We all know the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet when it comes to maintaining heart health but have you ever considered the benefits regular Chiropractic care may have on your HEART !
Here are a few examples of how Chiropractic care may benefit your heart:
BLOOD PRESSURE:
High blood pressure can put a strain on the heart and increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and other health problems. Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine (1). have found that realigning the Atlas vertebra (located at the top of the neck) with a chiropractic adjustment can lower blood pressure by the same amount as taking two blood pressure medications at once.
INFLAMMATION:
Chronic Inflammation is a contributing factor to a variety of health problems such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.
Inflammation may make it easier for plaque to form in your blood vessels, decreasing the amount of oxygen your organs and tissues receive and may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney damage, vascular dementia and more.
Chiropractic adjustments and other chiropractic techniques have been shown to have a positive effect on helping to reduce inflammation in the body naturally.
IMPROVED NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTION:
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems located in the upper neck and thoracic areas of the spine play a role in regulating Heart Rate Variability (HRV). This is time between heartbeats and it varies naturally depending on your activity level and your emotions.
A high HRV is a sign of a healthy heart and it means your heart can easily adapt to different environments and circumstances.
A low HRV is a heart that is struggling to adapt to its environment and may be linked to heart disease, inflammation, depression, obesity, and other health problems. Chiropractic adjustments can help the tone of the nervous system and help regulate HRV.
LUNG FUNCTION:
The heart and lungs work together to keep the body healthy. When the lungs are working properly, they can deliver oxygen to the heart, which is necessary for the heart to function. Misaligned vertebrae can put pressure on the nerves that serve the lungs. Misaligned vertebrae and poor posture can affect the alignment of the ribs and diaphragm which can also affect lung function.
Chiropractic adjustments can help improve your posture and relieve nerve interference in turn improving lung function and support the health of your heart.
STRESS:
We know that there is a link between stress and heart disease.
Research has shown that chiropractic care can reduce stress by balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Studies have found that spinal adjustments can lead to a reduction in sympathetic activity(fight and flight responses) and an increase in parasympathetic activity (rest and restore response).
This can help to lower blood pressure and improve overall physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the regular care may help to improve the overall function of the nervous system, which can help to regulate the body’s response to stress and improve overall health.
SLEEP:
Sleep is essential for the cardiovascular system to repair and rejuvenate. Chiropractic care can help improve sleep by reducing stress, pain and muscle tension all of which aid in a good night’s sleep.
As you can see Chiropractic care may benefit many aspects of your overall well-being including the health of your heart.
It’s important to note that Chiropractic care is not a treatment for any condition, including heart conditions. Chiropractic should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or prescribed medications for heart conditions. If you have a heart condition, it’s always best to consult with your medical provider.
Chiropractic’s value lies in removing stress and tension from the brain, spine and nerve system which enables a person to function in a better state of wholeness.
