Research published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on April 23, 2014, document the case of a patient with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors of high cholesterol and triglycerides levels being lowered with chiropractic. The study authors begin by noting that two of the commonly stated risk factors of cardiovascular disease are high cholesterol and high triglycerides.
Reporting how common this problem is, the authors’ state, “CVD is the leading cause of mortality and a major cause of morbidity worldwide; particularly prevalent in the United States due to Western diets and inactive lifestyles where more than 80 million individuals are diagnosed.”
In this case, a 30-year-old male went to a chiropractor’s office after a diagnosis of high cholesterol and high triglycerides by his medical physician. His blood laboratory test showed that his triglycerides were 577 mg/dL with a normal range being from 35-150 mg/dL. His cholesterol was 246 mg/dL with the normal range from 130-200 mg/dL. According to the normal values established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the patient’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels classified him as a high risk for cardiovascular disease. He also reported signs and symptoms of gout and secondary low back pain of six weeks duration.
A chiropractic examination was performed which consisted of motion and static palpation, visual postural evaluation, orthopedic tests, neurological tests, deep tendon reflexes for upper and lower extremities, and paraspinal thermography instrumentation. Based on the finding of the examination procedures, it was determined that spinal subluxations were present. Specific chiropractic adjustments began at twice per week to correct the subluxations. As part of a healthy regimen, the patient also started lifestyle changes in diet and exercise.
By the second visit, the patient noticed improvement in his symptoms and other complaints, including less joint pain and lower back pain. The patient also reported improved sleeping patterns, and improved digestion. The patient also discontinued his cholesterol and triglyceride medications after consulting with his MD.
About five weeks into his chiropractic care, the patient’s MD did another blood workup to see if the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride had changed. The patient’s blood test results were as follows: normal triglycerides of 126 mg/dL with a range from 35-150 mg/DL, normal cholesterol of 188 mg/dL with a range from 130-200 mg/dL.
In their conclusion the authors wrote, “This case study suggests that adults with cardiovascular disease may lower the risk factors utilizing a combination of chiropractic care, along with lifestyle modifications.”
