Eric Zielinski, B.A. & Nate A. Blume, D.C.
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ November 4, 2013 ~ Pages 77- 99
Abstract
Objective: We present the findings in which a 54 year old male experienced lipid panel normalization as a result of subluxation-based chiropractic care.
Clinical Features: 54 year old male first presented into the office with a chief complaint of dyslipidemia. He had a past history of myocardial infarction and angioplasty. One month prior to care the patient had a lipid panel drawn indicating that his total cholesterol levels were 124, LDL levels were 63, HDL levels were 38, and triglyceride levels were 116. Other complaints included anxiety, constipation, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, neck pain, and stiff neck. He also reported occupational and personal stress as well as depression.
Intervention and Outcome: Paraspinal surface electromyography, range of motion, and thermography readings were taken on the initial visit, on the twelfth visit one month later, and fifteen days after his second blood draw (4 ½ months into care). In conjunction with the above findings, vertebral subluxations were confirmed at the levels of C1, C5, pelvis, and sacrum. Care plan included thirty one patient visits over a five month period before blood draw confirmed that his cholesterol levels decreased. No reportable lifestyle changes occurred beside chiropractic care. In response to the positive blood work results, the patients’ cardiologist reduced his medications.
Conclusion: We offer a brief historical account of the role cholesterol has played in CVD and provide the most recent global data. Our review reveals that the “cholesterol is harmful” hypothesis is not ubiquitously supported by the literature and there appears to be a growing paradigm shift that subscribes to the theory that stress-related inflammatory and hormonal responses are key components to atherosclerotic plaque build-up and subsequent CVD. A review of literature indicates that subluxation-based chiropractic care may be effective in managing atherosclerosis and other risk factors associated with CVD due to its potential effect on inflammatory markers; namely, C-reactive protein (CRP), immune system response(s), psychological and physiological stress. The results of this case study warrant further research to substantiate these relationships.
Key Words: Chiropractic; subluxation; cholesterol; hypercholesteremia; dyslipidemia; statins; stress; inflammation; cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis
