Elevated blood pressure is one of the leading preventable risk factors for mortality. Nearly 70 million Americans suffer from it, and its causes are diverse. In this article, we will look into one surprising cause of hypertension, and one convenient, non-invasive treatment — chiropractic treatment!
What Are the Two Types of Blood Pressure?
Many people use digital sphygmomanometers or blood pressure monitors to keep track of their blood pressure levels. However, its measures remain cryptic for some patients. So, what’s the meaning of those numbers? The first two values are linked to the two types of blood pressure: systolic and diastolic.
The top reading indicates systolic blood pressure: With each beat, the heart pumps blood into the arteries. This force creates pressure on the blood vessels, called systolic blood pressure. Since the force needed for pumping blood throughout the entire body is considerable, systolic blood pressure is naturally higher.
The bottom reading represents diastolic blood pressure: After each beat, the heart relaxes, but the pressure in the arteries remains as the heart fills with oxygen-rich blood. Diastolic blood pressure is naturally lower than the systolic type.
Interpretation is the next step toward ascertaining your blood pressure levels:
Systolic blood pressure: normal levels (<120 mm Hg); elevated (120-129 mm Hg), stage 1 high blood pressure or hypertension (130-139 mm Hg); stage 2 high blood pressure (>140 mm Hg); hypertensive crisis (>180 mm Hg; in such cases, we strongly encourage calling 911).
Diastolic blood pressure: normal levels (<80 mm Hg); stage 1 high blood pressure (80-89 mm Hg); stage 2 high blood pressure (>90 mm Hg); hypertensive crisis (>120 mm Hg; call 911).
Why High Blood Pressure Is Dangerous
Failure to supervise and treat hypertension can lead to various life-threatening conditions, starting from vascular diseases, going through blood circulation blockage, and leading to organ failure:
Stroke
Heart attack
Aneurysm
Blindness or vision impairment
Dementia
Hypertensive patients should seek medical treatment according to the specific cause of their hypertension. Some patients only require dietary changes, while others may need more complex treatment. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment suitable for every hypertensive patient.
Can Cervical Spondylosis Raise Your Blood Pressure?
Cervical spondylosis is a condition that occurs in the higher spinal region (i.e., cervical region) due to disk degeneration. Frequently, disk degeneration occurs at the level of the C-1 vertebra, also called the Atlas vertebra. Its name comes from Greek mythology — Atlas is the giant holding the world upon his shoulders.
The Atlas vertebra is the base upon which our head sits. Specific brain centers responsible for muscle control are found in the proximity of the Atlas vertebra. Patients suffering from Atlas misalignment (i.e., the C-1 vertebra being slightly out of place), even if they don’t report any neck pain, are at risk of developing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and hypertension.
Misaligned vertebrae in the upper cervical region, especially Atlas misalignment, frequently come with vertigo or dizziness. Researchers have linked these symptoms to lower blood flow to the posterior part of the brain (i.e., vertebrobasilar insufficiency).
Our body sometimes tries to compensate for this burdensome insufficiency by increasing the heart’s pumping force. Such is one cause of hypertension in patients with cervical spondylosis. A possible interpretation links hypertension to sympathetic nerve fibers stimulation, identified in patients suffering from C-1 vertebra misalignment.
Can Chiropractic Care Lower High Blood Pressure?
Recent clinical research shows that Atlas realignment (i.e., chiropractic adjustment) efficiently reduces blood pressure!
Atlas Adjustments for Lower Blood Pressure
Atlas adjustments consist of realigning the C-1 vertebra. Atlas misalignment is pain-free in many cases, which sometimes makes its diagnosis difficult and puzzling. As we’ve already outlined, one pain-free symptom of cervical spondylosis is hypertension.
During Atlas adjustments, chiropractors use their hands to gently manipulate the troublesome vertebra to get it back into its designated place.
The benefits of chiropractic techniques for Atlas realignment have been proved in the case of hypertensive patients. Thus, such a procedure can be an efficient alternative treatment plan to blood pressure-lowering drugs.
Researchers witnessed that, following a chiropractic adjustment, previously hypertensive patients had an average 14 mm Hg more significant drop in systolic blood pressure and an average 8 mm Hg drop in diastolic blood pressure. In addition, there was no need for blood pressure medications because patients’ blood pressure remained between healthy boundaries.
During a clinical study, two groups of hypertensive patients suffering from Atlas misalignment were chosen and separated. One group received a chiropractic adjustment; the other underwent an indistinguishable “sham intervention.” The results for the first group are truly encouraging: blood pressure reduction following chiropractic Atlas adjustment is similar to the one brought by two blood pressure-lowering pills and drugs taken at once.
