Reduction in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Study & Selective Review of the Literature
Anthony Slinger, D.C. Bio & Shayla Lesho, D.C. Bio
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ April 23, 2014 ~ Pages 80-88
Abstract
Objective: This case reports on the subjective and objective improvements of a male patient with vertebral subluxation, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and gout after undergoing chiropractic care and lifestyle interventions.
Clinical Features: A 30 year-old patient with previous diagnoses of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and gout in the left ankle as well as secondary low back pain presented for chiropractic care. Hematological panels confirmed hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperuricemia.
Intervention and Outcome: Chiropractic care was administered using high velocity, low amplitude adjustments (i.e., Diversified technique) to reduce vertebral and lower extremity subluxations. Objective clinical findings included: motion palpation, static palpation, paraspinal thermography, postural evaluation, orthopedic tests, and neurological tests. Under discretion of the chiropractor, lifestyle interventions were carried out, such as dietary changes, nutritional supplementation, and an exercise regimen. Diversified chiropractic adjustments were conducted over a 10 week period of care. There was an overall reduction in the patient’s subluxations, in addition to marked improvement in serum cholesterol and lipid panels.
Conclusion: This retrospective case study reports on the effectiveness of chiropractic care in reducing vertebral and lower extremity subluxation findings as well as lowering the risk factors of cardiovascular disease in a 30 year-old patient. Further research in chiropractic care and cardiovascular disease is advocated.
Key Words:subluxation, chiropractic, diversified technique, hypercholesterolemia, gout, cardiovascular disease
