Blood Pressure and Chiropractic
Chiropractic care, particularly spinal adjustments, has been explored for its potential role in supporting overall cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that chiropractic adjustments, especially to the cervical spine, may help improve blood pressure regulation by promoting better nervous system function. Research indicates that these adjustments may lead to reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in individuals with higher baseline levels. However, chiropractic care is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure high blood pressure or related conditions, and should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to health that includes collaboration with healthcare providers.
Chiropractic Care and Blood Pressure: Research Summary
Recent findings suggest chiropractic care may help naturally lower blood pressure. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck could reduce systolic blood pressure by 7.8% to 13%, with some improvements seen almost immediately. A pilot study involving 80 participants supported the idea that misalignments in the upper cervical spine may influence the body's blood pressure control mechanisms.
According to Dr. Laurie Tassell of the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia, gentle chiropractic care could be particularly beneficial for older adults and may complement traditional medical care by potentially reducing the need for blood pressure medications. With high blood pressure being one of the most common conditions managed by general practitioners — affecting over 3.6 million Australians — these findings point to a promising, drug-free avenue for support. Researchers advocate for larger studies to further explore the connection between spinal health, nerve function, and blood pressure regulation.
Source: Knutson G. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2001;24(2). Chiropractors’ Association of Australia.
Chiropractic Care and High Blood Pressure: Case Study Summary
This case study followed a 38-year-old male with a 14-year history of hypertension and medication side effects including bloating, depression, fatigue, and impotence. Chiropractic evaluation revealed subluxations at the cervical and thoracic spine levels (C6-7, T3-4, T7-8). After just three chiropractic adjustments, his medical doctor reduced his blood pressure medications (Minipress and Corgard), and after seven adjustments, all medications were discontinued. Alongside the improvements in blood pressure, his medication side effects also resolved.
Eighteen months later, his blood pressure remained within normal limits without medication.
The study emphasizes that while chiropractic is not a treatment for hypertension, spinal adjustments may help support the body's natural healing processes. It advocates for chiropractic care as a conservative, non-drug approach that can complement traditional medical care, with careful monitoring for patients on antihypertensive medications.
Source: Plaugher G, Bachman TR. Chiropractic management of a hypertensive patient: a case study.
Cranial Chiropractic Adjustments and Blood Pressure: Case Report Summary
This case report reviewed the experiences of three hypertensive patients who received chiropractic sacrooccipital cranial technique care:
A 73-year-old woman’s blood pressure decreased from 170/100 to 120/78 immediately after care, later stabilizing at 140/72 over several months.
A 41-year-old woman’s blood pressure dropped from 170/95 to an average of 147/90 with cranial adjustments, and further to 130/90 after also removing her dental plate periodically.
A 74-year-old man on medication saw his blood pressure improve from 140/100 to 130/80 after a series of adjustments, allowing his medical doctor to reduce and eventually eliminate his medications.
This case series highlights chiropractic cranial care as a potential supportive approach for individuals managing high blood pressure. However, ongoing medical oversight was important, especially regarding medication changes.
Source: Connelly DM, Rasmussen SA. The effect of cranial adjusting on hypertension: a case report. Chiropractic Technique. 1998;10(2):75-78.
Chiropractic Sacro Occipital Technique and Blood Pressure: Study Summary
This study explored the effect of a single chiropractic sacro occipital technique (SOT) adjustment on individuals with high blood pressure. Researchers found that even one chiropractic intervention led to a statistically and clinically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure among the hypertensive group. The findings suggest chiropractic care may play a supportive role in blood pressure management.
Source: Unger J, Sweat S, Flanagan S, Chudowski S. An effect of sacro occipital technique on blood pressure. Proceedings of the International Conference on Spinal Manipulation. 1993 A/M. p. 87.
Preliminary Study of Blood Pressure Changes in Normotensive Subjects Undergoing Chiropractic Care
This preliminary study examined the effects of specific chiropractic cervical adjustments on blood pressure. Seventy-five participants were tested, and their blood pressure was measured before and after chiropractic care.
The study found that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in the group receiving chiropractic adjustments. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Notably, the greatest reduction in blood pressure occurred in individuals who had the highest pre-treatment blood pressure, suggesting that chiropractic care may be particularly effective for those with hypertension.
Source: McKnight ME, DeBoer KF. Preliminary study of blood pressure changes in normotensive subjects undergoing chiropractic care. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1988; 11:261-266.