Chiropractic Adjustments: Safe and Effective, or a Hidden Risk?
Introduction
If you have read the horror stories of patients going to get a simple adjustment and leaving in an ambulance with a stroke or other injuries, you are not alone. These cases are extremely serious and concerning for those looking to get relief through chiropractic care, but might be nervous. Perhaps the greatest safety concern for patients is the infamous neck adjustment. So, what does the research show? Are chiropractic adjustments as dangerous as the media portrays? Systematic peer reviewed research shows a different story. Adjustments are shown to be one of the safest treatments for neck, back, and headache pain. We will dive into common side effects, serious risks, and a head to head comparison with other common treatments. At Forward Health and Wellness, we have performed hundreds if not thousands of chiropractic adjustments, with no serious side effects. While there will be an obvious bias in this read, our objective is to present the facts as they are, with evidence-based research.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects? (And Are They Serious?)
Diving directly into it, what are the most common side effects that we see with chiropractic adjustments? Patients can experience soreness, stiffness, headache, and fatigue in approximately 30-60% of cases (Eriksen, K., Rochester, R. P., & Hurwitz, E. L. (2011). These symptoms are shown to resolve in 24-48hrs. These symptoms can be analogous to having soreness after a hard workout.
How Rare Are Serious Complications?
While extremely rare, serious side effects do in fact happen. There is quite a large range gap in estimates for the statistics of how often these happen, on the pessimistic end 1 in 400,000 adjustments, and on the optimistic end 1 in 5-10 million adjustments have been shown to cause a severe adverse effect.
The Stroke Concern: Myth or Reality?
So what about the most publicized fear in the realm of chiropractic, the devastating effects of vertebral basilar insufficiency (VBI). Humans have two arteries in the neck called vertebral arteries. If these arteries are injured they can cause insufficient blood to reach the brain, resulting in a stroke. The damage can be catastrophic and life altering. Most have come across a Facebook or Google article discussing a case in which a patient went to see a chiropractor and his/her life was forever changed from the effects of VBI. However, these articles usually do not mention that these patients are found to have pre-existing conditions. Current estimates show risk is 1 in 1-6 million adjustments causing VBI, comparable to everyday activities such as turning your head while driving (Haldeman, S., Carey, P., Townsend, M., & Papadopoulos, C. (2001).
How Does Chiropractic Safety Compare to Other Treatments?
Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to have lower risk than NSAIDs (gastrointestinal bleeding) and opioids (addiction/overdose) for spinal pain management. Every treatment will have its potential side effects, however adjustments seem to be on the safer side when compared to surgery or drug interventions. Research demonstrates that while side effects are present in chiropractic adjustments, they have been shown to be an excellent choice for spinal pain treatment.
Who Should Be Cautious, and How Do We Ensure Safety?
Avoiding any adverse effect is top priority, so how is that done? Screening for potential adjustment contraindications is the most important step. This is done through patient health history, physical exam, and orthopedic exams. This step will rule out the majority of potential patients that would have an adverse effect to adjustments.
Conclusion
Every pain intervention has potential side effects. Research demonstrates that while side effects are present in chiropractic adjustments, they have been shown to be quite rare. Making chiropractic care an excellent alternative choice in spinal pain treatment. Millions of adjustments are performed safely each year, helping patients avoid drugs and surgery. Forward Health and Wellness prioritizes patient safety—we use evidence based care tailored to you to keep you safe and feeling your best.
If you are concerned about safety or have any questions, feel free to give us a call and we will help walk you through the process. Call (214)506-3029 or book online today.
Move Forward.
Cites:
Eriksen, K., Rochester, R. P., & Hurwitz, E. L. (2011). Symptomatic reactions, clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction associated with upper cervical chiropractic care: a prospective, multicenter, cohort study. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 12, 219. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-12-219.
Haldeman, S., Carey, P., Townsend, M., & Papadopoulos, C. (2001). Arterial dissections following cervical manipulation: the chiropractic experience. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 165(7), 905–906.