This month we are celebrating not only Valentines Day, but also Heart Awareness Month.
Since it’s all about hearts, we would like to take this opportunity and encourage everyone to take good care of your cardiovascular system. Exercise on a regular basis, eat a healthy diet, and don’t forget to add chiropractic adjustments to your routine!
Why chiropractic adjustments, you ask? Well, the truth is there is a big connection with the spine and the heart. For starters, the innervation of the heart comes from the thoracic region of the spinal cord. If the spine gets misaligned, it could put pressure on these nerves which innervate the cardiovascular system. This can promote breathing issues, and in some cases chest discomfort.
What’s more, research shows that there’s a strong link between neck pain, back pain and hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. That means that if you struggle with severe pain in these areas of the spine (cervical and thoracic), you are at higher risk for high blood pressure and other issues related to heart and lungs.
Chiropractic Helps Reduce Hypertension
Several breakthrough studies showed that spinal adjustments proved to be effective in improving blood pressure by correcting spinal misalignments and eliminating nerve interference/ pressure on vertebral arteries.
One such study was done in 2007, wherein the experiment lasted over 8 weeks [1]. It followed the alignment of the first vertebrae (C1) which showed a significant reduction in blood pressure of hypertensive adults.
A more recent study from 2010 also supports these results. The trial showed that an adjustment to any segment in the spine (may it be cervical, thoracic and lumbopelvic) resulted in a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure [2].
Based on these studies, we can truly see that chiropractic does have a role in protecting the heart. If one can maintain a healthy alignment of the spine, it would be easier for that person to manage blood pressure. That by itself is a great way to aid in keeping the optimal function of the heart and the lungs.
So this month of hearts, make sure that you also give attention to your spine! Because what’s good for the SPINE is also good for your HEART. Call us or book online to schedule a chiropractic appointment.
References:
[1] Bakris, G. Journal of Human Hypertension, advance online publication, March 2, 2007. Grassi, G. Journal of Human Hypertension, advance online publication, January 25, 2007.George Bakris, MD, director, hypertension center, University of Chicago. Marshall Dickholtz Sr., DC, Chiropractic Health Center, Chicago. [2] Holt, K., Beck, R., Sexton, S., & Taylor, H. H. Reflex effects of a spinal adjustment on blood pressure. 2010.