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The Connection Between Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Blood Pressure Regulation

3/10/2025

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The Connection Between Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Blood Pressure Regulation
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common health issues affecting millions of people worldwide. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension can lead to serious complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage if left unmanaged.

While medications and lifestyle changes are the standard approaches to managing blood pressure, many people are seeking alternative, natural methods to support cardiovascular health. One such approach is upper cervical chiropractic care.

By aligning the upper spine and promoting optimal nervous system function, this specialized chiropractic care has been shown to influence blood pressure regulation. Dr. Joey Miles at Healthy Living Spinal Care in Hickory, NC, explains the potential link between upper cervical chiropractic adjustments and healthier blood pressure levels.
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Understanding Blood Pressure Regulation


Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure level is critical for ensuring proper circulation and overall health. Normal blood pressure is typically defined as a systolic pressure below 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg.


Several factors influence blood pressure, including:
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  • The Nervous System: The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which includes the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches, plays a key role in regulating heart rate and vascular tone.
  • Blood Flow to the Brain: Proper blood flow ensures that the brain receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs to regulate cardiovascular function effectively.
  • Stress and Hormones: Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure by increasing the activity of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

The nervous system’s ability to regulate these processes can be influenced by the alignment of the upper cervical spine.
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How Upper Cervical Alignment Influences Blood Pressure


The upper cervical spine includes the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, located at the base of the skull. These vertebrae are responsible for supporting the head and protecting the brainstem, a vital part of the nervous system that regulates many automatic bodily functions, including heart rate and blood pressure.


When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can put pressure on the brainstem and disrupt communication between the brain and the cardiovascular system. This interference can lead to imbalances in blood pressure regulation.

Here’s how upper cervical chiropractic care can help:
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  • Reducing Pressure on the Brainstem: By realigning the atlas and axis vertebrae, chiropractic adjustments alleviate pressure on the brainstem, restoring proper nervous system function and improving the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure.
  • Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System: Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to elevated blood pressure. Chiropractic care helps balance the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation and healthier cardiovascular function.
  • ​Improving Blood Flow to the Brain: Proper alignment of the upper cervical spine enhances blood flow to the brain, which is essential for effective blood pressure regulation and overall cardiovascular health.
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​Scientific Support for Chiropractic Care and Blood Pressure Regulation


Research on the connection between chiropractic care and blood pressure regulation is still emerging, but some studies offer promising insights. A landmark study conducted by Dr. George Bakris, a hypertension specialist, and published in the
Journal of Human Hypertension demonstrated the potential benefits of upper cervical chiropractic care for managing high blood pressure.

The study found that patients who received specific chiropractic adjustments to the atlas vertebra experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure—equivalent to the effects of two blood pressure medications.
​

Another study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine noted improvements in autonomic nervous system function and blood pressure regulation among patients who received chiropractic care. These findings suggest that addressing spinal misalignments can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health.
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Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Blood Pressure

Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Blood Pressure

Patients receiving upper cervical chiropractic care for blood pressure regulation often report a range of benefits, including:
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  • Lower Blood Pressure: By reducing nerve interference and balancing the autonomic nervous system, chiropractic care may help lower blood pressure naturally.
  • Stress Reduction: Chiropractic adjustments promote relaxation, which can help reduce stress—a major contributor to hypertension.
  • Improved Overall Well-Being: Proper spinal alignment supports nervous system health, which can enhance energy levels, sleep quality, and emotional stability.
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Integrating Chiropractic Care with Other Blood Pressure Management Strategies


While upper cervical chiropractic care can provide significant benefits, it is most effective when combined with other healthy habits and lifestyle changes.

Here are some additional strategies to support blood pressure regulation:


  1. Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet: Incorporate foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, nuts, and berries. Limit sodium intake and avoid processed foods.
  2. Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can strengthen the heart and improve blood pressure levels.
  3. Practice Stress Management: Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress and lower blood pressure.
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Practical Tips for Supporting Cardiovascular Health


In addition to chiropractic care and lifestyle changes, consider these practical tips to maintain healthy blood pressure levels:
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  • Monitor Your Blood Pressure Regularly: Keep track of your blood pressure to identify trends and ensure it stays within a healthy range.
  • Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports circulation and helps the body maintain optimal blood pressure.
  • Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can raise blood pressure, so moderation is key.
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Community Impact


Healthy Living Spinal Care serves not only the residents of Hickory but also nearby communities such as Lenoir, Conover, Lincolnton, and Statesville. Dr. Joey Miles’s expertise in upper cervical chiropractic care makes him a trusted resource for individuals seeking natural and non-invasive approaches to improving their cardiovascular health.
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A Path Forward for Blood Pressure Health


For those managing high blood pressure or seeking to maintain optimal cardiovascular health, upper cervical chiropractic care offers a natural and effective approach to support the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure.

