Can chiropractic care help with my cholesterol?

Chiropractic care is about restoring overall general health. Since the body is made up of more than nerves, muscles, bones and joints, other body “systems” sometimes have to be addressed in order to improve the patient's complaints. As you've probably heard, the prescription rate of statin medications (drugs that lower cholesterol, such as Lipitor) has greatly increased in our society in the last decade. Ironically, one of the most common and debilitating side effects of the statin group of medications is generalized, sometimes disabling muscle pain caused by something called “rhabdomyolysis.” It's quite common for these people to visit chiropractic offices for help managing their general muscular pain, not considering the cause of their pain may be from the side-effects of their medication! Discontinuing the statin medication may be the only way to stop this very painful and fairly common side-effect. That is, if it isn't too late and the muscle pain has not become permanent.

In respect to whole person care, chiropractors manage aspects that negatively affect health, and that includes cholesterol management. Dietary approaches include, not only guidance in eating the right foods, but also in recommending specific nutrients that can lower cholesterol. For example, studies show eating fewer processed food reduces “trans-fats,” (which increase LDL's and reduces the “good” HDL cholesterol), and saturated fat. This is reportedly more helpful than eating less cholesterol-rich foods! Nutrients like red rice yeast can help reduce cholesterol without the side-effect risks. Weight loss, blood pressure control and smoking cessation are other ways we can help you win this war. As chiropractors, we want you to live longer with a higher quality of life!