Are Adjustments Dangerous?
Dr. Bartholet says that adjustments are very safe as long as your chiropractor does a comprehensive exam. Some sources say that adjusting the highest bones of the neck may cause damage to arteries in the area and cause a stroke. The estimated risk of serious injury after neck manipulation is 1 in 2 million manipulations (Dabbs V, Lauretti WJ. J Manip Physiol Ther 1995 (oct); 18 (8): 530-6). To make a comparison, in the year 2000 a study by the Institute of Medicine found that between 44,000 and 98,000 Americans die each year from medical mistakes (Charatan F. Brit Med J 2000 (4 mar); 320:597). A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking and over-the-counter pain reliever.
