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Chiropractic care, especially spinal adjustments, is a popular form of treatment for various musculoskeletal issues, particularly back pain, neck pain, and headaches. While millions of people seek out chiropractors each year and often report relief, questions about the safety of chiropractic adjustments remain common. So, how safe are these procedures really?
A chiropractic adjustment (also called spinal manipulation) involves a trained professional applying controlled, sudden force to a joint—typically in the spine—to improve physical function and restore mobility. These adjustments are most commonly used to treat lower back pain, neck pain, and tension headaches.
Before diving into safety, it’s important to understand why so many people turn to chiropractic care:
Pain relief: Many patients report immediate or short-term relief from pain after an adjustment.
Improved mobility and posture: Realigning the spine can help with overall movement and body mechanics.
Non-invasive and drug-free: For people looking to avoid surgery or prescription medications, chiropractic care is often a first stop.
Complementary care: Chiropractors often work alongside physical therapists and medical doctors to support holistic care.
For the vast majority of people, chiropractic adjustments are considered safe when performed by a licensed and properly trained chiropractor. Common side effects are usually mild and temporary. These can include:
Soreness or stiffness (similar to what you might feel after exercise)
Fatigue
Headache
These symptoms usually go away within 24 to 48 hours.
As with any medical or therapeutic procedure, there are potential risks. The most serious, though extremely rare, include:
Stroke: Neck manipulations have been associated, in very rare cases, with a type of stroke caused by arterial dissection (a tear in a blood vessel wall). However, current evidence suggests that this association is extremely rare, and it is unclear whether the manipulation causes the stroke or if a pre-existing condition was already in progress.
Herniated discs or worsening of existing disc issues: There is a slight risk that spinal manipulation could worsen a herniated disc or cause new disc problems.
Nerve compression or spinal injury: Also very rare, but possible, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions.
3. Who Should Avoid Chiropractic Adjustments?
Chiropractic care isn’t suitable for everyone. People with the following conditions should consult a medical professional before seeking chiropractic treatment:
Severe osteoporosis
Cancer in the spine
Increased risk of stroke
Spinal instability or severe arthritis
Bleeding disorders or people taking blood-thinning medications
Research generally supports the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for conditions like lower back pain, with many studies indicating it's as effective as, or even better than, conventional treatments like medication or physical therapy.
A large study published in the Spine Journal found that serious adverse events following chiropractic care are very rare—estimated at less than 1 in a million cervical manipulations.
Choose a licensed chiropractor. Always make sure your provider is certified and follows professional guidelines.
Communicate openly. Share your full medical history, including current medications and underlying health issues.
Know your options. For some conditions, a combination of chiropractic care with other therapies may be the best course.
Chiropractic adjustments are generally safe and effective for most people when performed by qualified professionals. While there are risks—as with any medical treatment—they are very rare, and the benefits often outweigh them for people seeking relief from musculoskeletal pain. If you're considering chiropractic care, talk to your doctor and choose a reputable chiropractor to ensure the best and safest results.
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