Resolution of Anxiety and Hypertension Following Chiropractic

A case study published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on August 3, 2015, documented the case of a 60-year-old man suffering with hypertension and anxiety being helped with chiropractic. Anxiety can lead to other disorders including muscle tension, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

The authors begin by noting that anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million Americans 18 years or older. This equates to 18% of the U.S. population. The typical medical approach to these disorders is medication. Unfortunately, many of these medications have serious side effects and can become addictive. Additionally, treating anxiety with medications does not correct the problem as medication treatment must be continued indefinitely.

In this case history, a 60-year-old retired man came to the chiropractor with the chief complaints of anxiety, high blood pressure, and neck pain. The man reported that his neck pain was an achy, dull type pain. He also reported that when he stood up from a seated position, he would lose his balance. His medical doctor told him 15 years prior that the balance issue was due to his blood pressure problem. His MD also diagnosed his anxiety condition and placed him on two medications which he had been taking for 20 years prior to seeking chiropractic care.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included a postural analysis, palpation of the spine, bilateral weight scale analysis, range of motion, and leg length checks. Based on the examination and history, the chiropractic diagnosis was multiple vertebral subluxations.

Care began consisting of specific chiropractic adjustments aimed at correcting the detected subluxations. The authors noted the rational for the care by stating, "Research has shown that vertebral subluxations, spinal manipulative therapy and cranial adjusting have an effect on autonomic functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, pupillary diameter and skin temperature." They continued, "Care was provided based on this definition of subluxation and its role on the body."

After six months of chiropractic care, a reassessment was performed. The reassessment showed that prior to chiropractic care, the man's blood pressure was 170/110 mm-Hg. After six months of chiropractic care, the patient's blood pressure had improved and stabilized to 128/80 mm-Hg. To help with his anxiety, the patient also started stress management skills and counseling. With both chiropractic and this approach, the study records that his medical doctor was able to take him off all prescription medications for both anxiety and hypertension. The man also reported that his neck pain, energy level, and ability to function had improved.

In their conclusion the authors wrote, "This case report demonstrates resolution and successful chiropractic treatment of an anxiety disorder and hypertension in a 60-year-old male. The review of literature shows positive effects of chiropractic care for the treatment of an anxiety disorder and hypertension, and provides supporting evidence for the use of chiropractic for these conditions."