Study: Chiropractic Adjustments Affect Stroke Risk
Researchers Suggest Chiropractors Warn Of Risk
UPDATED: 3:46 p.m. EDT May 16, 2003
Can going to the chiropractor increase the risk of stroke?
The controversy overs chiropractic adjustments and stroke is not new. Chiropractors say there is no link between the two.
Results of a study published in the May 13 issue of the journal Neurology sheds new light on some of the risks.
Pamela Livingston looks forward to seeing her chiropractor.
"It just loosens up my neck and the muscles and it's just absolutely wonderful," she said.
Some medical doctors are skeptical. They fear chiropractic adjustments might increase the risk of stroke.
Here is why: If arteries along the spine tear, clots can form and cause a stroke. Usually, tears are caused by car accidents and sports injuries. A new study shows adjustments of the neck and upper spine, in some cases, also increases the risk of stroke.
"A very rapid movement of the neck might not only compress the artery, but also stretch it or tear it producing this injury," lead researcher Dr. Wade Smith said.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, for patients who already have a tear in their artery, an adjustment could force a clot to break free. The association's representatives said chiropractic adjustments do not cause tears.
"The forces to the artery during the chiropractic treatment were actually less than the forces during normal range of motion testing," said Dr. William Lauretti of the American Chiropractic Association.
The risks noted in the study are small, but researchers said chiropractors should warn patients and even get a consent form signed. They also suggest patients get screened by a physician for any symptoms before beginning therapy.
Additional Resources:
The controversy overs chiropractic adjustments and stroke is not new. Chiropractors say there is no link between the two.
Results of a study published in the May 13 issue of the journal Neurology sheds new light on some of the risks.
Pamela Livingston looks forward to seeing her chiropractor.
"It just loosens up my neck and the muscles and it's just absolutely wonderful," she said.
Some medical doctors are skeptical. They fear chiropractic adjustments might increase the risk of stroke.
Here is why: If arteries along the spine tear, clots can form and cause a stroke. Usually, tears are caused by car accidents and sports injuries. A new study shows adjustments of the neck and upper spine, in some cases, also increases the risk of stroke.
"A very rapid movement of the neck might not only compress the artery, but also stretch it or tear it producing this injury," lead researcher Dr. Wade Smith said.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, for patients who already have a tear in their artery, an adjustment could force a clot to break free. The association's representatives said chiropractic adjustments do not cause tears.
"The forces to the artery during the chiropractic treatment were actually less than the forces during normal range of motion testing," said Dr. William Lauretti of the American Chiropractic Association.
The risks noted in the study are small, but researchers said chiropractors should warn patients and even get a consent form signed. They also suggest patients get screened by a physician for any symptoms before beginning therapy.
Additional Resources:
NeurologyRisks of Chiropractic Neck AdjustmentsAmerican Chiropractic AssociationAmerican Stroke Association
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