Chiropractic Adjustments: Stroke Risk Or Safe Treatment?

Chiropractic adjustments are a common practice used to treat neck pain. However, the quick, thrusting neck movements used in this practice have been linked to cervical dissections, particularly in younger people. This has raised concerns about the potential risk of stroke following chiropractic adjustments. While the exact causal relationship is still debated, there have been reported cases of individuals experiencing strokes after chiropractic neck manipulations. It is important for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and symptoms associated with this procedure.

High-velocity neck manipulation can cause vertebral artery dissection, resulting in stroke

High-Velocity Neck Manipulation and the Risk of Vertebral Artery Dissection

High-velocity neck manipulation, a technique used by chiropractors and other healthcare professionals, has been associated with an increased risk of vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to a stroke. This procedure involves quick, thrusting neck movements to treat neck pain. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, the high-velocity force applied during the manipulation may strain and potentially tear the vertebral arteries, leading to serious health complications.

The vertebral arteries are a pair of blood vessels located in the neck that supply blood to the brain. A tear in the inner lining of these arteries, known as a cervical artery dissection, can disrupt blood flow to the brain, resulting in a stroke. This condition is rare, affecting approximately 1 to 3 in 100,000 people annually. However, it is a significant concern, as it is one of the most common causes of stroke in individuals under the age of 50.

The risk of vertebral artery dissection following high-velocity neck manipulation is estimated to be approximately 1 in 400,000 chiropractic adjustments. While this may seem like a low probability, the consequences can be devastating. A dissection can lead to thrombus formation, ischemic stroke, paralysis, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals, especially those at risk of cardiovascular disease, to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of undergoing such procedures.

Following a high-velocity neck adjustment, patients may experience various symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, slurred speech, sensory loss, weakness, and reduced motor function. These symptoms should not be ignored, as prompt medical attention can significantly impact the long-term outcome. Medical imaging, such as CT scans or MRIs, can help diagnose a cerebellar infarct (stroke) caused by vertebral artery dissection and guide appropriate treatment.

To mitigate the risk of vertebral artery dissection and subsequent stroke, it is recommended that individuals seek medical clearance before undergoing cervical manipulation. Additionally, modified manipulation techniques that minimize high-velocity movements and neck rotation may also reduce the risk of vascular dissections. Open communication between chiropractors and medical professionals is essential to ensure patient safety and reduce the potential for adverse events.

Chiropractic adjustments are a common practice worldwide

Chiropractic neck adjustments, or cervical manipulative therapy, involve quick, thrusting neck movements used to treat neck pain. This technique has been linked to cervical artery dissections, particularly in younger people. Cervical artery dissection is a rare condition that affects 1 to 3 in 100,000 people per year, but it is one of the most common causes of stroke in people under the age of 50. The high-velocity thrust used in cervical manipulation can place significant strain on the carotid and vertebral vessels, leading to a tear in the inner lining of the vertebral artery. This tear can cut off blood flow to the brain, resulting in a life-altering stroke and permanent injury or disability.

While rare, vertebral artery dissection (VAD) can occur in approximately 1 in 400,000 chiropractic adjustments, according to the American Stroke Association. The risk of VAD is higher in people with certain risk factors, such as a family history of strokes, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, and a known bone abnormality in the upper neck. It is important for patients to consult a physician and receive medical clearance before undergoing cervical manipulation to reduce the risk of adverse events.

The symptoms of a stroke caused by vertebral artery dissection may include weakness in the arm or leg, vertigo or difficulty walking, neck pain, and headaches. These symptoms may appear soon after a neck adjustment or may linger for days or weeks. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur after a chiropractic neck adjustment. While chiropractic medicine has helped thousands of people with migraines, joint pain, and other conditions, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks before undergoing any procedure.

The quick, thrusting neck movements used by chiropractors to treat neck pain are linked to cervical dissections in younger people

Chiropractic neck adjustments have been linked to strokes, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). The quick, thrusting neck movements used by chiropractors and other healthcare professionals to treat neck pain are associated with cervical dissections in younger people. This technique is known as cervical manipulative therapy. While the link has been established, it is unclear whether the neck therapy is the direct cause of cervical dissections or if the pain from a tear prompts people to seek out such treatment.

