Managing Hypertension with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Manipulation
Date First Published:
April 11, 2012
Last Updated:
April 11, 2012
Report by:
Kevin J. Curtin, D.C., Instructor of Clinical Sciences (National University of Health Sciences )
Search checked by:
Edward Bifulco, D.C., National University of Health Sciences
Three-Part Question:
IN [adults with Hypertension] IS [Upper Cervical Manipulation] effective in [lowering blood pressure].
Clinical Scenario:
A 55 yr old male presents with a 10 year history of hypertension. The patient has been taking a combination of Lisinopril and Hydrochlorithiazide for the past 5 years. The patient has heard that chiropractic manipulation may have a lowering effect on blood pressure and would like to know if there is any evidence to support this.
Search Strategy:
Database: PubMed with MeSH for chiropractic and hypertension
Keywords: chiropractic, hypertension
Limits: Human, English, Clinical Trial, Randomized Control Trial, Adult
Full Query: (("chiropractic"[MeSH Terms] OR "chiropractic"[All Fields]) AND ("hypertension"[MeSH Terms] OR "hypertension"[All Fields])) AND ("loattrfull text"[sb] AND "humans"[MeSH Terms] AND (Clinical Trial[ptyp] OR Randomized Controlled Trial[ptyp]) AND English[lang] AND "adult"[MeSH Terms])
Keywords: chiropractic, hypertension
Limits: Human, English, Clinical Trial, Randomized Control Trial, Adult
Full Query: (("chiropractic"[MeSH Terms] OR "chiropractic"[All Fields]) AND ("hypertension"[MeSH Terms] OR "hypertension"[All Fields])) AND ("loattrfull text"[sb] AND "humans"[MeSH Terms] AND (Clinical Trial[ptyp] OR Randomized Controlled Trial[ptyp]) AND English[lang] AND "adult"[MeSH Terms])
Outcome:
3 Papers were identified all of which were randomized controlled trials. The article by Bakris G. et.al. was chosen because it addressed chiropractic manipulation of the upper cervical spine and its effect on blood pressure.
Relevant Paper(s):
| Study Title | Patient Group | Study type (level of evidence) | Outcomes | Key results | Study Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study G Bakris, M Dickholtz Sr, PM Meyer, G Kravitz, E Avery, M Miller, J Brown, 2007 USA | 50 drug naïve patients with Stage 1 Hypertension | Randomized,Double Blind,with Placebo Control | Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate, and Atlas Measurement | -17+or-9 mmHg change in Systolic blood pressure and – 10+or-11 mmHg change in Diastolic blood pressure | The study was dependent upon the manipulation skills of 1 practitioner. The sample size was relatively small given that it was a pilot study |
Bottom Line:
In patients with Stage 1 Hypertension, there is evidence to suggest that upper cervical chiropractic manipulation can provide long-term amelioration in blood pressure.
References:
- G Bakris, M Dickholtz Sr, PM Meyer, G Kravitz, E Avery, M Miller, J Brown,. Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study