A 64-year-old preacher with a history of persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib) since he was 16, also had right elbow pain. He had given up sports in high school due to dizzy spells and palpitations during physical or emotional stress, experiencing weekly attacks of weakness and severe tachycardia, sometimes reaching 400 beats per minute. Despite various medications and hospitalizations, his symptoms persisted. Disappointed with traditional treatments, he turned to chiropractic care, intrigued by its potential to alleviate his AFib symptoms.
The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck, upper back, and sacrum. Postural changes, muscle spasms, and restricted range of motion were noted. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Remarkably, following his initial visit, John experienced complete remission of all AFib symptoms, continuing to enjoy a symptom-free life with regular chiropractic maintenance.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in adults with atrial fibrillation.
Reference: Remission of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in a 64-Year-Old Male Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. Robert Saxon, DC & Austin Saxon, DC. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Volume, 2024.
Atrial Fibrillation – FACTS
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to blood clots in the heart, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. It originates in the heart’s atria (the upper chambers) and is associated with symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness. Factors contributing to AFib include high blood pressure, heart disease, excessive alcohol use, obesity, and chronic conditions like thyroid disorders. Treatment often involves medication to control the heart rate and reduce stroke risk, as well as procedures to restore normal heart rhythm.
Chiropractic care, with its focus on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, offers a complementary approach to co-managing patients suffering from the symptoms associated with AFib. The central premise of chiropractic care is that the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body, and structural shifts in the spine, known as vertebral subluxations, can occur. These shifts can obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function, potentially affecting overall health, including cardiovascular function. Vertebral subluxations may lead to nerve obstruction, and it is this obstruction that chiropractors aim to correct. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic care improves nerve supply and function, potentially aiding in the co-management of conditions like AFib.
Chiropractic adjustments, particularly those targeting the upper spine, may have a positive effect on the nervous system and thus indirectly influence heart rate and rhythm. While not a direct treatment for AFib, chiropractic adjustments can help in managing the nervous system’s overall health, which in turn may contribute to better cardiovascular function.
