High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure: Can Chiropractic Help?

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It’s a common health issue that affects many folks and we have found ways to help without always relying on pills. In this article, I’ll explain what high blood pressure is, its symptoms, causes, how doctors diagnose it, and how my holistic chiropractic care can help. I’ll keep things simple and straightforward, like chatting with a friend, so everyone can understand.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Imagine your blood vessels as pipes carrying water through your house. Blood pressure can be compares to psi when it comes to a home’s water supply. The higher the psi, the more the water is pushing against the plumbing. When that force in your arteries stays too high for too long, it’s called high blood pressure. Doctors measure it with two numbers: the top one (systolic) shows pressure when your heart beats, and the bottom one (diastolic) shows pressure when your heart rests between beats.

A normal reading is around 120/80 mm Hg or lower. But if it’s 130/80 mm Hg or higher most of the time, that’s high blood pressure. It’s sneaky because it can damage your heart, arteries, and other organs over time if not controlled. Think of it as silent wear and tear on your body’s highways – the blood vessels. Without management, it raises risks for heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. But catching it early makes a big difference!

Common Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Here’s the tricky part: high blood pressure often has no symptoms at all. Many people go years without knowing they have it. However, when blood pressure gets really high, some folks might notice signs like headaches, especially in the back of the head, dizziness, or blurry vision. Others could feel short of breath, have chest pain, or get nosebleeds more often.

If you’re feeling tired all the time or your heart is pounding irregularly, it might be worth checking. But remember, these symptoms can come from other things too, so don’t panic – just get it looked at. Regular check-ups are key because waiting for symptoms might mean it’s already causing trouble.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure doesn’t usually happen from one single thing. There are two main types: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension, which is the most common, builds up slowly over many years with no clear cause. Lifestyle plays a huge role too. Eating too much salty foods, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking, or drinking too much alcohol can all push your pressure up. Stress is another big one – when you’re always worried or tense, your body releases hormones that tighten blood vessels.

Secondary hypertension is less common and comes from other health problems, like kidney disease, sleep apnea (where you stop breathing at night), or thyroid issues. Certain medicines or even pregnancy can cause it temporarily. Age matters as well; as we get older, our arteries can stiffen, making pressure rise. The good news? Many causes are things we can change with healthier habits.

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

Diagnosing high blood pressure is pretty simple and doesn’t hurt. Your doctor or nurse uses a cuff that wraps around your arm and inflates it to measure the pressure. They’ll take readings on different days because blood pressure can fluctuate – like after coffee or when you’re nervous.

If it’s high a few times, they might confirm it with home monitoring or a 24-hour device you wear. They’ll also ask about your family history, diet, and exercise. Sometimes, blood tests or an EKG (to check your heart’s rhythm) are done to see if there’s damage or another cause. It’s all about getting a full picture to rule out other issues.

Ways I Can Help with High Blood Pressure as a Holistic Chiropractor

As a holistic chiropractor in Lutz, Florida, I look at your whole body, not just one part. Chiropractic care focuses on your spine and nervous system, which controls everything, including blood pressure. Misalignments in the spine, especially in the upper neck (like the atlas bone), can mess with nerve signals and make your body tense up, raising pressure.

Gentle adjustments can realign your spine, improve nerve flow, and help your body relax. Studies show that specific upper cervical adjustments can lower both systolic and diastolic numbers, sometimes as much as meds do, but naturally and without side effects. This is amazing and has been done countless times in my office! I also help reduce stress through these adjustments, since stress tightens muscles and vessels.

But it’s not just about adjustments. In my practice, we talk about holistic ways to support your health. I’ll guide you on eating better – like eating an anti-inflammatory diet. I might suggest breathing techniques or supplements if they fit your needs, always working with your doctor.

Many patients see better sleep, less anxiety, and steadier blood pressure after regular chiropractic visits. It’s all about empowering you to take control naturally. I’m here to help you on your wellness journey!