A 2007 pilot study in the Journal of Human Hypertension showed a sustained blood pressure lowering effect with a procedure designed to correct atlas vertebrae misalignment similar to that seen by giving two different antihypertensive drugs at the same time. The study design was randomized, double blind, with a placebo control and had 50 participants.
The practitioners in the study were from the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) who limit their practice to precise, delicate manual alignment of the C1 or atlas vertebrae. Unlike other vertebrae which interlock, the atlas relies on soft tissue to maintain alignment, and therefore is vulnerable to displacement. Minor misalignment of the atlas vertebrae can potentially compromise the brainstem neural pathways and vertebral arteries.
The study was 8 weeks in duration, with a blood pressure baseline originally taken and weekly thereafter along with atlas measures pre and post adjustment. Outcomes in changes from the treatment showed a reduction of systolic blood pressure (-17 +/- 9 mm Hg NUCCA vs -3+/- 11 mm Hg control) and diastolic blood pressure (-10+/- 11 mm Hg NUCCA vs -2+/- 7 mm Hg control). Most antihypertensive drugs yield an 8 mm Hg drop in blood pressure. What is most impressive is that the reduction in blood pressure persisted at 8 weeks and was not associated with pain or pain relief or any other symptoms that could be associated with a rise in blood pressure.
Citation: Journal of Human Hypertension (2007),1-6
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