Chiropractic care, while often sought for its drug-free approach to managing conditions like back pain and headaches, carries certain risks that must be considered. According to various sources:
- Risks:
– Severe Side Effects: Reports indicate that severe side effects can include herniated discs, fractures, artery dissection, and stroke. These risks are particularly concerning for individuals with underlying conditions like joint hypermobility or undiagnosed connective tissue disorders, which can make them more susceptible to arterial dissections (Medical News Today).
– Limited Scientific Evidence: Some chiropractic techniques lack robust scientific evidence, which can make it challenging to assess their safety and efficacy for certain conditions (Pros vs Cons).
- benefits:
– pain Management: Chiropractic treatment is frequently enough effective in managing pain, particularly for conditions related to the musculoskeletal system.
– Holistic Approach: Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
- Reduction in Medication Dependency: By offering an option to medication and surgery, chiropractic care can definitely help reduce dependency on pharmaceuticals.
Given the risks, it is crucial for chiropractors to be aware of their patients’ medical histories and any underlying conditions. The General Chiropractic Council emphasizes the importance of providing patient-centered, safe, and effective care. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of requirement for chiropractors to request medical records before assessing a patient, which could perhaps lead to oversight of critical health information.
In light of these considerations, individuals seeking chiropractic care should ensure their practitioner is licensed and well-informed about their medical history to minimize the risks associated with treatment (Dr. Fisher Chiropractic).
Tragic Deaths Highlight Risks of Chiropractic Care
The recent death of Joanna Kowalczyk, a Polish-born mother-of-one living in Gateshead, Tyne and, has brought renewed attention to the potential dangers of chiropractic treatments. Kowalczyk suffered a fatal tear of her blood vessels after having her neck “adjusted” by a chiropractor.This tragic incident is not an isolated case; several high-profile deaths and severe injuries have been linked to chiropractic care.
In 2016,American Playboy model Katie May died after experiencing a stroke caused by an artery that ruptured during a neck manipulation by a chiropractor.Similarly,in 2022,Caitlin Jensen,an American graduate student,suffered a stroke and cardiac arrest when four blood vessels were torn during a chiropractic appointment,leaving her paralyzed on the right side of her body.
These incidents underscore the risks associated with chiropractic treatments, particularly those involving neck manipulations.According to professor Edzard Ernst, a prominent figure in the field of complementary medicine, the lack of formal reporting procedures makes it impossible to quantify the exact number of injuries resulting from chiropractic treatments.
“As there is no post-marketing surveillance, like in conventional medicine, nobody knows how frequent serious complications after chiropractic treatments truly are,” Ernst explained. ”Chiropractors,of course,claim they are extreme rarities,but I very much doubt it.”
Estimates of the frequency of arterial dissections resulting from neck manipulations vary widely. One estimate suggests that an arterial dissection occurs in one out of 1,000 neck manipulations. Another study,authored by chiropractors,puts the figure at one in 5.8 million. The Royal College of Chiropractors notes that “cases of serious adverse events, including spinal or neurological problems and strokes caused by damage to arteries in the neck,” are “rare” with estimates ranging from “one in 2 million manipulations to 13 per 10,000 patients.”
The NHS describes chiropractic as “generally safe when performed correctly by a registered practitioner.” However, these tragic cases highlight the importance of caution and thorough evaluation before undergoing any chiropractic treatment.
Key Points: Risks of Chiropractic Care
| Year | Incident Description | Outcome |
|————|———————————————————————————————————|———————————————————————————————|
| 2021 | Joanna Kowalczyk suffered a fatal tear of her blood vessels after neck adjustment. | Death |
| 2016 | katie May died after experiencing a stroke caused by an artery rupture during neck manipulation. | Death |
| 2022 | Caitlin Jensen suffered a stroke and cardiac arrest, resulting in paralysis. | Severe injury, paralysis |
| 2017 | John Lawler, 80, died after his neck was broken and suffered irreversible spinal damage. | Death |
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with chiropractic care. While the practice is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner, it is crucial for patients to be aware of the potential complications and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider before undergoing treatment.
For more information on chiropractic risks and safety, visit the Royal College of Chiropractors and the NHS websites. If you or someone you know has experienced adverse effects from chiropractic treatment, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.!bornmotherofoneJoannaKowalczyklivedinGatesheadTy-a-3_1738927370229.jpg”>Polish-born mother-of-one Joanna Kowalczyk, who lived in Gateshead, Tyne and, suffered a fatal tear of her blood vessels after having her neck ‘adjusted’ by a chiropractor.
Polish-born mother-of-one Joanna Kowalczyk, who lived in Gateshead, Tyne and, suffered a fatal tear of her blood vessels after having her neck ‘adjusted’ by a chiropractor.
Tragic Consequences of chiropractic Treatment: A young Woman’s Story
In a shocking turn of events, a 28-year-old woman, Caitlin Jensen, suffered a stroke and cardiac arrest following a seemingly routine chiropractic appointment. This incident has raised serious concerns about the potential risks associated with neck adjustments in chiropractic care.
A Devastating Aftermath
Caitlin, who had a background in chemistry and biology, visited an unnamed chiropractic practice for a neck adjustment. Tragically, she ended up in a hospital bed, unable to communicate except thru her eyes and portions of her left side. The incident left her family and friends in shock and raised critical questions about the safety of such procedures.
The Dangers of Neck Manipulation
Neck manipulations, while commonly performed, carry important risks. An arterial dissection, like the one suffered by Caitlin, is among the most serious injuries a patient can sustain. the neck contains the arteries that supply the brain, making it particularly vulnerable to injury during chiropractic manipulations.
