Is chiropractic adjustment safe?
These are the facts. The procedure of spinal manipulation can be done safely, but some people may experience side affects. The chiropractor will review your health history and examine you for any abnormalities. Further examination may be required by the chiropractor, including X-rays and computerizedtomography scans. best chiropractor addison or she may recommend magnetic radiation imaging (MRI) or any other imaging tests. The chiropractor will then manipulate your joints using force.
Less-serious injuries caused by spinal manipulation
Although there is limited literature evaluating the risks associated with spinal manipulation, studies have reported both serious and less-serious adverse effects. A systematic review of recent cases found that around one-third experienced serious adverse reactions. Although the risks of spinal manipulation are low, they may be overlooked because fewer cases are reported. The results of this review show that spinal manipulation is becoming more widely known.

Because of its risk-benefit ratio, spinal manipulation is associated with fewer severe injuries that other types of surgery. About a third of patients suffer only minor injuries, while the remaining 4 percent are permanently disabled. Moreover, spinal manipulation may worsen pre-existing conditions. There are also some serious but rare complications that could prove fatal. Before you have spinal manipulation, it is important that you understand the risks involved.
Safety of chiropractic treatment
The safety of chiropractic treatment remains a hot topic. A recent study from the University of Oregon by a doctoral student revealed that chiropractic treatment can prevent low-back discomfort, improve the condition, save employers money, and even help to reduce the cost of the treatment. The Manga Report examined the use of health-care resources by both employers and chiropractors. The study was led by Dr. Joanne Nyiendo (Ph.D.).
Researchers reviewed the literature to determine whether chiropractic treatment is safe for pediatric patients. The study included twelve studies that evaluated the safety of manual therapy for pediatric patients. Sixteen of the twelve studies were duplicates. Table 1 summarizes data from chiropractors regarding side effects. The studies used three types data: retrospective records review and retrospective records analysis, as well as case series. The authors did not find statistically significant differences in side effects reported in the literature.
Side effects of spinal manipulation
Recent research that included more than 250 articles from chiropractic journals revealed the possibility for adverse reactions to spinal manipulation. The researchers found that one in every two millions spinal manipulations was associated to adverse events. One-third of the adverse effects were serious, including cervical artery damage and worsening disc herniation. The majority of adverse events were mild and resolved within 24hrs.
The study found no statistically significant differences in the incidence of adverse effects and the incidences for sham intervention. This suggests that spinal manipulation does little to reduce the risk of serious complications. However, the findings don't prove that chiropractic adjustments are safe or effective. Some patients may experience side effects such as headaches, vertebral fractures, and dissection of the vertebral artery. Although these adverse events may not be life-threatening, they may warrant a doctor's attention, so they are worth monitoring carefully and discussing with your chiropractor.
Recommendations for chiropractors
A chiropractor performs spinal adjustments to correct musculoskeletal problems. Other treatments such as soft tissue therapy are also offered by a chiropractor, which loosens and tightens muscles. Chiropractic adjustments correct alignment and improve range of motion. Other techniques, such as joint bracing, support injured joints, and stretches to restore mobility and range of motion. Many chiropractors recommend that you also do chiropractic exercises.
There are some conditions that a chiropractor cannot safely adjust. These include certain types of spinal deformities, spinal cancer, or increased risk of stroke. There are also possible side effects to manipulation that are usually mild and can be expected in treatment areas. Some people may experience soreness, stiffness, or pain following the adjustment. Before receiving an adjustment, it is important that you discuss any side effects with your chiropractor.