It seems to work by affecting the nerve supplying the kidneys. Which got me thinking that, if they were able to reduce the pressure via the nerves, surely maximising the health of the nervous system would also have the same effect.

This is not a random and unsubstantiated claim that Osteopathy can do this directly but we do know that treatment affects the nervous system and therefore if we can maximise patient health, then maybe this would have a knock on effect, helping the neural supply to the kidney as well. In fact, whilst at college, I was aware of a fellow student who was measuring the effect of cervical manipulation  on the blood pressure of the patient, but I am unaware of her outcomes.

Of course, the best thing to do would be conduct a nice randomised controlled trial but as with many things osteopathic, this would be difficult to do, if for no other reason than the funding.

However, it is something to bear in mind as we treat.

We should, of course, always bear the patients blood pressure in mind when we are treating, since it is a risk factor in cervical manipulations and, as potential primary care practitioners, we may be the first person the patient has been to see for years.

Out with the syphg and onwards to better health!