Professor Edzard Ernst, a specialist in scrutinizing alternative medicines, explained the mechanism behind such injuries. “The neck contains the arteries that supply the brain. As the neck is so very movable in all directions, chiropractic manipulations can over-stretch an artery; this can then cause a blood clot to develop, and if the clot shoots along the bloodstream into the brain, we have a stroke.”
Symptoms and Severity
Symptoms of an arterial dissection include headaches, dizziness, and vertigo. In the least severe cases, a patient might be unaware that any damage has occurred and will heal without medical intervention. However, the consequences can be life-altering or even fatal.
Medical Response
Caitlin was rushed to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, where it was revealed that four arteries in her neck had been dissected during the appointment. This discovery underscored the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for medical intervention.
The Broader Context
While chiropractic care is generally considered safe for many conditions, the potential for life-threatening damage means some chiropractors refuse to perform certain manipulations. The risks associated with neck adjustments highlight the importance of informed consent and the need for thorough medical evaluations before undergoing such treatments.
Preventive measures
To minimize the risks, patients should be aware of the potential complications and discuss them with their healthcare providers. It is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced chiropractor who is willing to consider the patient’s overall health and medical history.
Conclusion
The tragic story of Caitlin Jensen serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with chiropractic neck adjustments. While the practice can offer relief for many, it is indeed essential to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. For those considering chiropractic care, thorough research and consultation with healthcare professionals are paramount.
Key Points Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————–|————————————————————————-|
| Patient | Caitlin jensen, 28, suffered stroke and cardiac arrest post-chiropractic appointment |
| Condition | Neck adjustment |
| Risks | Arterial dissection, stroke, cardiac arrest |
| Symptoms | Headaches, dizziness, vertigo |
| Medical Response | Hospitalization in Savannah, Georgia |
| Expert Opinion | Professor Edzard Ernst on the risks of neck manipulation |
For more information on chiropractic safety and potential risks, visit Chiropractic Safety.
Stay informed and make safe healthcare choices.Chiropractic care is a popular treatment for neck pain and headaches, but it has been linked to an increased risk of cervical artery dissection and stroke, particularly in patients under 45. While the precise incidence of artery dissection caused by chiropractic neck manipulation is hard to prove, it is a possibility that patients and healthcare providers should be aware of.
The Royal College of Chiropractors notes that the profession is most closely associated with the treatment of ‘low back pain’. Many chiropractors also dispute the claim that their treatments can cause such significant harm.The Royal College of Chiropractors points to research that suggests the ‘risk of stroke has been found to be similar after seeing a primary care physician’.
The NHS recommends that patients should notify their GP before booking an appointment with a chiropractor. Treatment is rarely available on the NHS.
Professor ernst has urged patients to consider seeking alternative treatment options. ‘The benefits of neck manipulations are either minor or even non-existent, while risks are clearly real,’ he said. ‘It follows unquestionably that the risks outweigh the benefits.’
Experts weigh in on the controversial technique. The stroke consortium says that 1 in 5000 to 10 000 strokes is caused by neck manipulation. In Canada, about 100 cases of arterial dissection are linked to neck manipulation each year.A recent CMAJ report indicated that the incidence is likely vastly underreported, largely because the link is seldom made between the neck manipulation and the subsequent stroke.
Cardiologists are raising the alarm about the potential stroke risk after chiropractic neck manipulation. The precise incidence of artery dissection caused by chiropractic neck manipulation is hard to prove, but it is indeed a possibility that patients and healthcare providers should be aware of.
Interview with Professor Edzard Ernst on Chiropractic Neck Manipulations and Their Risks
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Professor Ernst. Your expertise in option medicine is highly regarded. Could you start by explaining the mechanism behind arterial dissections caused by chiropractic neck manipulations?
Professor Edzard Ernst: Certainly. The neck contains the arteries that supply the brain. Given its high mobility in all directions, chiropractic manipulations can over-stretch an artery.This over-stretching can cause a blood clot to develop, and if the clot travels along the bloodstream into the brain, it can lead to a stroke.
Interviewer: How common are these incidents, and what are the typical symptoms that patients might experience?
Professor edzard Ernst: The precise incidence of arterial dissection caused by chiropractic neck manipulation is hard to prove, but it is a possibility that patients and healthcare providers should be aware of. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and vertigo. In severe cases, patients may end up in critical conditions like Caitlin jensen, who suffered a stroke and cardiac arrest.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to patients considering chiropractic care for neck issues?
Professor Edzard Ernst: Patients should be fully informed about the potential complications and discuss them with their healthcare providers. It’s crucial to choose a qualified and experienced chiropractor who considers the patient’s overall health and medical history. The benefits of neck manipulations are either minor or non-existent, while the risks are clearly real. Thus, it follows that the risks outweigh the benefits.
interviewer: How does the medical community view these risks, and what preventive measures can be taken?
Professor Edzard Ernst: The medical community is increasingly aware of these risks. Preventive measures include thorough medical evaluations before undergoing such treatments and ensuring informed consent. The Stroke Consortium estimates that 1 in 5000 to 10,000 strokes is caused by neck manipulation. In Canada, about 100 cases of arterial dissection are linked to neck manipulation each year, and the incidence is likely vastly underreported.
Interviewer: What alternatives are available for those seeking relief from neck pain and headaches?
Professor Edzard Ernst: There are several alternative treatments available, including physical therapy and medication. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment based on their specific condition and health profile.
Interviewer: thank you, Professor Ernst, for your insights and expertise on this crucial topic.
Professor Edzard ernst: You’re welcome. It’s crucial for patients to be aware of the risks and make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Interviewer: For more facts on chiropractic safety and potential risks,visit Chiropractic Safety.
Conclusion: The tragic story of Caitlin Jensen serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with chiropractic neck adjustments. While the practice can offer relief for many, it is essential to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. For those considering chiropractic care, thorough research and consultation with healthcare professionals are paramount.