Chiropractic Care Is a Non-Invasive Path for Hypertensive Patients
Fusion or other invasive treatments for cervical spondylosis are effective, but their invasive nature comes with some risks. However, chiropractic care is a non-invasive, medication-free approach to Atlas realignment and lowering high blood pressure induced by cervical spondylosis!
Dealing With Hypertension? Bergen Chiropractic Can Help!
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your shoulders are uneven, you know what a worrying ordeal that can be. Is there something tragically or permanently wrong? Will it get worse? Is there a way to fix uneven shoulders? These questions can whirl through one’s head if confronted with this problem.
Thankfully, we have accessible and effective treatment options for uneven shoulders. There is no need to endure the symptoms and complications of uneven shoulders, such as shoulder pain, muscle tightness, headaches, and tendonitis.
Chiropractic treatment is one of the leading and most cost-effective therapeutic options available to those who suffer from uneven shoulders. Below is an exploration of what can cause and how to fix uneven shoulders through professional chiropractic treatment!
Scoliosis is a condition typified by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, meaning that the spine does not sit in a straight line horizontally. In some cases, one shoulder blade is higher than the other, and subsequently, uneven shoulders occur. The causes of scoliosis are not fully understood, but there is a strong genetic component.
Poor Posture
Bad posture can cause a slight or significant difference in shoulder height between the right and left sides. A Korean study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that postural habits can make one shoulder higher than the other. Poor posture can also cause rounded shoulders, leading to tight muscles in the shoulder area and creating a disparity between the height of the left shoulder and the right shoulder.
Muscle Imbalances
Muscular imbalances occur when one muscle in a group of muscles is larger, stronger, or different in any way that causes abnormal functioning and movement. A muscle imbalance can result from sports, other physical activities, improper posture, and natural causes. For example, if a shoulder muscle is imbalanced, the shoulder blade on the corresponding side might be positioned unnaturally.
Nerve Damage
According to researchers from the University of Texas, the University of Tennessee, and the Midwestern University, damage to the nerves linked to the upper trapezius muscle can impair posture and result in imbalanced muscles. This muscle controls the shoulder blades; if it functions abnormally, the shoulder level on either side could be affected.
Dominant Side
The majority of people have a dominant side, i.e., a preference for one arm, one hand, one leg, or one foot over the other. Over time, seemingly innocuous actions, like wearing a laptop bag on one shoulder over the other, can eventually lead to adversely impacted shoulder posture. Uneven shoulders may result from weight-bearing exclusively on one side.
Is It Normal To Have Uneven Shoulders?
There are numerous ways shoulder blades may be positioned differently from their counterparts on the opposite side. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 3% of Americans deal with scoliosis, only one of the many causes of uneven shoulders. Uneven shoulders are a common cause of pain, discomfort, and emotional distress.
How Does Chiropractic Care Help Fix Uneven Shoulders?
Chiropractors have the ideal skillset and knowledge base to treat uneven shoulders. Unlike physical therapists, chiropractors ensure that body parts are correctly aligned, making them the ideal professionals to use if your shoulders aren’t the same height.
Exercises for Uneven Shoulders
Chiropractors often use exercises to fix uneven shoulders, supplemented by specialized stretches and elements a massage therapist would use. This combination is a perfect remedy for the symptoms of uneven shoulders, such as pain and visible disparity. Below is an example of what an exercise program for uneven shoulders might entail.
Standing Row
Using a resistance band, create a loop attached to a stable fixture, such as a doorknob. While facing forward toward the fixture, hold the resistance band with the hand on the same side of the affected shoulder and hold the arm at 90 degrees as the starting position. Slowly extend the arm until the band is taut and return to the starting position. Akin to most single-arm exercises, remember to maintain a flat back and repeat the exercise.
Rotation Exercises
Circular motion is crucial to the healthy functioning of the shoulders. As such, rotation exercises are a great way to correct uneven shoulders.
To achieve a shoulder internal rotation:
Attach the resistance band to a stable fixture again, ensuring that you face the fixture.
Hold the band with the affected side and create a 90-degree angle.
Bring the forearm of that side across the body until the band is taut and the shoulder is internally rotated.
Return to the starting position and repeat as necessary.
To achieve an external rotation of the shoulder, assume the same starting position as the exercise for internal shoulder rotation and gently pull the band outwards so that the forearm moves away from the body.
Shoulder Raises
Stand with a straightened back and keep both arms straight in their normal position. Lift your shoulders towards your ear, squeezing as much as possible. Hold this pose for a few moments and release.
Stretches for Uneven Shoulders
A shoulder stretch is a great option to correct uneven shoulders for patients who need a more gentle and gradual approach.
Reverse Prayer Pose
Bring your palms together behind your back, with the tips of your fingers facing the ground. Next, straighten your chest and bring your shoulders backward before rotating your joined hands so that your fingertips face the ceiling. Hold for a few seconds before relaxing.
