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Last week we discussed the first five of the ten best reasons to get chiropractic adjustments according to medical evidence. As a brief review, these reasons included relief of sciatica pain, relief of pain in the neck and lower back, relief for tension headaches and migraines, reduction of pediatric ear infections, acid reflux, and colic, and the many neurological benefits of chiropractic care. This week we will look at the remaining five of the ten greatest benefits for getting chiropractic adjustments.
Controlling Blood Pressure
George Bakris, a specialist for hypertension know world-wide, published the results of a clinical study conducted by a group of research scientists in the Human Journal of Hypertension to provide evidence that getting just one upper cervical chiropractic adjustment was able to lower blood pressure just as effectively as taking two prescribed blood pressure medications. The results of the study found that individuals who had an upper cervical chiropractic adjustment as treatment for high blood pressure had approximately a 14 mm Hg higher reduction in their systolic blood pressure (the number on the top of a blood pressure reading) and approximately a 8 mm Hg higher reduction in diastolic blood pressure (the number on the bottom of a blood pressure reading), as compared to the individuals in the study who were treated by placebo. Additionally, the results that were observed after the chiropractic adjustment continued to remain for a period of six months or more, without any follow-up adjustments!
But perhaps even more interesting is the fact that results from additional research studies have found that chiropractic adjustments are also effective at treating hypotension patients (patients whose blood pressure is too low). Results of these studies showed that the individuals treated with chiropractic care for hypotension saw their blood pressure reading levels increase to normal reading levels after receiving the chiropractic care. These results are fascinating as they indicate our body’s natural capability of forming a homeostatic balance after being treated for vertebral subluxations through chiropractic treatments.
Prevention of Surgery
Chiropractic care has been highly regarded by homeopathic health care professionals as an all-natural approach to preventing back surgery. As any surgery comes with major risks and required down-time, alternative treatment methods should be used when they are able to be just as effective in treating the issue and help remove the need for surgery. The Journal of the American Medical Association agrees with this statement, and in their lower cervical back pain guidelines they recommend individuals who are currently suffering from pain in their lower back seek chiropractic care as a treatment option prior to turning to surgical treatment.
Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
A recent clinical study found that individuals who are suffering from the painful disorder adhesive capsulitis, also known as “frozen shoulder”, are able to achieve incredible results in their level of discomfort as a response to receiving chiropractic treatments for the condition. The study looked at a total of 50 individuals who were suffering from the condition. Of the group, nearly a third of the participants reported their condition had completely resolved (16 patients), half of the participants reported improvement in their condition between 75% and 90% (25 patients), eight of the participants reported improvement in their condition between 50% and 75%, and only one participant reported improvement in their condition of less than 50%. Prior to receiving the chiropractic care, all of the participants reported an average pain level of 9 out of 10, ranging between a level 7 and level 10 pain; but once the participants had all been treated with chiropractic care, the average pain level reported by the participants had decreased significantly to a level 2, with a range between no pain and level 10 pain.
Treatment for Scoliosis
While scoliosis, the abnormal curvature of the spine, cannot be cured, there is evidence that shows certain chiropractic treatments, when combined with muscular rehabilitation treatments, can help treat and slow the progression of the condition. Non-profit organizations such as the Clear Institute have made it their mission to enable medical professionals with a reliable and successful chiropractic technique as a way to provide treatment to patients suffering from scoliosis.
Medical experts at the Clear Institute have dedicated their work to perfecting a method of chiropractic treatment that will effectively treat patients suffering from scoliosis and have found success in treating and controlling the condition without requiring the use of major surgery or restrictive braces. In many of the cases they have treated, patients have achieved a reduction in their spinal curvatures between 10% and 30%.
Enhance Daily Functionality and Athletic Performance
Considering the many medical benefits of chiropractic care, it is no surprise that professional athletes continually seek chiropractic care. In fact, some of the most well-known athletes such as Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps, NFL wide receiver Jerry Rice, and NFL quarterback Joe Montana are known for regularly receiving chiropractic therapy. Additionally, more than half of all of the NFL teams have a chiropractor on their staff to provide their players with full access to chiropractic adjustments and chiropractic therapy such as stretches and exercises when they need it.
It is easy to overlook the benefits of chiropractic treatment in enhancing our daily functionality and athletic performance because of it’s more well-known use for treating painful conditions and pathological diseases. Chiropractic adjustments and treatments are effective in treating injuries caused by sports to multiple parts of the body including the lower back, shoulders, and hips. Injuries that are caused by sports that are commonly treated with chiropractic care include fractures, sprains, muscle strains, tendonitis, and pain in the neck and back. These chiropractic treatments are able to reduce inflammation, improve joint function and muscle flexibility, increase overall range of motion, minimize any necessary recovery time, reduce overall levels of pain, and maximize athletic performance.