can lead to serious problems like heart disease; the leading cause of death in the U.S. 

Hypertension is commonly treated by medications. Many people; however, choose to tackle their hypertension and the threat of heart disease by drug-less options. Changes in diet and exercise routines can naturally promote lower levels of blood pressure. 

Research efforts have uncovered another powerful drug-less option that can help the hypertensive population; upper cervical chiropractic care. A 2007 study by George Bakris, MD revealed that upper cervical care could achieve the same level of blood pressure reduction as the use of two-drug combination therapy. Blood pressures in the test subjects remained reduced over the 8-week study period. Dr. Bakris is professor of preventive medicine and internal medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He is also a member of the executive committee of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

Chiropractic researchers and field doctors have also been working to uncover the incredible results of hypertensive patients under upper cervical care. Here is some research literature and descriptions of the results described in each paper:

• Kessinger RC, Moe C. Improvement in chronic hypertension following a single upper cervical adjustment: A case report.  J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2015 Winter;2015(1):Online access only p 1-5.

"Through the course of 7 months care, the patient received one upper cervical adjustment and the blood pressure progressively lowered."

• Chung J, Brown J, Busa J. Resolution of hypertension following reduction of upper cervical vertebral subluxation: A case study [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2014 Winter;2014(1):Online access only p 1-6.

"Contact specific, low force adjustments (NUCCA) to the upper cervical area of the spine were performed. Throughout care, the patient noted decreases in his sciatica pain, wrist pain and decreases in his blood pressure. After 16 adjustments, the patient is no longer taking medications to control his hypertension and his blood pressure remains stable."

• Whedon, E. Upper cervical specific chiropractic management of a patient with hypertension: A case report and selective review of the literature [case report; review]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2013 Winter;2013(1):Online access only p 1-13.

"The patient received Knee Chest upper cervical care for twelve weeks. By the end of care the patient experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure to 114/80 mmHg. She also experienced a significant decrease in both frequency and severity of migraine headache symptoms."

• Qualls T, Lester C. Resolution of atrial fibrillation & hypertension in a patient undergoing upper-cervical chiropractic care [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012 Winter;2012(1):9-15.

"High velocity, low amplitude adjustments were delivered in the knee-chest position to the atlanto-occipital area on 4 separate visits. Upon receiving a second adjustment, the patient's heart rate variability readings showed signs of improvement suggesting autonomic balance. Her blood pressure returned to normal and was able to discontinue her medication."

• Goodman R. HYPERTENSION AND THE ATLAS SUBLUXATION COMPLEX. Chiropr. 1992 Jul;8(2):30-32.

"This report represents observations on eight patients presenting with hypertension. A multiple baseline across subjects design is used in this study. Changes or relief of symptoms is affected by adjusting the occipito-atlanto-axial subluxation complex. The author suggests a relationship between the displaced skull and the cervical spine with hypertension."

Most scientific resources will confirm that the center for blood pressure regulation is in the brainstem. It makes sense that spinal alignment could affect the function of the brainstem at the upper neck level where the spine and skull meet. 

Upper cervical care presents a possible solution for people looking to decrease their blood pressure without medications. Upper cervical involves precise alignment of the upper neck bones that surround the brainstem. The brainstem is responsible for many bodily functions including control of blood pressure.  Upper cervical care has also been known to promote wellness and the restoration of health. 

If you would like to know if you are a candidate for this unique style of spinal correction, call 843-399-0182 and ask to schedule a consultation.

Other sources:

1. Bakris G, Dickholtz M Sr, Meyer PM, Kravitz G, Avery E, Miller M, Brown J, Woodfield C, Bell B. Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study. J Hum Hypertens. 2007 May;21(5):347-52. Epub 2007 Mar 2.

2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/200586?redirect=true

3. https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20070316/chiropractic-cuts-blood-pressure#1