The chiropractic approach to cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally, including in the U.S where a life is lost to CVD every 33 seconds.1
Lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption significantly influence heart disease risk.2
Chiropractic care, with its focus on holistic health, offers a promising complementary approach to reducing these risk factors and improving cardiovascular health outcomes.
Understanding chiropractic care
Chiropractic care originated with D.D. Palmer in 1895, who emphasized the importance of spinal health for overall well-being. The establishment of the Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1897 marked the beginning of chiropractic as a formal healthcare practice. DCs focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine, with the belief that spinal health impacts the nervous system and, consequently, the function of various organs.
Chiropractic treatments typically involve spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, rehabilitative exercises and lifestyle counseling. The primary goal is to correct spinal misalignments (subluxations) to restore proper nervous system function. This holistic approach extends beyond pain relief to address overall health and wellness, including cardiovascular health.
The link between spinal health and cardiovascular health
The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for stress (fight or flight), while the parasympathetic system promotes relaxation and recovery (rest and digest).
Proper spinal alignment ensures effective communication within the ANS, which is essential for maintaining heart health.
Misalignments in the spine can disrupt ANS communication, leading to impaired blood flow and electrical signaling to the heart. The heart is particularly affected by nerves originating from the cervical and thoracic spine. Specifically, the heart receives sympathetic innervation from T2 to T5 segments of the spinal cord, allowing communication between the heart and nerves of the spinal cord.3 Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments, potentially improving heart function and reducing cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and inflammation.
Chiropractic adjustments and blood pressure
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, contributing to arterial damage and reduced blood flow to the heart. Studies have shown that chiropractic spinal manipulation can significantly lower blood pressure.4
For example, a study involving individuals with high blood pressure and a misaligned C1 vertebra found that chiropractic adjustments reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure as effectively as two antihypertensive medications combined.5 These results persisted for up to eight weeks, indicating the potential long-term benefits of chiropractic care in managing hypertension.
Mechanisms of action
The exact mechanisms by which chiropractic adjustments lower blood pressure are not fully understood but are believed to involve the correction of spinal misalignments that affect the ANS. By restoring proper nerve function, chiropractic care may help regulate heart rate and blood vessel dilation, contributing to better blood pressure control.
Chiropractic care and inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Inflammation can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Reducing inflammation is therefore critical for cardiovascular health.
Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to reduce inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.6 These adjustments may help modulate the immune system and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Additionally, DCs often recommend anti-inflammatory diets, physical activity and stress management techniques, all of which can further reduce inflammation.3
Holistic health emphasis in chiropractic care
DCs often provide nutritional advice to support overall health and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Recommendations may include increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats while reducing processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats. Nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory herbs, may also be suggested to support heart health.
Physical activity and lifestyle
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. DCs may design personalized exercise programs to improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and strength. These programs can help patients manage weight, reduce stress and lower blood pressure.7
Stress management
Stress is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Chiropractic care includes techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises, are often recommended as part of a holistic approach to managing stress and improving heart health.
Integrative considerations
Integrating chiropractic care with conventional medical treatments can offer a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health. This integrative strategy can enhance overall health and quality of life while reducing the risk of major diseases. Patients are increasingly seeking holistic health strategies and complementary therapies to supplement conventional treatments. Working with licensed holistic practitioners ensures the safe and effective integration of these approaches.
One of the significant advantages of chiropractic care is its focus on personalized treatment plans that consider the patient’s unique needs, preferences and lifestyle. This patient-centered approach empowers individuals to take an active role in their health, leading to greater engagement and better health outcomes.
Final thoughts
Chiropractic care offers significant benefits for cardiovascular health by addressing spinal alignment, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy lifestyle changes. As part of a holistic approach, it empowers patients to take control of their health, reduce risk factors and improve overall well-being.
Integrating chiropractic care with conventional medicine provides a balanced and effective strategy for managing cardiovascular health. Through its focus on the whole person and emphasis on prevention, chiropractic care can play a vital role in enhancing cardiovascular health and reducing the burden of heart disease.
SARAH CLARKE, DC, IFMCP, is a doctor of chiropractic medicine and also a certified practitioner through the Institute for Functional Medicine. She has worked in private practice and managed her own holistic health business focused on helping people optimize their nutrition, exercise and lifestyle habits so they can feel their best. She enjoys making cutting-edge research digestible for both practitioners and patients. For more information, visit wholisticmatters.com.
References
- National Center for Health Statistics. Multiple Cause of Death 2018–2021. CDC WONDER Database. Accessed September 10, 2024.
- Meier T, et al. Cardiovascular mortality attributable to dietary risk factors in 51 countries in the WHO European Region from 1990 to 2016: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study.Eur J Epidemiol. 2019;34(1):37-55. PubMed. Accessed September 10, 2024.
- Benarroch. Sympathetic System; Overview. Editor(s): Michael J. Aminoff, Robert B. Daroff. Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences (Second Edition). Academic Press. 2014:372-375.
- Gera C, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis on effect of spinal mobilization and manipulation on cardiovascular responses. Hong Kong Physiother J. 2020;40(2):75-87. PubMed. Accessed September 10, 2024.
- Bakris G, et al. Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: A pilot study. J Hum Hypertens. 2007;21(5):347-352. PubMed. Accessed September 10, 2024.
- Roy RA, et al. Inflammatory response following a short-term course of chiropractic treatment in subjects with and without chronic low back pain. J Chiropr Med. 2010;9(3):107-114. PubMed. Accessed September 10, 2024.
- Kiani AK, et al. Neurobiological basis of chiropractic manipulative treatment of the spine in the car of major depression. Acta Biomed. 91(13-S):e2020006. PubMed. Accessed September 10, 2024.
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