Is Chiropractic Care Safe? The Evidence and Science Behind It
At Neurohealth Wellness, we often hear concerns from new patients who are unsure about the safety of chiropractic care. These concerns are understandable—any form of healthcare involves some level of risk, and it’s natural to want to make informed decisions about your wellbeing.
The good news is that chiropractic care has been extensively studied and is widely regarded as a safe and effective form of treatment, particularly when compared to more invasive medical interventions such as surgery or long-term medication use. This blog will explore the safety of chiropractic care in depth, drawing on scientific evidence and expert reviews to provide clarity and reassurance.
The Safety Record of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care has a proven track record of safety, making it one of the most reliable and trusted forms of healthcare for musculoskeletal conditions. Compared to surgical procedures or pharmaceuticals—which often carry significant risks and side effects—chiropractic interventions are conservative and minimally invasive.
Research reviews indicate that serious adverse events associated with chiropractic care are extremely rare, occurring in roughly 1 in 20,000 to 1 in several million chiropractic visits. Furthermore, when adverse events have been reported, researchers frequently find it challenging to determine whether the chiropractic treatment was the direct cause or if other factors were involved.
For everyday musculoskeletal issues such as back pain, neck discomfort, and joint stiffness, chiropractic care consistently stands out as a low-risk option.
Mild and Temporary Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects of chiropractic adjustments are mild and short-lived. These may include:
- Temporary soreness or stiffness: Similar to the feeling you might experience after a workout, this is a natural part of the body’s healing and adaptation process.
- Mild fatigue: This occasionally occurs as the body adjusts to improved alignment and functionality.
These effects typically resolve within 24-48 hours and are a sign that the body is responding positively to treatment.
Serious Adverse Events Are Rare
One of the most important takeaways from the scientific literature is that serious adverse events following chiropractic care are exceedingly rare. Because these events are so uncommon, it’s difficult for researchers to provide exact statistics. However, estimates suggest that the risk of a serious complication is far lower than many routine activities we undertake daily, such as driving a car.
In fact, you are about ten times more likely to be seriously injured driving to your chiropractic appointment than from receiving chiropractic care itself. This comparison highlights how safe chiropractic care is when administered by a qualified professional.
Understanding Chiropractic Care and Stroke Risks
The potential link between chiropractic care and strokes has been a topic of discussion, but the most robust research indicates that these fears are largely unfounded.
Two large-scale studies conducted in Canada and the United States analysed data from over 2,600 individuals who had experienced strokes involving arteries in the neck. These studies compared stroke patients with individuals who had not suffered a stroke to determine whether chiropractic care was a contributing factor.
The findings were clear:
- People who experienced strokes were no more likely to have seen a chiropractor before the event than a medical doctor.
- In many cases, patients sought care for neck pain or headaches caused by the early stages of the stroke itself, meaning the stroke was already underway when they visited the chiropractor.
These studies reinforce the conclusion that there is no greater risk of stroke associated with chiropractic care compared to visiting a general practitioner.
Why Chiropractic is Safer Than Many Alternatives
One of the key reasons chiropractic care is so safe is its non-invasive nature. Chiropractors focus on addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction without resorting to medications or surgeries. Here’s why this matters:
- Medications such as opioids or muscle relaxants can carry risks of dependency, side effects, and interactions with other drugs.
- Surgical procedures for back or neck pain often come with risks of infection, prolonged recovery times, and complications.
In contrast, chiropractic adjustments work to restore natural movement and alignment in the body, promoting healing without adding unnecessary risk.
The Role of Expertise in Ensuring Safety
At Neurohealth Wellness, our chiropractors are highly trained professionals with advanced knowledge of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. In Australia, chiropractors complete a rigorous postgraduate Master’s program to gain their qualifications, ensuring they are equipped to deliver safe and effective care.
Our practitioners are skilled in identifying which patients are suitable for chiropractic adjustments and when alternative approaches or referrals to other healthcare providers might be needed. This level of expertise is critical for minimising risks and optimising outcomes.
Choosing Chiropractic Care at Neurohealth Wellness
When it comes to managing pain, improving mobility, and enhancing overall wellbeing, chiropractic care is one of the safest and most effective options available. At Neurohealth Wellness, located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, our goal is to rebalance your life, help you move freely, and live pain-free.
If you’ve been hesitant to try chiropractic care due to safety concerns, let the evidence put your mind at ease. With over a decade of experience serving the Allambie Heights community, we’re proud to provide a safe and supportive environment for all our patients.
Book Your Appointment Today
Take the first step towards better health with Neurohealth Wellness:
- 📍 Location: 33-35 Kentwell Rd, Allambie Heights
- 📞 Phone: (02) 9905 9099
- 🌐 Online Booking: Book Now
References for Further Reading
- Rafter et al., "Adverse Events in Healthcare: Learning from Mistakes and Near Misses" published in QJM (2015).
- Rubinstein et al., "The Safety of Chiropractic Interventions: A Systematic Review" published in Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2008).
- Carnes et al., "Adverse Events and Manual Therapy: A Systematic Review" published in Manual Therapy (2010).
- Jevne et al., "Adverse Events Following Chiropractic Care for Children: A Systematic Review" published in Chiropractic and Manual Therapies (2014).
- Gouveia et al., "Serious Adverse Events and Spinal Manipulations: A Systematic Review of Cases" published in Spine (2009).
- Hebert et al., "The Effectiveness and Risks of Spinal Manipulation Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain" published in Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2015).
- Walker et al., "Risk of Stroke from Chiropractic Care: A Population-Based Case-Control Study" published in Spine(2013).
- Makary & Daniel, "Medical Error: The Third Leading Cause of Death in the US" published in BMJ (2016). .
- Cassidy et al., "Risk of Vertebrobasilar Stroke and Chiropractic Care: Results of a Population-Based Case-Control and Case-Crossover Study" published in Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2009).
- Kosloff et al., "Safety of Chiropractic Care in Patients with Stroke Risk Factors" published in Chiropractic and Manual Therapies (2015).
Chiropractic care is a safe, evidence-based choice for managing musculoskeletal pain and improving quality of life. If you’re ready to explore its benefits, contact us today!
