Cholesterol is one of those things most people automatically associate with being bad for you. It’s true certain types of cholesterol can contribute to heart disease. However, your body actually needs this fat-like organic molecule to help with the production of vitamin D, bile, cell membranes, and hormones. It’s even associated with memory formation. But if you have high levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and low levels of the good kind (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), a way to correct this imbalance is chiropractic treatment. Here’s how chiropractic treatment for cholesterol is effective.
Evidence of Chiropractic Cholesterol Management
In a study involving a middle-aged patient with high levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides who previously had a heart attack, improvements with all of these levels were seen after six months of chiropractic treatments. The patient saw improvements both mental and physical through adjustments to the neck and pelvis. Also, adjustments were made to the large, wedge-shaped bone in the lower back (sacrum). Although sessions can target many different areas along or around the spine.
Reducing Heart Disease Risk Factors
High levels of LDL cholesterol in blood can facilitate the formation of plaques and fatty deposits. Therfore, cloging arteries (atherosclerosis). What this does is increase the risk of heart disease. Chiropractic manipulations and treatments could reverse or halt this process. These treatments manage cholesterol levels in a way that’s more consistent and effective than traditional treatments alone. Chiropractic care may further promote good heart health by reducing other heart disease risk factors, including:
- Chronic or uncontrolled high blood pressure that could harden and thicken arteries
- Unrelieved or persistent stress that may damage arteries
- Diabetes-related issues that could contribute to heart disease
Minimizing Cholesterol Medication Dependence
Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) effectively decrease LDL levels and increase the HDL levels for many patients. The main drawback with such medications is the potential for serious side effects, especially with long-term use. Chiropractic adjustments correct disturbances in spinal alignment referred to as vertebral subluxations. Doing so can positively affect the heart and supporting blood vessels and tissues through stimulation of the nervous system. You can do this without recourse to prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
The American Heart Association recommends keeping total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL. However, the combination of medications some people take to get down to this suggested level could get cholesterol levels too low. What chiropractic care does is correct vertebral subluxations that could be contributing to neurological interference. The result is a better biological balance (homeostasis) throughout the body. This way still maintains adequate cholesterol levels without as much risk of getting them too low.
One of the many advantages of the services available at Silver Chiropractic & Wellness is the ability to customize treatments based on individual needs and goals in a way that’s comfortable and relaxing. There’s also the possibility of seeing better results with diet and lifestyle adjustments your doctor may have recommended to help manage your cholesterol with regular chiropractic care. Acupuncture and massage therapy treatments that may have similar benefits are also available.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shane Silver. You’ll see how you may benefit from chiropractic treatments.
