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High Blood pressure Research

CASE STUDY

 

Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Management of a Patient with Hypertension: A Case Report and Selective Review of the Literature

Eric Whedon D.C. Bio

 

 

Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ January 21, 2013 ~ Pages 1-13

 

 

Abstract

 

 

Objective: To examine the effects of Knee Chest upper cervical adjustments on a single patient already being treated with Hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension and to review the literature on hypertension and chiropractic.

 

Clinical Features: The patient was a 25-year-old woman with medically diagnosed hypertension. She also had symptoms of migraine headaches occurring two times per week. A thorough history and examination were performed. Her blood pressure was 134/98 mmHg at initial examination. Diagnosis of an upper cervical subluxation was made and cervical radiographs supported upper cervical misalignments. Paraspinal thermography, supine leg length assessment, postural assessment, and blood pressure were monitored every visit.

 

Intervention and Outcome: The patient received Knee Chest upper cervical care for twelve weeks. By the end of care the patient experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure to 114/80 mmHg. She also experienced a significant decrease in both frequency and severity of migraine headache symptoms.

 

Conclusions: Definite conclusions cannot be drawn from a single case study, but this case does show a decrease in overall blood pressure in a patient diagnosed with, and pharmaceutically managed for, hypertension. This study warrants larger studies with control groups to further understand the benefits of upper cervical specific chiropractic care for the reduction of vertebral subluxation to those suffering from hypertension.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH


The Impact of Chiropractic Adjustments on Intracranial Blood Flow: A Pilot Study


Robert M. Scott DC, Ph.D, Christopher L. Kaufman Ph.D., Donald R. Dengel, Ph.D.
 

Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ May 21, 2007 ~ Pages 1-8

 

 

 

Abstract

 

Background: A limited number of studies have addressed the impact of extracranial vascular blood flow and positional changes of the cervical spine. Fewer have addressed the specific effects of chiropractic adjustments and vertebral artery blood flow via Doppler Ultrasound techniques. Identifying the effects on blood flow may prove helpful in identifying the relationship of flow to mechanism of action and subsequent application of chiropractic care to vascular health and the onset of disease.

 

Objective: To investigate the effect of a single chiropractic adjustment on middle cerebral artery blood flow and radial artery blood pressure response.

 

Design and Setting: A randomized controlled study involving 20 healthy chiropractic students. Data were analyzed utilizing a two-group repeated measures ANOVA with 6 levels followed by a post hoc multiple comparison analysis.

 

Results: A transient but significant change in middle cerebral artery blood flow occurred in subjects receiving a chiropractic adjustment. Peak flow was reached within one minute of receiving the adjustment and returned to baseline values by minute five. A single cervical adjustment had no effect on systolic or diastolic blood pressure.

 

Conclusion: This Doppler study looked at the effect of a chiropractic adjustment on intracranial blood flow. The results indicate that asymptomatic subjects experience small, transient increase in blood flow immediately following an adjustment.

 

Key Words: Chiropractic Adjustment, Blood Flow, Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound, Blood Pressure, Subluxation

 

ORIGINAL RESEARCH


Atlas Vertebra Realignment and Achievement of Arterial Pressure Goal in Hypertensive Patients: A Pilot Study
 

George L. Bakris, M.D, Marshall Dickholtz Sr. D.C., Peter Meyer, Ph.D, Glenda Kravitz, M.S Elizabeth Avery, MS, Martha Miller BA, Jonathan Brown, D.C, C. Woodfield, Joseph Bruce M. Bell, M.D, Jason Haas
 

Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ October 29, 2007 ~ Pages 1-9

 

 

 

Abstract

 

Anatomical abnormalities of the cervical spine at the level of the Atlas vertebra are associated with relative ischemia of the brainstem circulation and increased blood pressure (BP). Manual correction of this mal-alignment has been associated with reduced arterial pressure. This pilot study tests the hypothesis that correcting mal-alignment of the Atlas vertebra reduces and maintains lowering BP. Fifty drug naïve (n=26) or washed out (n=24) subjects with Stage 1 hypertension were evaluated using a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study design at a single center.

 

 

 

Subjects received no antihypertensive meds during the eight-week study duration. After baseline measures subjects were randomized to receive a National Upper Cervical Chiropractic (NUCCA) procedure or a sham procedure. Statistical analysis was performed comparing baseline and week 8 visits. The study was designed with 90% power to detect an 8/5 mmHg reduction difference in arterial pressure at eight weeks over the placebo group. The study cohort consisted of 70% males, 2% Hispanic, mean age 52.7+9.6 years. There were no major differences in baseline demographics found between the two treatment groups.

 

 

 

The primary results of the study are noted in the Table. No adverse effects were recorded. We conclude that restoration of Atlas alignment is associated with marked reductions in blood pressure similar to the use of two-drug combination therapy. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings.

 

 

 

Key Words: atlas; vertebra; antihypertensive therapy

 

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