Unlock a Healthier Heart: The Chiropractic Therapy Connection

Heart and blood vessel problems affect every part of daily life. From high blood pressure to heart failure, these conditions fundamentally change how people live. Many first notice something’s wrong when everyday tasks become difficult – walking upstairs leaves them breathless, carrying shopping bags causes chest pain, or playing with their children leads to unusual tiredness.

These cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a devastating impact in the Philippines specifically, where they cause one-third of all deaths. According to the Philippine Statistics Office, CVDs fall within the broader category of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which were responsible for 72% of Filipino deaths in 2021. This makes heart health not just a personal concern but a significant public health challenge for the nation.

Chiropractic therapy can serve as a valuable complementary approach for cardiovascular patients. Read on to find out why many are turning to this holistic approach to improve heart health.

Causes of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are caused by multiple interconnected factors that damage the heart and blood vessels over time. Here are some of the main ones:

Hypertension

Hypertension silently damages the cardiovascular system by constant pressure against the arterial walls. This constant force wears and scars the blood vessels making them less elastic and more prone to narrowing. As the arteries stiffen the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body and the cardiac muscle thickens and becomes less efficient. This increased workload often leads to heart enlargement and eventually heart failure. Chiropractic care may provide complementary support through spinal adjustments that can help reduce nervous system stress and potentially lower blood pressure.

High cholesterol 

High cholesterol silently sets the stage for cardiovascular disease through a gradual process that damages the blood vessels. When LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in excess, these particles infiltrate the arterial walls and trigger an inflammatory response. High cholesterol is sneaky because it has no symptoms while it advances this damage and regular screening is essential to detect and manage before cardiovascular complications develop.

Excess weight or obesity 

Excess weight and obesity stress the cardiovascular system in many ways. The heart has to work much harder to pump blood to extra body mass, so it has to pump more blood through more miles of blood vessels. This increased workload makes the heart muscle thicken and enlarge over time.

Chronic stress

A recent AXA Mind Health study found that 87% of Filipinos experience work-related stress—11% higher than the world average. This alarming rate has led to widespread mental health issues among Filipinos.

Constant stress silently damages your heart and blood vessels. When stress continues without relief, your body overproduces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals speed up your heartbeat and tighten your blood vessels. Over time, this ongoing state of alertness raises your blood pressure and forces your heart to work harder than it should.

The inflammation triggered by long-term stress hurts your artery walls, creating ideal conditions for atherosclerosis, where plaque collects and blocks your blood vessels.

Chiropractic therapy as complementary treatment to CVD 

Chiropractic therapy is a complementary approach to cardiovascular health by addressing biomechanical and neurological factors that affect heart function. Through targeted spinal adjustments, chiropractors help improve nervous system communication and improve heart health. Read on to find out how this is possible. 

Reduce inflammation

Chiropractic adjustments work to reduce inflammation through several physiological pathways. When a licensed chiropractor performs spinal manipulation—using their hands or specialized instruments to adjust misaligned joints—they trigger important anti-inflammatory responses throughout the body. These precise adjustments help restore proper alignment, which reduces physical stress on affected joints and surrounding tissues that would otherwise cause inflammatory reactions.

Many chiropractors supplement physical treatments with expert nutritional advice. They guide patients toward anti-inflammatory eating patterns—recommending omega-3-rich foods, natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric, and reduced intake of processed carbs and sugars. This dietary counsel creates powerful synergy with spinal adjustments, attacking inflammation through both physical alignment and nutritional pathways.

Improve circulation

Doctors of chiropractic help blood circulation—and the entire body—by easing pressure on nerves that can impede blood flow. When you correct those misalignments (subluxations), the blood vessels can breathe a little easier. That means they can expand to their normal size, and blood can flow more freely to the areas that need it.

Relieve stress

Stress-relief is just as important as spinal adjustments. Doctors of chiropractic usually guide patients on how to manage stress through breathing techniques, exercise and proper ergonomics in daily activities. That’s because stress is a major contributor to hypertension, inflammation and irregular heart rhythms. By teaching patients how to manage stress, chiropractors lay the groundwork for better heart function—right alongside conventional medical care.

That’s where the real benefits of chiropractic care come in. By combining stress management with physical treatment, chiropractors can help patients live healthier, happier lives.

Chiropractic therapy procedures for cardiovascular disease

Spinal adjustments

Chiropractors use hands-on methods to fix problems in the spine, where bones might not be lined up correctly. The idea is that when your spine isn’t properly aligned, it can disrupt your nervous system, which controls everything your body does, including your heart and blood vessels.

By adjusting your spine to get it back in the correct position, chiropractors believe they can help your nerves work better. This might help your body better control your heart rate and blood pressure. Some research has shown that spine adjustments, especially in the upper neck or cervical spine area, might help lower blood pressure in some people.

Posture correction

Chiropractors check for and fix bad posture. When you don’t sit or stand correctly, it can make breathing harder and affect blood flow, which might put extra work on your heart. They often suggest specific exercises and stretches to help you improve your posture. Better posture helps your heart and blood vessels work better. Chiropractic doctors may also advise you about getting more physical activity, which is important for keeping your heart healthy.

Stress management

Long-term stress can seriously harm your heart health. Chiropractors often give tips on handling stress better, like special breathing exercises and staying present in the moment. The said techniques can help calm your nervous system, lowering your blood pressure and slowing your heart rate.

Take action for your heart health with Posture Perfect Chiropractic 

Your heart deserves a comprehensive approach to health. By combining conventional medical care with chiropractic therapy, you can address cardiovascular health from multiple angles—potentially improving your quality of life and long-term heart function.

Book an appointment at Posture Perfect Chiropractic and learn how our chiropractic team can support your journey toward better cardiovascular health. Your heart can’t wait—take that first step toward a more holistic approach to heart care now.

Frequently Asked Questions