According to the American Chiropractic Association, over 35 million Americans see a chiropractor annually, including adults and children. The top two most common reasons for chiropractic visits in the US are back and neck pain, allergies, headaches, and sinus issues.
While chiropractic care is often sought for pain relief and improving overall well-being, it’s essential to be aware of its potential risks. Medical malpractice law firm Kampf, Schiavone & Associates states that death by a chiropractic adjustment is the farthest thing one can consider when booking an appointment with a chiropractor.
Neck manipulations, due to the neck’s location and physical design, are a concern because these can lead to narrowed arteries, tears in blood pathways, and even blood clots, which may cause a stroke.
You must understand how important it is to balance the benefits and risks of chiropractic treatments.
Risks of Chiropractic Adjustments
When receiving chiropractic adjustments, you may experience rare but potential risks, including spinal injuries and nerve damage. You need to be aware of these uncommon risks before undergoing treatment.
Chiropractic adjustments involve applying controlled force to a specific spine area to correct misalignments and improve overall function. While most individuals benefit from these adjustments, there’s a small risk of adverse effects.
Personal injury lawyers from Day Law Group say nearly 450,000 people in the US live with spinal cord injuries, and approximately 17,000 people sustain spinal cord injuries each year. While spinal injuries resulting from chiropractic adjustments are rare, they can still happen.
These injuries range from muscle strains to more severe issues like herniated discs or vertebral artery dissection. Nerve damage is another potential risk, leading to tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
Communicate openly with your chiropractor about any concerns or pre-existing conditions to minimize these risks.
To ensure your safety during chiropractic treatment, seek a qualified,, experienced chiopractor who can assess your needs and provide appropriate care. Do your research and read reviews before you schedule your appointment. This way, you know you are in the hands of a competent professional who can address your health concerns.
Common Injuries from Spinal Manipulation
While many chiropractic adjustments are safe, spinal manipulation carries risks. Chiropractic is a health care profession that involves a chiropractor or doctor of chiropractic using their hands to apply a controlled force to a joint. Practitioners often undergo extensive training at institutions like Palmer College of Chiropractic, which produces highly skilled healthcare professionals.
One common injury that can occur during chiropractic treatment is a herniated disc. This happens when the force applied during the chiropractic adjustment causes a disc in the spine to bulge or rupture. This affects parts of the body, like the musculoskeletal system, and leads to musculoskeletal pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
The sudden movements involved in chiropractic adjustments might affect the normal range of motion, potentially causing lower back pain.
Muscle strains and sprains are also frequent occurrences following spinal manipulation. These injuries can result from the sudden pressure or manipulation applied to the musculoskeletal system, impacting the nervous system as well.
Chiropractors may use instruments to apply force or make adjustments using a chiropractic table, and patients may hear a popping or cracking sound—similar to the release of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the joint.
Another potential risk is known as cauda equina syndrome, where the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord become compressed, causing severe lower back pain, weakness in the legs, and loss of bowel or bladder control.
Chiropractic care is not appropriate for all conditions, and patients are encouraged to undergo a thorough examination, including an x-ray or other diagnostic imaging, before any therapy. Health practitioners also recommend considering complementary and integrative health approaches for specific conditions.
Cases of Severe Complications
Instances of severe complications resulting from chiropractic care have been documented, highlighting the importance of understanding the potential risks involved.
Chiropractic care is designed to help alleviate musculoskeletal pain, improve range of motion, and reduce pain, but it is crucial to understand that adverse effects can occur. The National Library of Medicine has records of severe cases, emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and referral when needed.
Some individuals have experienced strokes, nerve damage, herniated discs, and even paralysis following chiropractic adjustments. In one tragic case, a patient suffered a vertebral artery dissection after a chiropractic neck manipulation, leading to a stroke that left them permanently disabled.
Chiropractors are trained and licensed, but manipulating the nervous and musculoskeletal systems can pose risks, especially without proper assessment of a patient’s health history.
Another instance involved a misaligned adjustment causing severe nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility for the individual. Chiropractic care involves a physical exam and health history, often taken during the first visit, to determine the suitability of the treatment.
A chiropractor will discuss any medical history with the patient and, if needed, refer the patient to other health care providers or orthopedic specialists. Chiropractic adjustments may cause mild soreness or stiffness, so a working diagnosis and hands-on clinical assessment are crucial.
Students learn at chiropractic schools like Palmer College of Chiropractic to evaluate reflexes and use imaging tests, such as diagnostic imaging, to make informed decisions.
Chiropractic careers focus on helping patients by using hands to apply controlled force, reduce stiffness, and improve the body’s ability to heal. Healthcare providers often work in primary care settings, ensuring patients receive comprehensive treatment.
Health practitioners may also recommend soft-tissue therapy, pad use for comfort, and even physical exams to assess patient needs further. Chiropractic care should be approached as part of an integrative health strategy, especially when treating many nervous system conditions.
The Potential Dangers
Individuals with certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis or spinal cord compression, may be at higher risk for adverse effects from chiropractic adjustments. Another risk is the possibility of worsening existing conditions or causing new injuries. In some instances, incorrect spinal manipulation techniques can lead to nerve damage, herniated discs, or muscle strains.
Also Read: Benefits Of Physical Therapy For Chronic Pain Management
Importance of Informed Decision-Making
When considering chiropractic treatment, it is essential to gather all relevant information about your provider, the proposed treatment plan, and any potential risks.
Ask questions about the techniques to be used, the expected outcomes, and any possible side effects. Understanding the benefits and risks associated with chiropractic care empowers you to make choices that align with your health goals.
It would be best to consider existing medical conditions, past injuries, or ongoing treatments that may affect the effectiveness or safety of chiropractic adjustments. Consulting with your primary healthcare provider can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision about incorporating chiropractic care into your wellness routine.
