“I have high blood pressure…What other options do I have besides medication?”
Do you struggle with high blood pressure? Hypertension is a common ailment, and it is usually treated with prescription drugs that can have many side effects. Are you searching for a natural, drug-free solution to your blood pressure problem? Then you will be happy to know what upper cervical chiropractic care can do for you.
Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the C-1 and C-2 vertebrae (where the head meets the neck). Studies have shown that the C-1 vertebrae in particular can have a significant effect on blood pressure when it is misaligned. In one study performed at the University of Chicago Hypertension Center, half of the participants received an upper cervical correction, while the other half received a “fake adjustment” as a placebo. Both groups stayed off of their hypertension medication while participating in the study. The results showed that those who received an actual adjustment saw significant benefits. The results showed that the procedure has the effect of not one, but two blood pressure medications given in combination. More research continues to determine the full extent of the benefits of upper cervical chiropractic on high blood pressure as well as many other ailments.
Why the Upper Neck?
Why does the alignment of the C-1 vertebrae (also known as the Atlas) have an effect on blood pressure? Because of its location at the brain stem, the C-1 only has to move about half a millimeter to start pinching the base of the brain. While this is not enough to cause pain in the area of the misalignment, it can certainly cause many other problems throughout the body. In fact, a misalignment of the C-1 can cause the spine to be twisted, one hip to be higher than the other, one leg to be shorter, and many other health challenges including hypertension.
How may such a misalignment have occurred? For some, an upper neck injury may have occurred at birth. Others experience an accident such as a car accident or a sports injury. Regardless of the cause of the upper neck injury, upper cervical chiropractic care is the best way to realign the vertebrae. It may thus reverse some of the symptoms related to the injury.
What to Do Next
If you are struggling with high blood pressure, why not make an appointment to see if upper cervical chiropractic care can help you? X-rays will be taken to determine if your upper neck vertebrae have become misaligned somehow. Then the appropriate course of action will be taken to accomplish your health goals. Upper cervical chiropractic is safe and effective, making it an excellent natural and drug-free alternative.
To find an upper cervical specialist in your area go to www.nucca.org or www.upcspine.com. If you are in the Glendale, California area and want to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
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Dr. Armen Manoucherian of Health Edge Family Spinal Care in Glendale, California is a Glendale Chiropractor and Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). He has helped many children and adults find natural relief in Glendale, California and reach their full health potential. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Burbank. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems. More information can be found on his website at http://www.healthedgela.com