High blood pressure, technically known as hypertension, is one of the most common medical problems. Called the “silent killer” because of the lack of obvious symptoms, high blood pressure can lead to vascular disease, increased heart attack and stroke risk, kidney damage, and a host of other issues. The only way to reliably know if you have high blood pressure is to be checked by your doctor. Adults should have a resting blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg or below.
While effective treatment of high blood pressure may require medications, there are additional, effective measures you can take. In fact, chiropractic treatment may be beneficial for high blood pressure in several ways.
Pain Relief
Your blood pressure is higher than usual when you are in pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may consistently have elevated blood pressure. Chiropractic treatment is often effective at reducing pain, especially pain arising from the musculoskeletal system or irritated nerves. By having your pain addressed by your chiropractor, you may be able to lower your blood pressure.
Relaxation
Stress and anxiety also increase blood pressure. Many patients often find chiropractic care to be relaxing since it reduces pain and helps them feel their best. Healthy individuals tend to feel less anxiety than individuals facing chronic pain or other medical problems, so they also tend to have lower blood pressure readings. If chiropractic treatments help you to relax and deal better with stress, you may also notice a positive effect on your blood pressure.
Positive Lifestyle Changes
When patients are diagnosed with high blood pressure, physicians often recommend lifestyle changes. These alterations may include avoiding stress, choosing healthy foods and drinks, and getting plenty of exercise. Chiropractic care can help in all of these areas.
Most chiropractors are experts in nutrition, and your chiropractor will likely be able to recommend a consistent diet that is good for your body and can even aid in weight loss. Additionally, they can advise you on an exercise program that meets your needs while helping you to avoid injury. If pain is preventing you from regular exercise, your chiropractor can help with treatments that will get you active again.
Of course, you should always discuss high blood pressure with your doctor and follow their recommendations. But chiropractic medicine can also be part of your blood pressure control plan and a healthy lifestyle.