Cross-Arm Stretch
Take the arm of the affected side across your body, keeping the arm straight. Next, take the palm from the unaffected side and pull the upper arm of the treatment side across your body. Hold for 30 seconds and release.
How To Sleep With Uneven Shoulders
Sleeping in an uncomfortable position can exacerbate pain for individuals with uneven shoulders. Therefore, it is vital to sleep appropriately while the impacted scapular stabilizes. Use a pillow, blanket, or towel to support the arm of the affected side while sleeping.
Ready To Fix Your Uneven Shoulders? Dr. Doerr Can Help!
Sound waves exist in various forms, from the whirring of a fan to the rumble of thunder. But when harnessed, these sound waves can significantly benefit our health.
Miracle Wave® Therapy is a revolutionary new treatment helping people overcome chronic pain and a myriad of other health issues using acoustic wave therapy! This cutting-edge therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, relieving a wide range of conditions. Unlike traditional treatments, which often have several side effects, Miracle Wave® is non-invasive and safe!
In this article, we will explore the science behind Miracle Wave® and how it can prove beneficial to you. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, nerve damage, or other health challenges, this innovative treatment may be the answer you’ve been searching for!
What Is the Miracle Wave® Therapy?
As a non-invasive treatment, Miracle Wave® harnesses low-frequency sound wave technology to stimulate and regenerate the body’s tissue and natural healing processes. Both acoustic wave therapy and shock wave technology were initially used by veterinarians, but it has now been proved to yield results in patient treatment plans as well!
Miracle Wave®’s innovative equipment delivers the healing benefits of shockwave therapy to the patient in a unique and effective way. The acoustic sound waves are sent to the trigger points to rejuvenate muscle tissue, improve blood circulation, and reduce minor musculoskeletal aches and pains. This non-invasive treatment solution is ideal for anyone struggling with chronic pain, nerve damage, and other health issues.
What Do the Acoustic Pulses Entail?
Acoustic wave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to revitalize the body’s healing process without damage to the soft tissue or the connective tissue.
Shock wave therapy is usually performed as an outpatient treatment, with patients being able to return to their routine on the same day. The treatment works perfectly alongside other chiropractic techniques, fitting in seamlessly to an existing treatment plan.
Miracle Wave® Helps Stimulate the Body’s Natural, Self-Healing Process!
Shock waves, a more intense version of acoustic wave therapy, are used to target trigger points in the body. These areas can be affected by a host of ailments, such as poor local blood circulation, chronic pain, stiff muscle tissue, or injured tissue.
The shock wave technology relies on mechanical force to cause microtrauma to the soft and connective tissues without damage. This force stimulates blood flow to the area, providing much-needed oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissue. The process speeds up healing through the increase of metabolic activity. Additionally, sound waves can help break down scar tissue and reduce inflammation.
How Does the Miracle Wave® Technology Benefit the Patient?
Miracle Wave® is a non-invasive treatment with little to no downtime. It is mainly beneficial for patients who do not have the time to devote to more invasive procedures. Once the treatment is completed, returning to your regular daily habits takes one simple step!
Miracle Wave® is a holistic treatment. It works to rejuvenate and heal the targeting area from the inside out. As a result, shock therapy resolves physical manifestations of pain and results in lowered cortisol levels and significant stress reduction!
What Conditions Does Miracle Wave® Help Treat?
The benefit of Miracle Wave® lies in its diverse treatment capabilities. You can use it in conjunction with other chiropractic treatment methods to specifically target and treat severe manifestations of pain and injured tissue. These are a few of the conditions that can be treated with Miracle Wave®:
Stress fractures, small cracks in the bone
Muscle strains and tears
Degeneration of the joints
Heel spurs, bony growths on the heel
Foot and heel pain
Tendinopathy, a disease affecting tendons
Tennis elbow
Calcium buildup
Non-union fractures
Inflammation
Each person’s case is different, so it is best to come in for a consultation to assess what treatment plan would be best for you.
What Are the Advantages of Choosing Miracle Wave® Over Other Treatments?
Deep tissue laser therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are among the few other treatment options that people consider when looking into Miracle Wave®. These treatment options are effective but come with more severe side effects, such as burns, lung injury, and temporary nearsightedness.
While not risk-free, Miracle Wave® is a much safer, more predictable option than many other similar treatments!
How Long Before I See Improvements?
Symptom relief is immediately noticeable after each treatment session. However, the fuller effects of the treatment will take a couple of days to become apparent. Severe symptoms may appear just before the subsequent treatment session. Once the treatment plan is completed, it may take 2-3 weeks for the body’s natural healing to begin, which is when the actual Miracle Wave® results will take effect.
