Few topics spark as much debate when it comes to healthcare choices as the relationship between chiropractor and stroke risks. For years, the idea that chiropractic adjustments, particularly in the neck, could cause a stroke has circulated in the media and online forums. Unfortunately, much of this is based on misconceptions, cherry-picked anecdotes, and a misunderstanding of the science.

This article seeks to dispel these myths, provide balanced and evidence-based insights, and compare the risks of chiropractic care to those associated with conventional medical treatments. By the end, you’ll see that while no form of healthcare is completely risk-free, chiropractic care is exceptionally safe—especially when compared to the risks involved with surgeries, medications, and other medical interventions. In fact, chiropractor stroke risks are at the bottom of a long list of stroke causes.

chiropractor and stroke risk graphWhat is a Stroke, and How Does It Happen?

Before diving into the chiropractic side of the discussion, let’s quickly review what a stroke actually is. A stroke happens when the brain’s blood supply is disrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). This interruption can lead to a wide range of issues, from mild impairment to severe disability or even death.

Key risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle. It’s essential to keep these in mind when evaluating any potential causes of stroke, as these underlying conditions are almost always the primary contributors.

Chiropractor and Stroke: What the Research Says

Concerns about chiropractic care causing strokes center around cervical manipulative therapy (CMT), which involves adjustments to the neck. The theory is that these adjustments might injure the vertebral arteries, leading to a condition called vertebral artery dissection (VAD). A VAD can potentially result in an ischemic stroke.

While this theory is often repeated, the evidence doesn’t support it. Multiple studies have shown that strokes associated with chiropractic care are incredibly rare—so rare, in fact, that the risk is estimated to be between one in 100,000 and one in one million adjustments. For perspective, these odds are lower than the risk of being struck by lightning in your lifetime. (1, 2)

Interestingly, research also suggests that many cases of VAD are already developing before a patient visits a chiropractor. Symptoms of a VAD, such as neck pain and headaches, often mimic the conditions chiropractors treat, meaning patients may seek chiropractic care while a dissection is already underway. A large study published in Spine found no difference in the rate of strokes following visits to a chiropractor compared to visits to a primary care physician, suggesting that chiropractic care is not a direct cause of these strokes. (2, 3)

Signs of Stroke After Chiropractic Adjustment

Recognizing the signs of a stroke is essential, regardless of whether you’ve recently seen a chiropractor. Symptoms include sudden and severe headaches, dizziness, vision disturbances, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of the body. These are medical emergencies; anyone experiencing them should seek immediate medical attention.

However, it’s equally important to understand why such symptoms are sometimes linked to chiropractic care. When someone experiences a stroke after a chiropractic adjustment, it’s tempting to assume a Chiropractor stroke connection. But correlation does not equal causation. As mentioned earlier, many people seek chiropractic care for neck pain or headaches—two of the early symptoms of a VAD. This timing creates a false association between the adjustment and the stroke. (4)

Risks of Conventional Medical Care

While chiropractic care is often scrutinized for its supposed risks, conventional medical treatments carry far greater risks than a chiropractor stroke —and they occur far more frequently. Let’s explore some of the most common hazards associated with visits to a medical doctor.

Adverse Drug Reactions

Prescription medications, while lifesaving in many cases, are a leading cause of harm. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) lead to over 4.5 million emergency room visits annually in the United States, and they are the fourth leading cause of death. Over 100,000 people die each year in the U.S. from complications related to prescription drugs. Medications such as NSAIDs, used for managing pain, can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, while others may carry risks like cardiovascular events or severe allergic reactions. (5, 6)

Surgical Complications

Surgical interventions, even routine ones, come with inherent risks. Mortality rates for procedures like coronary artery bypass surgery can range from 2% to 5%, and complications such as infections, blood clots, and organ damage are not uncommon. Even worse, studies suggest that 10% to 20% of surgeries may be unnecessary, exposing patients to avoidable risks. (3, 7)

