Dr. Dalton's Blog-The Heart-Spine Connection

When it comes to directly addressing cardiovascular concerns, chiropractors cannot perform treatment due to their scope of practice. Most cardiovascular pathology requires a referral to the patient’s primary care physician for further evaluation, but chiropractors indeed have the ability to identify through an exam when a patient may be having symptoms regarding cardiovascular issues or that the patient is at risk of other cardiovascular problems arising in the future. 

Although chiropractors cannot directly treat conditions of the heart, we can, in fact influence the nerves that affect the hearts function and influence blood pressure changes through adjustments of the upper thoracic spine. Segments T1-T4 have nerve roots that directly correlate and connect to the heart which is why it is so important for a chiropractor to conduct a thorough exam before treatment is rendered to a patient. For example, certain cardiovascular conditions can refer pain to the thoracic region. There are ways to rule out sinister pathology before delivering a chiropractic adjustment to that area, and when properly ruled out, adjusting the upper thoracic spine can indirectly help aid heart function and blood pressure regulation. 

The best course of action if you find yourself asking whether or not a chiropractor can help with cardiovascular issues, remember that several factors often play into cardiovascular health such as maintaining a proper diet, getting plenty of exercise, and getting adequate sleep. Typically chiropractic offices help those with cardiovascular concerns because we help to address each of these areas and monitor a patient over time to ensure they’re improving in several areas of their overall lifestyle, but not just claiming that adjusting the spine is the sole focus of the treatment. Of course adjusting the spine can help to clear out any interference in the nervous system which in turn helps your body regulate it’s own functions by itself. Lastly and again, chiropractors cannot directly treat pathology of the cardiovascular system, but in the right scenario, chiropractors can help individuals reach their cardiovascular goals overall. Remember to take care of your heart this February!