From the Guidelines
Chiropractic adjustments to the thoracic area should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for hypertension in patients taking antihypertensive medication, as the current evidence prioritizes pharmacological agents and lifestyle modifications as the primary basis for treatment 1. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults emphasizes the importance of pharmacological agents, such as thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and CCBs, in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular events, and death 1. While chiropractic care may be considered as a complementary treatment, its effectiveness in reducing hypertension is not well-established, and patients should continue taking their prescribed blood pressure medication as directed. Some potential benefits of chiropractic adjustments to the thoracic area may include:
- Reducing tension in the nervous system
- Improving blood flow
- Decreasing overall stress on the body However, these benefits are not supported by strong evidence, and patients should prioritize conventional medical treatment for high blood pressure. To explore chiropractic care as a complementary treatment:
- Find a licensed chiropractor experienced in treating hypertension
- Discuss your medical history and current medications
- Start with 2-3 sessions per week for 4-6 weeks
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly
- Report any changes to both your chiropractor and primary care physician Ultimately, chiropractic care should be used alongside, not instead of, conventional medical treatment for high blood pressure, and patients should always consult their doctor before making any changes to their medication regimen 1.
From the Research
Chiropractic Adjustment and Hypertension
- The effect of chiropractic adjustment on hypertension in patients taking antihypertensive medication is not directly addressed in the provided studies.
- However, a review of the literature on chiropractic care for hypertension suggests that chiropractic therapy may have a positive effect on blood pressure regulation, although the results are often contradictory and more research is needed 2.
- The studies provided focus on the management of hypertension through medication and lifestyle changes, rather than chiropractic adjustment.
Blood Pressure Targets and Hypertension Management
- Research suggests that targeting lower blood pressure levels may not necessarily lead to better outcomes for patients with hypertension, and may even increase the risk of adverse events 3, 4.
- A digital intervention for hypertension management, which included self-monitoring of blood pressure and guided self-management, was found to be effective in reducing systolic blood pressure in patients with poorly controlled hypertension 5.
- The optimal blood pressure target for patients with hypertension and cardiovascular disease remains unknown, and more research is needed to determine the best approach for managing hypertension in these patients 4.
Chiropractic Adjustment and Thoracic Area
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support the use of chiropractic adjustment to the thoracic area as a treatment for hypertension in patients taking antihypertensive medication.
- Further research is needed to investigate the potential benefits and risks of chiropractic adjustment for hypertension management, including the specific effects of adjusting the thoracic area 2.