Chiropractic and High Blood Pressure: Evidence and Care

Chiropractic and High Blood Pressure: Evidence and Care

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High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so measurement matters. A diagnosis generally relies on properly taken readings and medical assessment, not how someone feels.

Chiropractic adjustments are not an established treatment for hypertension. Do not replace blood-pressure monitoring or prescribed medicines with neck manipulation.

Understanding Blood Pressure and Hypertension

Each time the heart beats, it's pumping blood into the arteries of the body. Blood pressure is the force of the blood as it pushes against the walls of the arteries. The two numbers in a blood pressure reading are systolic, the top number that measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic, which is the bottom number measuring the pressure in the arteries between beats.

Have a clinician interpret your readings using current guidance and your health history. One elevated reading does not always establish hypertension. Use a validated monitor and correct technique, and follow the plan your clinician gives you.

The Risks of Hypertension

Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of serious cardiovascular and kidney problems. Effective treatment reduces risk even when there are no noticeable symptoms.

Potential complications include:

• Heart attack and other heart disease

• Stroke

• Heart failure

• Kidney damage

Treatment of High Blood Pressure

Treatment may include a heart-healthy eating pattern, appropriate activity, reducing sodium and alcohol, smoking cessation and medicines. The plan depends on your readings and risk. NHLBI explains hypertension treatment; do not stop or reduce medication without the prescribing clinician.

What Does Chiropractic Research Establish?

A small 2007 pilot study of an upper-neck technique reported lower blood pressure, but one short trial does not establish durable benefit or justify replacing standard hypertension treatment. Blood-pressure care should follow the medical evidence as a whole.

If blood pressure is above 180 systolic or 120 diastolic and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, vision changes or trouble speaking, call 911. A very high reading without symptoms still requires prompt medical advice; do not wait for a routine chiropractic appointment.

For a separate muscle or joint concern in Waynesville, contact Haywood Spine and Nerve Center at (828) 456-5700. Continue blood-pressure management with your medical clinician.

Before considering manipulation for any musculoskeletal reason, review NCCIH’s evidence and safety information.