Is chiropractic adjustments safe?
Here are some facts. While spinal manipulation is considered safe, some people experience side effects. The chiropractor will examine your posture and discuss your medical history. To further examine your condition, he or she might order Xrays or computerized-tomography scans. The chiropractor will then use force to manipulate your joints through a range of motion.
Spinal manipulation causes less severe injuries
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 revealed that about one-third of patients experience serious adverse events. The authors concluded that spinal manipulation has low risks, but these risks may be overlooked due to the fact that fewer cases are reported. This review also shows the increasing awareness of the risks associated spinal manipulation.
Because of its risk/benefit profile, spinal manipulation generally causes fewer severe injuries to patients than other forms. One-third of patients only experience mild injuries, and the remainder are permanently disabled. Moreover, spinal manipulation may worsen pre-existing conditions. Moreover, there are some rare but potentially fatal complications. Before you have spinal manipulation performed, it is important to be aware of the risks.
Chiropractic treatment is safe
The safety of chiropractic care is 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 looked at how employers and chiropractors use health care resources. The study was conducted by Dr. Joanne Nyiendo.
Researchers reviewed the literature in order to determine the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for children. The authors of the study analyzed twelve studies that assessed the safety of manual therapy on pediatric patients. Six of these were duplicates. Table 1 shows the side effects data reported to chiropractors. The data used in the studies were from three types of data: retrospective records review, quasi-metaanalysis, systematic reviews, and case series. The authors did not find statistically significant differences in side effects reported in the literature.
Side effects of spinal manipulation
Recent research involving more than 250 articles from chiropractic journals has revealed the possibility of adverse events after spinal manipulation. Researchers found that about one in every two million spinal manipulations were associated with adverse events. One-third of these adverse effects included cervical artery stroke and worsening delinquency. Most of the adverse events, however, were mild and resolved within 24 hours.
The study found that there was no statistically meaningful difference in the incidences and severity of adverse events between spinal manipulation and sham treatment. This means that spinal manipulation doesn't significantly increase the chance 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 of chiropractors
A chiropractor performs spinal adjustments in order to correct musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Soft-tissue therapy is another treatment that a chiropractor performs. This loosens tight muscles and releases fascia. 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. chiropractor addison tx recommend other types of treatment, including chiropractic exercises.
Some conditions may prevent a chiropractor from performing the adjustment safely. 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 you have an adjustment, discuss any side effects to your chiropractor.