Can Chiropractic Care Reduce High Blood Pressure
When you visit the doctor and have your yearly clear check-ups, they usually complete a variety of tests and procedures to make sure everything is in proper working order. Usually, if they find anything that gives cause for concern they will notify you or give you tips for how to reverse it. High blood pressure, for example, is a very common condition that many doctors often come across. However, when a physician diagnoses a patient with high blood pressure, they may prescribe medication for lowering the symptoms without going into detail about treating the underlying cause. So, if you are wondering how chiropractic care is different or can chiropractic care reduce high blood pressure, then the doctors at RxWellness Herndon would be happy to discuss it with you in detail.
What is High Blood Pressure
High blood, also known as hypertension is a condition that occurs when blood pressure increases to dangerously high levels. Unfortunately, it is very common and increases the risk of developing health problems like heart disease and stroke. There are no initial symptoms, and unless you are being monitored by a doctor you might be unaware that you even have the condition. If the condition goes unmanaged or unchecked, it will cause major damage to:
- Blood vessels
- Organs
- The brain
- Heart
- Eyes
- Kidneys
If you suspect you might have high blood pressure, or if it runs in your family, then it is important to get yourself checked-out as soon as possible.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
There are a variety of reasons why someone could develop high blood pressure, and they can range anywhere from genetic factors to environmental triggers. Some risk factors that can contribute to the development of high blood pressure are:
- Age
- Family History (If your mother and grandmother have high blood, your chances of developing it increases)
- Race
- Obesity
- Salty diet
- Stress
- Tobacco usage
- Alcohol consumption
People with hypertension do exhibit symptoms in the early stages, so unless you are actively monitoring your health, you might be unaware of the full effects until after it has been damaging your body for years. If the condition goes untreated, it can result in life-threatening complications such as:
- Heart attack
- Heart Failure
- Dementia
- Weakened or narrowed blood vessel in the kidneys
- Torn blood vessels in the eyes
- Trouble with memory and understanding
Typical Treatments for High Blood Pressure
Normally when you visit a doctor and are diagnosed with high blood pressure, the doctor will prescribe you a brand of prescription medication to get the symptoms under control. The medication is usually designed to lower your blood pressure and get it to a normal range. However, the problem with these methods is that they do not treat the underlying cause of high blood pressure, they only treat the symptoms. Oftentimes, people who use traditional methods of dealing with this condition are on long-term medication, and since the cause is never addressed the condition can last indefinitely.
The most important step in treating high blood pressure is uncovering and addressing the source. For example, prolonged stress can cause blood pressure to rise. So if you work a stressful job, it would be beneficial for you to learn stress management techniques, like routinely treating yourself to a relaxing massage or a warm bath with scented oils. For the sake of your health, it is important to balance out the stress of a demanding occupation with relaxing treatments.
Additionally, if the root cause of high blood pressure is the result of a diet filled with too much sodium, then working with a nutritionist to help you make better health-food choices may be the best option for your health. But the most important thing you can do for your health is treat the source, not the symptom.
Chiropractic Treatments for High Blood Pressure
People often do not consider chiropractic care for dealing with conditions like high blood pressure, however, studies have found that chiropractic adjustments are very effective at lowering blood pressure, and in some patients almost immediately. Chiropractic adjustments are as effective at lowering high blood pressure as taking prescription medication. With the major benefit of not taking prescription medications and pumping your body with unknown chemicals and side effects.
Working with a chiropractic professional can also help you become more familiar with your body and its needs, so you are better informed and better able to care for yourself.
Contact RxWellness Spine & Health
In simplest terms, chiropractic care centers around the belief that the body has what it needs to heal itself. The chiropractor’s sole purpose is to align the spine, the hips, the shoulder, and any other part of the body that may be out of alignment, so the body can function at its optimal level without interruption. If you are still wondering can chiropractic care reduce high blood pressure, have any questions, or want to book a consultation, give our RxWellness Herndon office a call at 1+(703) 904 9666 or book an appointment online.