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Understanding Hypertension

Hypertension is a serious, chronic condition characterized by elevated blood pressure. It is extremely important to monitor and treat hypertension; this condition is a risk factor for many life threatening medical issues, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and arterial aneurysm. Hypertension is also the leading cause of chronic renal failure.

There are two numbers to be concerned with when discussing hypertension: systolic and diastolic pressure readings. Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), blood pressure readings are usually given in this order (for example, 120 over 80, written as 120/80).

The top number is systolic pressure, which measures when the heart beats. Hypertension is diagnosed if this number is consistently over 140. The diastolic reading calculates the pressure inside blood vessels when the heart is at rest. This number should not be over 90 on a regular basis.

If either of these numbers is too high, hypertension is diagnosed. Blood pressure measurements are critical and easy to obtain, most likely because of the serious nature of hypertension as well as the fact that high blood pressure is often asymptomatic. When symptoms are present, they may include chest pain, confusion, irregular heartbeat, or vision changes (among others).

Lowering Blood Pressure through Chiropractic

Numerous studies have proven what many chiropractors (and traditional medical doctors) have known for some time—that chiropractic treatment can significantly lower blood pressure without the use of medication.

There is a very specific reason why chiropractic is so effective in treating hypertension: anatomical abnormalities (subluxations) in the cervical (neck) spine, particularly at the level of the Atlas vertebra, are associated with increased blood pressure. The Atlas vertebra (C1) is the topmost cervical vertebra of the spine.

Documented in the Journal of Human Hypertension*, fifty Stage 1 hypertensive patients were randomized to receive either chiropractic treatment or a sham procedure. The patients who received the real procedure experienced an average 14mmHg drop in systolic pressure and an average 8mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure.

None of the patients in the study received antihypertensive medications during the eight weeks of treatment.

Hypertension and Monmouth Spine and Rehabilitation Center

Hypertensive patients are often counseled to make healthy lifestyle changes such as losing weight, increasing exercise, and reducing sodium, sugar, and alcohol intake. Quitting smoking is another important way to reduce blood pressure.

Monmouth Spine and Rehabilitation Center can treat hypertension on a number of fronts. First, and most importantly, our practitioners will locate and eliminate any misalignment in the spine that may be leading to hypertension.

Our practice focuses not just on specific spinal misalignments (for example, the subluxation of the Atlas vertebra, as discussed above) but targets overall posture, aligning the spine with gravity in order to promote complete health while lowering blood pressure. This method is known as Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP), an innovative and scientific approach to total wellness through chiropractic.

It is also important for hypertensive patients to find ways to reduce stress. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere at Monmouth Spine and Rehabilitation was created with this objective in mind. Our practice offers therapeutic massage, as well as other services (such as acupuncture) toward the goal of reducing stress and improving health.

If you are interested in lowering your blood pressure without the use of medication, please contact our office for a consultation.

*Atlas Vertebra Realignment and Achievement of Arterial Pressure Goal in Hypertensive Patients: A Pilot Study Journal of Human Hypertension 2007 (May); 21 (5): 347–352