• Whedon E

• Adult
• Affiliation / Private Practice of Chiropractic
• Affiliation(G) / United States / Georgia
• Blood Pressure
• Female
• Hypertension
• Hypertension / therapy
• Upper Cervical Techniques

Objective: To examine the effects of Knee Chest upper cervical adjustments on a single patient already being treated with Hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension and to review the literature on hypertension and chiropractic.

Clinical Features: The patient was a 25-year-old woman with medically diagnosed hypertension. She also had symptoms of migraine headaches occurring two times per week. A thorough history and examination were performed. Her blood pressure was 134/98 mmHg at initial examination. Diagnosis of an upper cervical subluxation was made and cervical radiographs supported upper cervical misalignments. Paraspinal thermography, supine leg length assessment, postural assessment, and blood pressure were monitored every visit.

Intervention and Outcome: The patient received Knee Chest upper cervical care for twelve weeks. By the end of care the patient experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure to 114/80 mmHg. She also experienced a significant decrease in both frequency and severity of migraine headache symptoms.

Conclusions: Definite conclusions cannot be drawn from a single case study, but this case does show a decrease in overall blood pressure in a patient diagnosed with, and pharmaceutically managed for, hypertension. This study warrants larger studies with control groups to further understand the benefits of upper cervical specific chiropractic care for the reduction of vertebral subluxation to those suffering from hypertension.

Author Keywords: Knee Chest Technique, upper cervical, hypertension, subluxation, chiropractic, blood pressure

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