A study found that patients with stage 1 hypertension who received chiropractic adjustments saw a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with systolic decreasing by an average of 17 points and diastolic decreasing by 10 points. The study authors speculate that vertebral subluxations in the upper spine restrict blood flow to the brainstem, causing hypertension. Other research links chiropractic adjustments to short-term reductions in blood pressure within 10 minutes of treatment and found that adjustments to the upper back may lower blood pressure. Chiropractic care focuses not just on adjustments but promoting a healthy lifestyle to prevent hypertension through diet, exercise, managing stress, and other factors.

1. CHIROPRACTIC FORCHIROPRACTIC FOR
HYPERTENSIONHYPERTENSION
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2. © Copyright 2015 Preventicare® Publishing© Copyright 2015 Preventicare® Publishing
Most people know that chiropractic care
prevents back pain…
…But did you know that
chiropractic care may
alleviate a myriad of
other disorders, including
hypertension?
Chiropractic for HypertensionChiropractic for Hypertension

3. The StudyThe Study
© Copyright 2015 Preventicare® Publishing© Copyright 2015 Preventicare® Publishing
ournal of Hypertension reveals
adjustments dramatically lower
ure.
h Stage 1 hypertension;
cation
% female
atment
t chiropractic care
eceived “sham” procedure

4. The ResultsThe Results
© Copyright 2015 Preventicare® Publishing© Copyright 2015 Preventicare® Publishing
ho received chiropractic care:
d pressure decreased
e of 17.
od pressure dropped
e of 10.
ts achieved by
bination
pertension.
130
85
Systolic blood pressure
Diastolic blood pressure

5. Why It WorksWhy It Works
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Patients undergoing chiropractic
care received adjustments to the
vertebra at top of spine, called
the atlas.
Study authors speculate that
vertebral subluxation of the atlas
restricts blood flow to the
brainstem, causing hypertension.
Atlas

6. Vertebral SubluxationsVertebral Subluxations
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xations are areas in spine where
estricted or bones (vertebrae)
aligned.
condition can be triggered by
ical, or emotional factors.
opractic treat vertebral
ith gentle and safe maneuvers
ctic adjustments.

7. Other Research onOther Research on
HypertensionHypertension
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also link
ustments
pressure
0 minutes
ment.
ests that chiropractic adjustments
he upper back (thoracic spine)
y lower blood pressure.

8. The Chiropractic LifestyleThe Chiropractic Lifestyle
© Copyright 2015 Preventicare® Publishing© Copyright 2015 Preventicare® Publishing
Chiropractic care encompasses more than
chiropractic adjustment…
… It also focuses of creating wellness
through a health-promoting way of life known
as
the chiropractic lifestyle.

9. © Copyright 2015 Preventicare® Publishing© Copyright 2015 Preventicare® Publishing
 Nutritious diet
 Not smoking
 Not holding grudges
 Regular aerobic
exercise
 Managing stress
 Sense of humor
 Owning a pet
The Chiropractic LifestyleThe Chiropractic Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors proven to prevent
hypertension:
 Supportive
relationships
 Optimal body weight
 Spiritual practices

10. Pick up a Copy of the OHU
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 For more on Chiropractic for Hypertension,
please pick up a copy of the corresponding
OHU handout.
 Look to the OHU for citations to research
on this topic.
 Share the OHU handout with friends,
family,
co-workers, etc. Just let us know how
many
you need.