How Much Does Wave Therapy Cost?
All ailments are unique. The physical and hormonal manifestations of these ailments often result in varied symptoms. That is why it is imperative to consult with Dr. Doerr and his team to ensure that the proper treatment plan is being prescribed so that you notice immediate results!
Dr. Doerr Offers Miracle Wave® at Bergen Chiropractic!
Constipation is infamously widespread among Americans, being the most common gastrointestinal problem. Patients usually seek medical treatment when the pain becomes chronic or acute, although the type and cause of constipation are hardly ever identified. A change in diet, more rest, or various medications may not help if the cause is found in the nervous system’s poor functionality. In recent years, however, chiropractic care has proven effective against constipation!
Are There Different Types of Constipation?
Constipation is annoying and troublesome regardless of its specific type. Medical studies distinguish between constipation as the main problem (i.e., primary constipation) and constipation as a symptom of an underlying condition (i.e., secondary constipation).
Primary constipation, also called idiopathic constipation, has no apparent cause. Clinicians have identified three different types of primary constipation:
Normal transit constipation: Despite regular bowel movements, patients perceive abdominal bloating and pain as constipation.
Slow transit constipation: Because, in such cases, eating doesn’t stimulate normal bowel movement, stool travels slower through the colon.
Outlet constipation: Damage to the pelvic floor muscles that support the bowel can make passing the stool difficult. Since the same muscles support the uterus, this condition is more common in women after pregnancy.
Secondary constipation is as diverse as its various causes. The challenge posed by secondary constipation is identifying the underlying medical issues. Only by identifying and treating the underlying cause can constipation relief be brought about.
What Are the Main Causes of Constipation?
Constipation is annoying and troublesome, regardless of its cause. For example, specific food or dehydration may reduce the number of bowel movements you experience. In such cases, dietary and lifestyle adjustments may be the key to improving the digestive system’s flow. But sometimes chronic constipation is the result of a more subtle condition, such as:
Hypothyroidism
Diabetes
Irritable bowel syndrome
Colon cancer
Vitamin or mineral deficiency
Can a Misaligned Spine Cause Constipation?
Digestive problems are often linked to the nervous system’s health because of psychological distress or nerve compression. For instance, some people with irritable bowel syndrome know firsthand what discomfort anxiety and intense emotions can bring to their gut.
Since even psychological factors play a significant role in digestive health, there’s no wonder why nerves related to the digestive system can interfere with its flow and overall health when pinched.
Throughout the small intestine and colon, special nerve cells, called ganglion cells, ensure bowel movements by muscle contraction. These nerves are linked to the celiac ganglion, which sends signals to the stomach, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, and colon. The nerve roots of the celiac ganglion connect to the spinal cord at the higher lumbar and lower thoracic regions.
Pressure on the nerve roots due to vertebrae misalignment interferes with the normal function of the autonomic nervous system responsible for regular bowel movements. Think of a television cable: when it is strangled or pinched, the signal can’t get through, and thus the image gets blurry and inconsistent.
The same happens when one of the nerves linked to digestive flow becomes strangled: the nervous system can’t work at its optimal pace, stool travels slower through the intestines and colon, and, therefore, patients experience constipation.
Can Seeing a Chiropractor Help With Constipation?
The straightforward answer is yes, a chiropractor can help patients report constipation issues linked to nerve compression! This treatment approach is backed by medical studies and patients alike. But how exactly does a chiropractic treatment bring about constipation relief?
Chiropractic Care Helps Relieve Nerve Interference
Through natural, safe, and effective spinal adjustments, chiropractic treatments can help relieve not merely low back pain but also chronic constipation due to spinal compression.
Patients lie down clothed with their faces upwards on a spinal decompression table. It produces precise and gentle movements, thus making subtle adjustments to the spine. Our chiropractor, Dr. Gregory Doerr, will ensure that the chiropractic adjustments relieve pressure from the nerve roots linked to digestive flow. As a result, you will notice digestive improvements in the days following chiropractic care. Some patients will also report back pain relief, as nerve damage is reversed by the restoration of the typical nutritional flow to the previously strangled nerves.
Does Chiropractic Care Have the Same Effect Against Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Constipation is not the only digestive problem caused by nerve compression. Pressure upon specific nerves related to the gastrointestinal tract may also be responsible for irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms such as cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting may all be due to vertebrae misalignment and nerve strangulation.
Spinal and nerve good health is crucial for proper organ functionality. As with constipation, chiropractic care can bring nerve relief and, thus, improve gastrointestinal health. An appointment with a chiropractor might quickly resolve irritable bowel syndrome caused by nerve compression.
Looking for Natural Constipation Relief? Dr. Doerr and His Team Can Help!
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