<img class="aligncenter wp-image-3644 size-large" src="https://northshorechiro.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/North-Shore-Chiro-Blog-Correlation-of-Spine-and-Heart-health-1024x538.png" alt="North Shore Chiro Blog - Correlation of Spine and Heart health" width="1024" height="538" />

Heart disease remains a significant concern in our country, impacting many lives and putting a strain on our healthcare system. While genetics and family history contribute to heart disease, lifestyle choices also play a crucial role. Strategies for preventing heart disease have traditionally focused on managing weight, making healthy food choices, exercising regularly, and sometimes using medications.

However, it's worth noting that chiropractic care can contribute to <strong>better heart health</strong>.

Even if the nerves in your chest were disconnected, your heart would continue to beat. This is because of a small group of heart muscle cells that rhythmically contract and relax independently, setting the pace for your heartbeat. This natural pacemaker is called the “Sinoatrial node.” Typically, in adults, it maintains a rhythm of around 70 beats per minute. While this pacemaker keeps your heart working consistently, nerves in your thoracic and upper cervical spine (the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves) can influence your heart rate.

These nerves are found in your thoracic and upper cervical spine, respectively.

Corrective chiropractic care can help alleviate pressure and restrictions caused by spinal misalignments in these areas, thereby normalizing your cardiac rhythm and heart rate. Corrective care for the cervical spine can also help reduce blood pressure, relieving unnecessary stress on the cardiovascular system. In a study published in the <em>Journal of Human Hypertension by Bakris et al. (2007)</em>, a specific chiropractic adjustment of the atlas vertebra was found to significantly lower blood pressure in individuals with early-stage hypertension, comparable to the effects of two blood pressure-lowering drugs. This underscores the potential of chiropractic care as a supplementary therapy for hypertension.

<strong>Corrective chiropractic care helps the heart</strong>
At North Shore Chiropractic, our aim is to correct the spine to its normal curvature and restore proper nerve flow throughout the body. By integrating corrective chiropractic care into your heart health routine, this can help complement traditional methods for managing your hypertension. While it shouldn't replace medications or lifestyle changes recommended by healthcare providers, chiropractic care can still be a valuable part of a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health.

If you or someone you know is dealing with hypertension, incorporating corrective chiropractic care into their journey toward optimal heart health could be beneficial. If you're looking for a holistic way to support your cardiovascular system, corrective chiropractic care might be the piece you're missing in your wellness puzzle.

To schedule an appointment, call us at ph 09 4424310.
<pre>Sources:
Bakris, G., et al. (2007). <em>Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study</em>. Journal of Human Hypertension.</pre>
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