Chiropractic Safety

How safe is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is recognized as one of the safest types of health care in the world. Numerous studies, including those funded by governments, universities and nonprofit research institutions, have proven it to be a successful primary therapy for neuromusculoskeletal conditions - a therapy that is safer, in fact, than many medical procedures used to treat the same conditions. Chiropractic is also widely used as a complementary mode of care for a variety of other conditions and diseases and to promote overall health and well-being.

Is there a connection between stroke and chiropractic treatment?

You probably would not think twice about cradling the phone on your shoulder, checking your blind spot while backing into a parking space or getting your hair shampooed at a salon. The risk of stroke from chiropractic care is no greater than it is from any of these everyday activities.

The source of public concern in this regard is a condition known as vertebral artery syndrome (VAS), which occurs when sudden head movements disrupt the blood flow in the vertebral artery, possibly leading to stroke. As the above examples illustrate, the risk of this complication arising from upper cervical (or neck) manipulation by a chiropractor is extremely remote. According to the 1996 RAND report, "The Appropriateness of Manipulation and Mobilization of the Cervical Spine," only one out of every one million chiropractic patients experiences VAS. To put it another way, you are five times more likely to get hit by lightning than to suffer VAS at the hands of a chiropractor.

Up to 75% of chiropractic patients receive cervical manipulation as part of their individual chiropractic care. It may be performed as part of your care for total spinal health and wellness, or for specific causes such as muscle tension and stiffness, headache or injury. After a detailed history and examination, if there is any indication that you would be at risk, your chiropractor will not include a neck adjustment in your treatment.

How does the safety of chiropractic compare to other medical procedures?

In comparison to allopathic medicine, which uses drugs and surgery as an integral part of treatment, chiropractic presents far less risk. Consider, for example, that in the United States an estimated 140,000 people die each year from drug-related reactions. And the risk of death due to gastrointestinal complications from taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen is 400 times greater that the complication rate for people who receive cervical manipulation, while the mortality rate for people who undergo cervical spine surgery is 7,000 times higher.

Human error is another factor that tilts the safety balance in chiropractic's favor. In the United States, it is estimated that up to 98,000 Americans die yearly from medical errors - a doctor accidentally making the wrong incision, a nurse administering the wrong medication, and so on.

With all forms of treatment, whether allopathic or alternative, any risks, however slight, should not be ignored. While the methods used by chiropractors have proven to be safe in almost all cases, it is a constant concern for chiropractors to evaluate their patients to determine if treatment will cause an adverse reaction.

Can chiropractic adjustment damage your joints?

The answer is no. In addition, most chiropractic adjustments are painless. Often, the adjustment feels good and can provide immediate relief from stiffness or tension.

If you have had a recent injury, you may have some discomfort during an adjustment, as the already inflamed tissue will be sensitive. As your body heals, the area will be less tender. Some people also experience sensations in their extremities after adjustments. This is a normal reaction to the relieving of pressure on nerves and is usually no cause for concern.

While some people are surprised by the "pop" that an adjustment can produce, the sound is not coming from the bones themselves, and is similar to the sound that occurs when you "crack" your knuckles. This occurrence is called "cavitation," and it is produced from a lubricant called synovial fluid that is found in every joint. When a joint is not moving properly, dissolved gases accumulate in this joint fluid. Manipulation of the joints creates pressure, which forces the gases to rapidly escape, resulting in a "pop."

Do chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?

Like other doctors, chiropractors belong to a large and growing network of health-care professionals and make referrals for patients when necessary. Chiropractors are educated to recognize risk factors and signs of disease and will not hesitate to make a referral when it is in the highest benefit to the patient.

Carson, J.L. and L.R. Willett. "Toxicity of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs: An Overview of the Epidemiological Evidence." Drugs, Vol. 46 (1993): 243-248.
Weintrob, M. "Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome: Report of Five Cases." Journal of the American Medical Association (1993): 2085-86.
Manga, Pran, D. Angus, et al. "The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Management of Low-Back Pain." Ottawa: University of Ottawa, 1993.
Gabriel, S.E., L. Jaakkimainen and C. Bombardier. "Risk for Serious Gastrointestinal Gomplications Related to the Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: A Meta Analysis." Annals of Internal Medicine, Vol. 115 (1991): 787-796.
Hasselberg, P.D., Report of the Commission of Inquiry. "Chiropractic in New Zealand." Wellington, 1979.

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In case of medical emergency, please call 911.

Last updated January 1, 2007