High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that arises when blood circulates through your arteries at a pressure above the normal range. This ailment is prevalent in the United States, with over 3 million diagnoses recorded annually. If left unaddressed, it can lead to severe health issues such as heart disease and stroke.
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure exists in two primary forms: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.
Primary hypertension manifests without a discernible cause, and it typically develops progressively over time.
On the other hand, secondary hypertension differs from primary hypertension, as it arises due to an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure tends to manifest abruptly and often leads to more elevated blood pressure levels than primary hypertension. Factors and conditions contributing to secondary hypertension encompass:
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Age
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Ethnicity
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Family medical history
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Excess body weight or obesity
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Sedentary lifestyle
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Tobacco use
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High dietary sodium (salt) intake
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Excessive alcohol consumption
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Stress
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Chronic health conditions
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Specific medications
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Illicit drug use
Complications from high blood pressure
Untreated high blood pressure can lead to significant health complications, with the extent of damage increasing over time. Unmanaged high blood pressure can result in:
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Heart attack or stroke.
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Aneurysm.
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Heart failure.
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Kidney blood vessels becoming weakened and narrowed.
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Blood vessels in the eyes thickening, narrowing, or tearing.
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Development of metabolic syndrome.
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Memory loss.
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Dementia.
How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?
The most prevalent approaches for addressing high blood pressure involve making lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, taking medication. If you receive a diagnosis of high blood pressure, it is typically advisable to:
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Enhance your dietary habits.
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Engage in regular physical activity.
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Sustain a healthy body weight.
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Monitor and reduce alcohol intake.
In instances where the condition is severe, healthcare professionals may recommend medication as part of the treatment plan. These medications aim to lower blood pressure and alleviate symptoms associated with high blood pressure.
Chiropractic For Treating High Blood Pressure
Chiropractic care for hypertension is a treatment method that is sometimes underestimated, even though scientific research has demonstrated its significant potential to lower high blood pressure. Furthermore, there is evidence indicating that individuals who undergo chiropractic adjustments for hypertension may often see a substantial reduction in their prescription medication dosages.
There is a growing body of case studies that highlight the positive effects of chiropractic care on high blood pressure. It’s important to note that while chiropractic care is not a specific treatment for any particular disease, its primary focus is to enhance the body’s natural recuperative abilities.
Research Supporting The Treatment of High Blood Pressure with Chiropractic
A case study conducted by Plaugher G. Bachman titled ‘Chiropractic Management of a Hypertensive Patient’ presents the case of a 38-year-old male who had been dealing with high blood pressure for 14 years, and was experiencing side effects from the medication he was prescribed (Minipress and Cogard).
The chiropractic examination identified vertebral subluxation complex at Cervical 6-7, Thoracic 3-4, and 7-8 motion units. The patient received chiropractic care, and after just three adjustments, his medical doctor discontinued Minipress and reduced the dosage of Cogard. Following six adjustments, Cogard was further reduced, and all medication was eventually ceased. Furthermore, the medication’s side effects had also diminished. Even after 18 months, the patient’s blood pressure remained within normal levels.
In another study titled ‘The Effect of Cranial Adjusting on Hypertension,’ the experiences of three hypertensive patients who underwent chiropractic Sacro Occipital Technique were detailed.
The first patient was a 73-year-old woman with a blood pressure reading of 170/100, which significantly dropped to 120/78 immediately after chiropractic care. In the subsequent months, her measurements averaged around 140/72.
The second patient, a 41-year-old woman with an initial blood pressure of 170/95, experienced a drop to an average of 147/90 after chiropractic treatment. She was advised to remove her dental plate at night and occasionally during the day, contributing to the reduction of her blood pressure to 130/90.
The third patient in the study was a 74-year-old male who was taking blood pressure medication and initially had a reading of 140/100. After a series of chiropractic adjustments, his medical doctor recommended reducing and eventually discontinuing the medications. His blood pressure stabilized at 130/80 during his last visit.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
Many patients have reported experiencing Improvements after just one visit, yet it is advisable to follow a treatment plan that includes ongoing chiropractic adjustments. Given the unique nature of each individual’s circumstances, a thorough chiropractic assessment is essential to evaluate your child’s specific requirements.
Conclusion
If you or someone you love is experiencing High Blood Pressure, chiropractic care represents a proven and entirely natural treatment approach that optimizes your body’s functional capacity.
We welcome you to arrange an appointment at our chiropractic practice for an in-depth consultation. During this session, one of our experienced doctors will thoroughly assess your child’s condition, provide a proper diagnosis, and propose a treatment plan aimed at alleviating your child’s ADHD symptoms and fostering lasting improvement.
