Checking your BP is part of our comprehensive overview of your health.
So, it has got to that point of our initial consultation at Manchester Chiropractors, and I or one of the team has brought out a weird-looking machine that looked like some sort of alien probe, fortunately for you guys it is not an alien probe, it is actually a blood pressure measuring device also known as a sphygmomanometer.
Many of you are probably familiar with this device, and what it does. For those who don’t, its function is to measure the blood pressure within your body. This device will have been commonly seen and used by your GP. I’m sure at thepoint when I do bring out the sphygmomanometer you’re probably thinking something along the lines of, “Aaron you’re not my GP why are you wasting my time measuring my blood pressure?”
Unfortunately, due to the stress on the healthcare system in modern times, having regular contact with our GPs has vastly reduced over the past few years, with no signs of contact becoming more frequent any time soon. As your primary clinician here at Manchester Chiropractors, it is our duty to look at your overall health and not just your spinal health, and this includes the regular monitoring of your blood pressure.
Why changes in your blood pressure needs to be assessed
Blood pressure is something that needs regular monitoring, as it can lead to many conditions that if left unchecked can progress and get worse and worse, and there’s no better time to monitor this than right now!!!
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to a multitude of not only cardiovascular conditions but also muscle- skeletal ones as well, here are just a few of such conditions and the complications they can cause:
- A decrease in overall bone mineral density: – Leading to a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- An increase in vascular damage: – This is the damage to our blood vessels which over time can cause impaired blood flow to our tissues, compromising their health and function. Reduced blood flow can contribute to conditions such as muscle weakness, joint stiffness and impaired tissue healing.
- Increased inflammatory process: Hypertension is also linked to a low-grade inflammation throughout the body. This can contribute to the development and progression of MSK (musculoskeletal) conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis. This inflammation may exacerbate pain and impair joint function.
- Secondary Effects of Medications: Some medications used to treat hypertension, such as diuretics and beta-blockers, can have MSK-related side effects. For example, diuretics may increase the risk of muscle cramps and electrolyte imbalances, while beta- blockers may cause fatigue and muscle weakness, affecting physical function and MSK health.
Monitoring your BP is a guide to your improving health
Here at Manchester Chiropractors, one of our main goals is getting you off medications that could be causing unnecessary complications and promote restoration of the body to a more natural state of healing. All through regular chiropractic adjustments. Many studies have been completed on the use of regular chiropractic adjustments and their link to decreasing high blood pressure.
A randomised study was completed on 21 participants, with results indicating that systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the participants undergoing chiropractic treatment of the condition. Whereas no significant changes occurred in the placebo and control groups.
An even larger study was conducted in 2020, in which 38 case studies were conducted on the effects of chiropractic adjustments for the treatment of hypertension. This larger study showed the promising effects of the treatment. However, more research is needed to truly say whether it can reduce the effects of such a complicated condition. I will include the link to both papers below if you require further insight.
The bigger picture is your improved wellbeing in a holistic way
Here at Manchester Chiropractors, we want you to look at your overall health in a new light. Enabling you to do the things you love for longer and not letting health conditions get in the way of that. Whether that be through the treatment we provide, or even just by the knowledge that we can share with you. Regularly measuring your blood pressure is just one of the many ways we can keep your overall health on track and stop that build-up of stress. Especially if you haven’t been able to see your GP in some time.
When you start your journey with us, we look for a collaborative process in which we can work together to help keep you staying fit and healthy for longer.
This is just a short introduction as to why take your blood pressure here at Manchester Chiropractors. The topic of blood pressure is vast and is far too big and time-consuming to fit into one blog, I hope you enjoyed a sneak peek into it. I will be writing a blog on various topics each week, so keep an eye out if you liked this one.
If you’re new to this, feel free to book in with either myself or one of my equally knowledgeable colleagues, and if you are one of my regulars I look forward to seeing you over the next coming weeks.
