Any form of medical treatment comes with risks. This is why doctors explain what the procedure/treatment is and then informs the patient on any risks associated with that procedure/treatment. Chiropractic care is no different. Patients need not solely rely on the physician's information and statistics. Independent research is necessary for patients to fully understand the risks and benefits involved, so they can make a well-educated decision on whether this method of treatment is right for the them and their healthcare needs.
A large study that was performed in the U.S. And Canada found that there was no evidence to support an increase in strokes or spinal cord injuries due to chiropractic adjustments. There are, however, some risks that patients and future patients should be aware of.
Although very rare (one to three patients out of 1 million), patients can suffer from a stroke and death occurs in about 1 in every 1.5 million patients. This is extremely low compared to complications and death that occur during cervical spine surgery. The typical side effects or complications associated with chiropractic treatment are aches/pains/soreness at the manipulation site, muscle spasms a few days after the adjustment, headaches, and fatigue. Approximately 35% to 55% of patients experience soreness/pain and stiffness just after an adjustment. Very rarely, especially if the patient does not disclose all of their medical history or they use an unskilled/inexperienced/unlicensed chiropractor, patients can suffer from broken bones due to a brittle bone disorder such as osteoporosis.
With spinal surgery there is a 3%-4% overall chance of experiencing some form of complication, just under a 1% chance of partial or total paralysis, 2% chance for infection, 1 in 200K chance of having anesthesia complications, blood clots (the percentage varies with each person and their medical history, family history, and current physical condition), and the most common complication is nerve damage which the percentage varies between published medical journals.
As you can see, the risk is much higher with surgery than with chiropractic care. There is also no need for multiple medications to control pain; whereas with surgery, narcotic pain medication, antibiotics, and possibly a muscle relaxer and/or steroids are necessary to control pain/swelling and relax the muscles to aid in the healing process. Chiropractic care is non-evasive, much more cost-effective, and doesn't require a plethora of medication.
Chiropractic adjustments is a fairly simple procedure. The chiropractor will manually adjust/realign the spine and joints/soft tissue. They believe that physical conditions and symptoms are a byproduct of misaligned joints/spine. Due to the misalignment, nerve impulses are disrupted, which cause problems for just about every system and organ in your body. Once the spine/joints are aligned, the nerves will function properly. By unblocking the nerve impulses, the body can run like a well oiled machine. Only then can the body begin the natural healing process.
It is vital that you seek out only licensed, highly skilled and experienced chiropractors. Using one that is not qualified or experienced can lead to devastating and possibly life long/life threatening results such as paralysis, rheumatoid arthritis, unstable joints, pain, or even death. Always check with your primary care physician before seeing a chiropractor. Ask your doctor if they can refer you to one he/she knows and trusts. If not, should be able to point you in the right direction.
As with any medical treatment there are health risks. You and your doctor should discuss the pros and cons of chiropractic care. If this method of treatment is right for you, don't settle for a sub-par chiropractor. You have one body, one life, a choice. By making the right choice, you will live a healthier and happier life.
The Author agrees with Fitness Expert Dr. Joyce Verdel who has been quoted to say "Chiropractic Helps Athletes And People Working Out, Engaging In A Sport Or Even Just Performing Daily Functions Such As Walking And Sitting, To Operate At Their Peak Levels Of Performance Without Pain. I Highly Recommend That You Pay A Visit To Your Local Chiropractor." More video and article information can be found at
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