Research Shows Spinal Adjustment Could Lower High Blood Pressure

Published May 8th, 2008

By Nicol Jenkins
Editor

Could adjusting the spine be the key to lowering high blood pressure?
Some chiropractors practicing upper cervical chiropractic believe there is a link between a misalignment of the top bone in the neck and high blood pressure.

Good Morning America recently featured a study that found a special chiropractic technique called NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) could lower high blood pressure in patients with a misaligned Atlas vertebra.

According to the study by George Bakris, MD, Director of the Hypertension Center at the University of Chicago Medical Center, fifty individuals with a misaligned Atlas vertebra and high blood pressure showed that after a one-time specialized chiropractic adjustment, blood pressure decreased significantly. The decrease was equal to taking two blood-pressure drugs at once, the study showed. On average, there were drops in blood pressure by 17 points during the eight weeks of the study.

At the same time, the control group, which received a placebo adjustment, did not see any changes.

Dr. Justin Brown, a practicing chiropractor who owns Friends & Family Spinal Care in Coral Springs, practices NUCCA and affirms the validity of the study.

“We’ve known it to be true for a long time, and now we have the research to support it,” said Dr. Brown. “Our goal is to correct the Atlas misalignment. When the nerve system is clear of interference, the body functions better. Many times blood pressure normalizes reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The reason this is such a big deal is because 65 million Americans have high blood pressure.”

Dr. Brown says he has seen his patients have a reduction in high blood pressure after receiving NUCCA adjustments.

“I have found patients consistently having reductions in blood pressure and improvements in other parts of their life,” said Dr. Brown.

“There is a link between high blood pressure and Atlas misalignment, but the results of the study should not be confused,” said Dr. Brown. “A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction still play a critical role in cardiovascular health. Nonetheless, the results of the study are very exciting. People are becoming more aware of the widespread benefits of care.”

Friends & Family Spinal Care is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 4674 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs, 33076 (Behind the Mobil gas station). For more information or to make an appointment, call 954-369-1212.