Cervical artery dissection is a rare condition, affecting just one to three in 100,000 people annually. However, it is one of the most common causes of stroke in individuals under 50. The tear in the cervical artery lining can occur spontaneously, after an injury to the neck, or even during certain sports such as weightlifting or golf. The high-velocity thrust used in cervical manipulation can put significant strain on the carotid and vertebral vessels, increasing the risk of thrombus formation, ischemic stroke, paralysis, and even death.

The American Stroke Association has issued a public service warning about cervical arterial dissections, stating that they are the most common cause of strokes in young and middle-aged adults. Vertebral Artery Dissection (VAD) occurs in approximately one in 400,000 chiropractic adjustments, though other sources put the figure at one in 100,000. While rare, these dissections account for 8% to 25% of strokes in patients under 45.

The risk of a stroke following a chiropractic adjustment is similar to the risk of a stroke after a visit to a medical doctor's office. However, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of strokes and artery dissections, which include dizziness, headaches, neck pain, facial pain or numbness, drooping of the face, loss of taste, nausea, vomiting, changes in sight or hearing, and weakness in one arm. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, use the acronym F.A.S.T: Face, Arms, Speech, and Time.

The odds of a serious adverse event (such as a stroke) are 1 per 5.85 million adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments are a common practice used worldwide to treat neck pain. However, the quick, thrusting neck movements used in cervical manipulative therapy have been linked to cervical dissections in younger people. Cervical artery dissection is a rare occurrence, affecting just one to three in 100,000 people per year, but it is one of the most common causes of stroke in people under 50. The high-velocity thrust used in cervical manipulation can produce significant strain on carotid and vertebral vessels, increasing the risk of thrombus formation, ischemic stroke, paralysis, and even death.

While the causal relationship between chiropractic maneuvers and cervical artery dissection is difficult to prove, a recent systematic review found that 901 cases of cerebral artery dissections have been reported in relation to chiropractic manipulation. In 707 of these cases, the patient went on to develop some type of stroke. Notably, a study focused on malpractice data from the Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association (CCPA) showed that a chiropractor will be aware of an arterial dissection occurring following cervical manipulation only once in 8.06 million office visits, with only one in forty-eight chiropractors experiencing such an event in their entire careers.

The odds of a serious adverse event, such as a stroke, occurring as a result of a chiropractic adjustment are 1 in 5.85 million adjustments. However, it is important to note that chiropractors are inexperienced in detecting the signs and symptoms of a dissection. Receiving medical clearance prior to cervical manipulation in potential at-risk patients would drastically reduce morbidity and mortality.

Vertebral Artery Dissection (VAD) can occur in approximately 1 in 400,000 chiropractic adjustments

Vertebral Artery Dissection (VAD) is a rare but serious condition that can occur as a result of chiropractic adjustments. VAD involves a tear in the lining of the vertebral artery, one of the major blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. While chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe, the high-velocity thrust used in cervical manipulation can, in rare cases, lead to VAD.

The American Stroke Association has recently brought attention to this issue, warning healthcare professionals about the risk of Cervical Arterial Dissections (CAD), which are the most common cause of strokes in young and middle-aged adults. CAD accounts for 8-25% of strokes in patients under the age of 45. While VAD is rare, it is estimated to occur in approximately 1 in 400,000 chiropractic adjustments. This estimation is based on studies and reports analysing the potential risks and complications associated with chiropractic manipulations.

The risk of VAD during chiropractic adjustments is not limited to the chiropractic setting. It is important to note that VAD can also occur during everyday activities such as self-manipulation techniques or even cracking your neck. Additionally, there are other risk factors for VAD that are unrelated to neck manipulation, including genetic disorders, connective tissue diseases, and variations in cardiac/cervical vessel anatomy.

The symptoms of VAD can vary and may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, slurred speech, sensory loss, weakness, and trouble swallowing. These symptoms can develop immediately after a high-velocity neck adjustment or may take days or weeks to appear. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, as VAD can lead to a life-altering stroke, causing permanent injury and disability.

To mitigate the risk of VAD during chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors are encouraged to have open communication with their patients and consult with physicians when necessary. Medical clearance before performing cervical manipulation can significantly reduce the risk of VAD and other associated complications.

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