Scott Torns, DC
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ August 11, 2014 ~ Pages 54-60
Abstract
Objective: This investigation was a placebo-control, randomized, prospective longitudinal cohort study to examine the long term effect Atlas Orthogonal (AO) upper cervical chiropractic care has on arterial blood pressure (ABP).
Methods: Twenty participants were computer randomized into a placebo-control group and a therapeutic group. All participants were examined radiographically, and coordinate values were calculated for Atlas dysfunction per AO Technique. The therapeutic group received an AO adjustment while controls received a sham adjustment. Pre and post therapeutic intervention ABP values were recorded for each participant. Subsequent measures for ABP were again recorded at one week, two weeks, four weeks, and lastly, six weeks after intervention. The Atlas was adjusted utilizing an AO Adjusting Instrument. No adverse reactions were recorded in either group.
Results: The therapeutic group demonstrated significant lowering of both their systolic and diastolic values. Improvements in systolic values continued to be statistically significant at six weeks. The effect on the diastolic values failed to reach significance after four weeks. There were no statistically significant differences detected in the systolic or diastolic values of the control group.
Conclusions: This investigation provides further evidence connecting upper cervical chiropractic care and ABP regulation. While the exact mechanism remains in question, data suggests an appropriate dose may be one upper cervical chiropractic visit per month for patients that suffer from high ABP.
Keywords: Atlas, vertebral subluxation, high blood pressure, hypertension, Atlas Orthogonal, upper cervical chiropractic, nonsurgical antihypertensive therapy
