The Role of Chiropractic Care in Managing Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious ailment that affects millions of Filipinos. Heralded as the “silent killer” because a significant number of cases do not cause noticeable symptoms. If not addressed, it can significantly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other life-threatening conditions. For reference, according to Oxford Academic, it’s predicted that about 33.82% of Filipinos will be affected by the said ailment by 2050.
The good news is that all is not lost due to the fact that the probability of developing hypertension can be reduced through chiropractic therapy.
How chiropractic can address hypertension
Chiropractic takes enhances how the spine and the nervous system interact with each other. Misalignments of the spine (subluxations) disrupt customary nerve function. This disturbance can hurt different systems in the body, including the circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, arteries, lymph system, etc.), magnifying the risk of hypertension. Gentle adjustments restores proper spinal alignment, improves nerve function, and promotes better blood pressure control.
Nervous system influence
The sympathetic nervous system plays a key role in the long-term regulation of arterial blood pressure. It allows the nervous system to process neurohumoral (heart and vasculature are regulated) signals and selectively control sympathetic neural input to specific target organs.
Chiropractic therapy for hypertension concentrates on the connection between the spine and the nervous system. Here, misalignments in the spine can impede nerve signals, potentially affecting blood pressure regulation. During therapy sessions, gentle alignments are performed to restore proper spinal alignment, improving nerve function and promoting better hypertension management.
Stress reduction
According to a study that was published in PubMed, stress can cause hypertension via repeated blood pressure elevations as well as stimulation of the nervous system to produce inappropriate amounts of vasoconstricting (narrowing of the blood vessels) hormones. This can increase blood pressure and the risk of many chronic ailments.
Factors that affect blood pressure through stress include job issues, emotional distress, social environment, and so on. In line with this, it should be noted that stress in Manila is quite high, with a significant number of the population experiencing work-related stress, anxiety, and so forth. In fact, according to a study that was performed by AXA Mind Health, 87% of Filipinos encounter work-related stress.
This is where chiropractic therapy comes. It can play a key role in hypertension management. Primarily through its potential stress-relieving benefits. There are several ways a doctor of chiro helps reduce stress. Some of the most notable ones are as follows:
Reduce muscle tension
Stress can tense the muscles and because of this, certain individuals may experience difficulty sleeping. A chiropractor can loosen up the tension and restore the body’s natural balance.
Restore body functions
The spine is one of the foundations of the neurological system. The brain pretty much communicates everything: breathing, swallowing, etc. A chiro, through spinal adjustments, may help restore your body functions. Consequently, individuals who undergo chiropractic treatment may feel more energized and basically less stressed.
Good nutrition
Good nutrition is one of the foundations of health maintenance. In line with this, it is important for hypertensive individuals to embrace good nutrition if they want to improve their overall health. This is where a chiropractor can be beneficial. He or she may provide counsel including supplements that their body may be lacking.
Improved blood flow
A restriction in the spine or central nervous system may be one of the culprits of reduced blood flow, putting the long-term health of certain individuals at risk. To address the need, a doctor of chiro can treat the misaligned discs via manual stimulation and other techniques. In addition, he or she can also help release pressure from the nerves and allow proper blood flow.
The whole process also helps boost the overall health and the structural integrity of your spine to help the central nervous system perform at an optimum level. Reports show that a significant number of patients experience immediate positive results, especially when it comes to reduced pain and inflammation.
Chiropractic therapy beyond blood pressure
Ready to take control of your health? Schedule a consultation with Posture Perfect Chiropractic today and discover how we can help you address hypertension naturally through improved spinal alignment and nervous system function.
Call us now or visit our website to book your appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Studies suggest that chiropractic therapy can lower blood pressure. A study from the University of Chicago showed that special chiropractic adjustments lowered blood pressure among patients.
Spine misalignments, particularly in the upper cervical area (neck area) can disrupt nervous system function, contributing to hypertension.
Chiropractic care can prevent heart disease by fixing spinal misalignments that can have a detrimental impact on nerve function and blood flow. This has the potential to reduce blood pressure by improving circulation, which in turn, can lead to an improved cardiovascular system.