Diagnostic Procedures

While invaluable, diagnostic tools such as CT scans, X-rays, and biopsies are not risk-free. Repeated exposure to diagnostic imaging can increase lifetime cancer risk, and invasive procedures like colonoscopies or angiograms can result in complications like bleeding or perforation. (8, 9)

Hospital-Acquired Infections

Hospitals, intended to be places of healing, can sometimes be sources of harm. One in 31 patients in the U.S. contracts a hospital-acquired infection (HAI), contributing to tens of thousands of deaths annually. (10)

Why Chiropractic Care is a Safer Option for Many Conditions

Compared to the risks involved with surgeries, medications, and diagnostic procedures, chiropractic care is a remarkably safe alternative for managing issues like back and neck pain. Chiropractors focus on non-invasive treatments that avoid the dangers associated with drugs or surgeries. This low-risk profile and high patient satisfaction rates make chiropractic care a valuable option for many individuals. 8

Modern chiropractors are trained to identify red flags and contraindications to treatment, ensuring that care is tailored to each patient’s needs. They also collaborate with other healthcare providers, creating a holistic approach to patient wellness.

Chiropractor and Stroke: Informed Choices for Better Health

When evaluating the relationship between chiropractor and stroke risks, it’s essential to separate myth from reality. The evidence shows that strokes following chiropractic adjustments are exceedingly rare. When they do occur, they are often the result of underlying conditions rather than the adjustment itself. Compared to the significant risks of adverse drug reactions, surgical complications, and hospital-acquired infections, chiropractic care is one of the safest options available.

By understanding these facts and fostering informed conversations, patients can make healthcare decisions based on evidence, not fear. Whether you’re considering chiropractic care for pain relief or exploring other medical options, knowing the risks and benefits of each approach will help you choose what’s best for your health.

Get Safe and Effective Relief from Your Neck Pain and Headaches

Morning stiffness and chronic lower back pain don’t have to define your day. Gentle lower back pain stretches in bed can make a big difference, but our specialized treatments support your health if your back pain persists. Chiropractic care, acupuncture, and dry needling can all be used to address the root causes of pain and offer long-lasting relief.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Schedule an appointment to learn why we are the Chiropractor Denver trusts to achieve a pain-free life.

Footnotes

  1. Ernst, E. (2010). Adverse effects of spinal manipulation: A systematic review. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 103(7), 335-343. ↩
  2. Cassidy, J. D., Boyle, E., Côté, P., et al. (2008). Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care: Results of a population-based case-control and case-crossover study. Spine, 33(4), S176-S183. ↩ ↩2
  3. Kolh, P., et al. (2014). Mortality and major complications following coronary artery bypass grafting: A European registry study. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 46(5), 865-870. ↩ ↩2
  4. Whedon, J. M., Mackenzie, T. A., Phillips, R. B., et al. (2015). Risk of stroke after chiropractic spinal manipulation in Medicare B beneficiaries aged 66 to 99 years with neck pain. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 23(1), 19. ↩
  5. Budnitz, D. S., et al. (2011). Emergency hospitalizations for adverse drug events in older Americans. New England Journal of Medicine, 365(21), 2002-2012. ↩
  6. Lazarou, J., Pomeranz, B. H., & Corey, P. N. (1998). Incidence of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients. JAMA, 279(15), 1200-1205. ↩
  7. Brownlee, S., et al. (2017). Overuse of medical services: A systematic review. BMJ Quality & Safety, 26(7), 572-580. ↩
  8. Berrington de Gonzalez, A., et al. (2009). Projected cancer risks from computed tomography scans performed in the United States. Archives of Internal Medicine, 169(22), 2071-2077. ↩ ↩2
  9. Levin, T. R., et al. (2006). Complications of colonoscopy in an integrated healthcare delivery system. Annals of Internal Medicine, 145(12), 880-886. ↩
  10. Magill, S. S., et al. (2018). Changes in prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in U.S. hospitals. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(18), 1732-1744. ↩