By addressing misalignments in the upper cervical spine and promoting nervous system function, chiropractic care can complement traditional treatments and enhance overall well-being. If you’re looking for a holistic way to manage blood pressure, upper cervical chiropractic care may be an excellent addition to your health routine.
​

Medical Disclaimer:


This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment or therapy, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care or treatment for serious conditions.

​Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
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How To Manage A Pinched Nerve With A Chiropractor for Migraines In Hickory

Neck pain in Hickory, or soreness in other parts of your body, can come from a variety of different sources. These range from arthritis to tendonitis to torn cartilages in your joints. This also doesn’t include the variety of other conditions that have back pain in Hickory as a common symptom. One common such example is getting a pinched nerve in the upper part of the spine, also known as cervical radiculopathy. This generally occurs when bone spurs start to appear around the discs in the spine. When everything is working well, the discs should absorb the shocks between each individual vertebra. A bone spur is a small bit of bone that is formed as we age and discs get weaker. When things go properly, bone spurs support the vertebrae as they get weaker, However, in some cases, those spurs press on nerve roots, leading to other symptoms.
 
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
How do you tell that the soreness you are dealing with stems from a pinched nerve? No matter what area it’s in, you’re going to need to have an in-depth exam of the affected area to be absolutely certain. As an example, a pinched nerve is generally localized in one area. Another thing to note is that these are normally very sharp soreness. By comparison, if you simply overexerted a muscle, the sensation would likely be a duller strain. In some cases, a pinch may never have any other symptoms. Some people feel a sensation of pins and needles in a certain area. Others may feel numbness or weakness when trying to lift something.
 
Depending on where you feel your symptoms and the exact nature of them, your medical professional may be able to determine if it is a pinched nerve or not quite quickly. Generally, though, an exam will still be administered. These start by testing sensitivity, strength, and reflexes. You may be told to do different stretches and movements to determine what leads to symptoms and what relieves them. You’ll also likely need to provide details about your pain. For example, be sure to have a record of when the pain started, and any activities that you do that cause soreness to flare up. If it is soothed by certain activities, be sure to mention those as well. Your doctor might also ask if you have had other health changes or recently increased your physical activities. If the spinal nerves are impacted, they can manifest in surprising ways, like bladder and bowel issues.
 
Say that your standard exam isn’t enough to get to the root of these issues. Your doctor may instead decide to do imaging tests to figure out what’s causing the pinched nerve and where it is. This is mostly administered through X-rays or MRI scans. An X-ray can showcase details going on with your bones, but won’t show your discs and nerves. With this said, they can be useful for determining if you have narrow vertebrae or bone spurs. An MRI is able to do more, showing how healthy your nerves and discs are in detail. In some cases, an X-ray may be done to a certain area to check for bone injury. Lastly, if the issue is due to injured ligaments or tendons, an ultrasound may be needed.
 
Working With Your Fibromyalgia Chiropractor In Hickory
So, if you suspect that a pinched nerve is behind your soreness, or know it for a fact, what can you do? One asset that you have is doing a posture adjustment. To start, try and find a position that helps you feel comfortable with your soreness. After this, you can adapt your lifestyle and living spaces to help you stay in that posture as much as possible. For a lot of people, doing this in the workplace is a major source of problems. One way to get around this is by using a standing workplace. These help prevent pinched nerves, treat existing ones, and just lower overall soreness. You can either ask the HR department to modify your existing space or buy your own.
 
Another thing to note is that whenever you are dealing with a pinched nerve, you want to make sure that you are as rested as possible, along with lowering any activity that leads to soreness. Try and keep the cycle of rest going until your symptoms subside. After this, you can begin to start testing things together. For certain types of issues, like carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be able to use a splint to protect your wrist.
 
You have a lot of options that you can do at home to help lower soreness from pinched nerves. For example, a gentle stretch can help provide relief, but you don’t want to overextend yourself. Focus on smaller movements, and if you find yourself getting sore again, try and do something less intensive. Think about applying heat to your muscles in the affected area to help them loosen. Heat also supports healing by promoting blood flow. Generally, you want to apply it for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can also do ice instead if you prefer. Simply get some ice, wrap it in a washcloth, and apply it to the area for 10-15 minutes as well.
 
If you want additional help, consider looking into NSAIDs. These can help quite a bit with mild soreness and can be brought over the counter. With that said, just make sure that you read and stick to the recommended dosage. These aren’t going to be able to provide total coverage as well. If you find that you’re dealing with consistent, extreme, or repeated soreness, reach out to a medical professional. On top of performing the exams before, they may be able to provide a prescription for more powerful medication. They may also recommend a specialist like a chiropractor in Hickory. This will help you get the treatment you need.

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