If you thought the only way to control high blood pressure was by taking medication you might be pleasantly surprised. In studies, the Atlas Adjustment has reduced hypertension to an average of 14 mm Hg or greater in systolic blood pressure and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure.
What is the Atlas Adjustment?
The procedure adjusts and realigns the C-1 vertebra. It’s nicknamed the Atlas vertebra because it holds up the human head, just as the legendary Atlas holds up the world globe in Greek mythology.
The Atlas Vertebra is sometimes referred to as the “Fusebox for the body”. It lies at the base of the brain where there are two centers that control the muscle function for the entire body. If the Atlas shifts out of the correct position it won’t cause the patient pain, but it will upset these centers of function.
The Atlas Adjustment is a subtle procedure that uses precise measurements to determine a patient’s Atlas vertebra alignment. If realignment is necessary, the doctor uses their hands to gently manipulate the vertebra into the correct placement.
The Blood Pressure / Atlas Vertebra Link
Research suggests that injury to the Atlas vertebra can affect how well blood flows to the arteries at the base of the skull. Misaligned arteries trigger the release of signals that make the arteries contract.
This adjustment when done properly with a patient who is now realigned showed a blood pressure drop to within a normalized range. Some patients report being able to wean themselves off their blood pressure medication as supervised by their general physician.
This line of study is still in progress. It is believed that this misalignment is often the result of injury or trauma early in life that was never pinpointed or corrected.
If the Atlas is misaligned there is a good chance the patient will be experiencing high blood pressure, but it’s not the only effect of misalignment at this point in the spine.
Atlas subluxation can also cause:
- headache and migraines.
- deafness, tinnitus, or noise in the inner ear.
- pain in the jaw.
- neck pain or a stiff neck.
- extreme muscle stiffness and restricted shoulder movement.
- back pain in the lumbar spine as well as hip pain and pelvic misalignment
If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms it would be wise to come to see Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. of Kaster Chiropractic and Associates in Fort Myers, Florida. www.kasterchiropractic.com 239-332-2555. Make your appointment today.