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This is my clinical pearl story about West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Adjustments and High Blood Pressure. I helped this patient with more than his low back pain. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Fillipe instead of his real name. He was a 68 year old male patient. His chief complaints were low back pain and numbness in his right foot. Fillipe also stated he was experiencing alot of stress.
Fillilpe’s back pain had come and gone over the years. However, it had never been severe enough for him to seek medical help. Fillipe stated, “My blood pressure went up because of my job. I like my job, but I’m working a lot of hours.” Also, Fillipe already had to take medication due to Hypertension (high blood pressure).
Recently, Fillipe lifted a sofa and hurt his lower back. He hadn’t been sleeping well either due to stress. And the pain made it more difficult. Fillipe was active all his life. Prior to hurting his back, he jogged a few miles a week and lifted weights at home. When he came to my office, Fillipe stated, “I’m hoping to avoid surgery”.
Fillipe’s Examination and Imaging
Upon examination, Fillipe tested positive for his neuromusculoskeletal back pain condition. His low back x-rays showed severe degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) in his lumbar spine. Fillipe had spinal stenosis. Additionally, his higher than normal blood pressure was noted. He was already seeing his primary care doctor regarding this.
What is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)?
Hypertension is a systolic (pressure when your heart pushes blood out) blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg and/or a diastolic (pressure when your heart rests between beats) blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg. High blood pressure develops when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. According to the Centers of Disease Control, nearly half of adults have hypertension (48.1%, 119.9 million). Unfortunately, about 1 in 4 adults with hypertension don’t have their hypertension under control (22.5%, 27.0 million). Moreover, some don’t even know they have it!
The above figures pertain to the 90 percent of all hypertension cases labeled as “primary,” or “idiopathic”(unknown cause). In other words, hypertension is not secondary to the disease but is the disease. So these don’t have a cause, such as hypercalcemia, hyperaldosteronism (due to adrenal disease), renovascular (due to kidney problems) disease, drug iatrogenesis (effects of conventional drug), hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
What happens if Hypertension isn’t managed?
Chronic hypertension accelerates the development of atherosclerosis (thickening/hardening of arteries). And this is a major risk factor for stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Additionally, the physiologic consequences of continued high blood pressure contribute to the development of congestive heart failure, hypertensive retinopathy (eye disease), and hypertensive kidney disease. Furthermore, hypertension combined with diabetes, smoking or dyslipidemia (imbalance of lipids), increase your risk for cardiovascular disease tremendously.
Spinal Adjustments and Better Blood Pressure
Chiropractic “Manual procedures and, specifically, the adjustment are applied to address local NMS (neuromusculoskeletal) disorders and to improve NMS function. A consequence of improved NMS function may be improvement in the body’s ability to self-regulate. Next, this allows the body to seek homeostasis and improved health”.(1)
Simply put, spinal adjustments take pressure off your nervous system and help your body to function optimally. Adjustments help your body seek homeostasis. This is the state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained for optimal survival. And good digestion is definitely important for maintaining homeostasis.
Research on Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments and Hypertension
Firstly, research on chiropractic spinal manipulation in the treatment of chronic hypertension was published in the May 2007 issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension by Bakris and colleagues. In this research, 50 hypertensive patients, blood pressure reductions were -17/-10 mm Hg in the treatment group receiving upper cervical (neck) chiropractic spinal manipulation versus -3/-2 mm Hg in the placebo group.
Secondly, hypertension is a multifactorial condition that is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Regulation of your blood pressure greatly depends upon the activity of the autonomic nervous system. So changes in the autonomic nervous system can lead to hypertension. In addition to nervous system control and individual physiologic state, even various genes can directly influence autonomic responses. The complexity of blood pressure shows the need for alternative interventions such as chiropractic.
Thirdly, chiropractic focuses on the more natural forms of healing. And it looks for ways to encourage the body to heal itself. Your chiropractor may recommend lifestyle changes. These can help lower high blood pressure. They include, regular exercise, weight loss, healthy eating, and not smoking along with your adjustments.
Fourthly, many studies have been performed utilizing chiropractic treatment to lower blood pressure, some using chiropractic treatment alone, some in conjunction with blood pressure lowering medications. And these prescription medications have many side effects. While Chiropractors do not treat hypertension/high blood pressure, Chiropractic care helps to normalize the functioning of the nervous system. Next, this allows the nervous system to regulate all the functions of the body including blood pressure.
Fillipe’s Treatment and Outcome
Firstly, Fillipe’s treatments included chiropractic adjustments to his lumbar spine and associated regions. Associated regions were cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid back) spine. Secondly, soft tissue therapy (myofascial release, pressure point and various post isometric relaxation procedures) was rendered as necessary. Thirdly, modalities (cold/heat therapy and electric muscle stimulation) were administered. Finally, exercises for stretching, strengthening, and better posture were recommended.
I recommended the following: maintain a healthy weight, alcohol restriction, sodium restriction, and modification of dietary fat intake. Also, Fillipe started a stress reduction regimen of meditation and relaxation.
Fillipe’s low back pain improved right away. Furthermore, the numbness in his right foot disappeared completely albeit after many months of treatment. Fillipe went back to his active lifestyle. He started jogging and lifting weights. Best of all, Fillipe noticed his stress level decreased with each chiropractic adjustment. And his blood pressure normalized to 120/80 within the first few weeks of chiropractic care. At his follow up with his primary care doctor his hypertension medication was reduced.
West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Adjustments and High Blood Pressure
A West Palm Beach chiropractor can adjust your spine, putting everything back in place. Realigning your spine alleviates pressure off your nerves and helps your body function at its best.
Are you looking for the best chiropractor in West Palm Beach, Florida? Dr. Natalie Meiri can definitely help you. Find out more about West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Adjustments and High Blood Pressure. Call 561-253-8984 today for an appointment.
References:
Thomas Bergman, David Peterson, Chiropractic Technique Principles and Procedures, 3rd edition, 2011 (1)