HYPERTENSION
This past week, the University of Chicago released a study evaluating a chiropractic manipulative technique of the neck and its effect on blood pressure. Let’s take a look at hypertension and current treatment recommendations.
What is hypertension? Hypertension is defined as abnormally high blood pressure, with a reading of 120/80 measured in millimeters of mercury by a blood pressure cuff. The systolic (top) number measures the pressure against the arteries as the heart pumps. The diastolic (bottom) number is the resting pressure in the arteries between each heartbeat.
What causes hypertension? Risk factors include being overweigh,t smoking, inactivity and family history. Blood pressure may also increase with age, and can be associated with medical problems such as kidney and thyroid disease.
What are the symptoms? Elevated pressures make the heart work harder, leading to a variety of medical conditions. Many times, the only symptom is an elevated reading noted at the doctor’s office. With very severe hypertension, a person may experience headaches, blurred vision, and confusion. Prolonged, untreated hypertension may lead to kidney damage, eye problems, and heart disease.
What is the treatment? Once the diagnosis is made, life style changes must be made. This includes weight loss, increasing exercise, and changes in diet. These initial steps have proven successful.
With resistant cases, a diuretic may be prescribed. If this does not work, other medications that focus on heart or kidney function may be prescribed. Severe cases may require two or three classes of antihypertensive medications.
What about chiropractic? An 84-year-old Chicago chiropractor developed the technique of manipulating the first cervical vertebrae in the neck. This highly specialized technique directs force at the C1 vertebrae and allegedly realigns it.
The University of Chicago study evaluated 50 patients. Half of the patients had C1 chiropractic manipulation of the neck and half had sham treatment – the equivalent of placebo treatment. No medications were used.
The patient’s blood pressure was rechecked eight weeks after treatment. For those who had chiropractic treatment, the systolic number was 14 points lower and the diastolic number was 8 points lower.
While chiropractic treatment has not become the standard of care for high blood pressure, interest in a larger study has been generated. If you suffer from hypertension, you should consult with your physician and utilize conventional therapies until large controlled medical studies of alternative therapies have been completed.
