According to the American Chiropractic Association, over 35 million Americans, including adults and children, see a chiropractor every year. The top two most common reasons for chiropractic visits in the US are back pain and neck pain, followed by allergies, headaches, and sinus issues.
While chiropractic care is often sought for pain relief and improving overall well-being, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved with it. Medical malpractice law firm Kampf, Schiavone & Associates states that death by a chiropractic adjustment is the farthest thing one can have in mind whenever 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 have to 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 that include 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 area of the spine 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 serious issues like herniated discs or vertebral artery dissection. Nerve damage is another potential risk, which could lead 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 and experienced chiropractor who can assess your individual 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, there are risks associated with spinal manipulation.
One common injury that can occur is a herniated disc. This happens when the force applied during the adjustment causes a disc in the spine to bulge or rupture, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
Muscle strains and sprains are also frequent occurrences following spinal manipulation. These injuries can result from the sudden movements or pressure exerted on muscles during the adjustment process.
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.
Cases of Severe Complications
Instances of severe complications resulting from chiropractic treatment have been documented, highlighting the importance of understanding the potential risks involved. While many people seek chiropractic care for relief from pain and other conditions, there have been cases where the outcomes were far from beneficial.
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 him permanently disabled.
Another instance involved a misaligned adjustment causing severe nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility for the individual.
Understanding 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 to consider 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’s essential to gather all relevant information about your provider, the proposed treatment plan, and any potential risks involved.
Take the time to 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.
You should also consider any pre-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.
