Chiropractic Adjustments: Safe For Stroke Patients?

Chiropractic adjustments have been linked to stroke, with some sources stating that rigorous cervical manipulation could cause arterial dissection in predisposed people. While the risk is rare, it is crucial to be aware of the signs of stroke following a chiropractic session, such as weakness in one arm, slurred speech, or numbness on one side of the face. If any of these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is necessary to minimize the potential damage to the brain.

What is the risk of stroke after a chiropractic adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments have been linked to stroke, particularly following vigorous spinal manipulation. While the risk is low, chiropractic adjustments may increase the chances of a stroke occurring in certain people.

The quick, thrusting neck movements used by chiropractors to treat neck pain can cause cervical artery dissection, which is a leading cause of stroke in people under 45. The high-velocity thrust used in cervical manipulation can place significant strain on the carotid and vertebral vessels, leading to tears in the blood vessels. This, in turn, can cause blood clots, which can lead to ischemic strokes.

The signs of a stroke following a chiropractic adjustment may include weakness in one arm, slurred speech or difficulty speaking, and numbness or drooping on one side of the face. If any of these symptoms occur following a chiropractic adjustment, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention as quick treatment can help to minimise brain damage.

While chiropractic adjustments can be safe when performed by a trained and registered chiropractor, it is important for individuals to discuss any potential health risks with a doctor who is aware of their medical history before undergoing such adjustments.

What are the signs of stroke after a chiropractic adjustment?

Although rare, a stroke can occur after a chiropractic adjustment. The risk may be slightly higher in certain people, depending on the type of chiropractic adjustment they have. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms after a chiropractic adjustment, seek emergency medical assistance as soon as possible.

The American Heart Association recommends using the F.A.S.T. warning signs to spot a stroke:

• Face: One side of the person's face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile; if their smile is uneven, it is a sign of a stroke.
• Arm weakness: One arm may be numb or weak, and the person may struggle to lift it. Ask them to raise both arms and look for weakness in one arm.
• Speech: The person's speech may be slurred. Ask them to repeat a sentence and listen for any slurring.
• Time to call 911: If any of the above symptoms are present, call emergency services immediately. Taking action quickly can help minimize brain damage.

Other signs of a stroke include:

• Dizziness, which is usually accompanied by vertigo, loss of balance, diplopia (double vision), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), oscillopsia (a visual disturbance), and weakness in both legs.
• Headache: A sudden and severe thunderclap headache, which occurs and peaks quickly, may indicate a stroke.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of taste.
• Change in sight or hearing.
• Pain or numbness in the face.
• Fainting.
• Shortness of breath.
• Behavioural changes, hallucinations, seizures, or confusion.

It is crucial to act quickly if you suspect someone is having a stroke, as fast treatment can help reduce the amount of damage a stroke can cause to the brain.

What should you do if you experience stroke symptoms after a chiropractic adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments can carry a risk of stroke, although this is a rare occurrence. However, if you experience any stroke symptoms after a chiropractic adjustment, it is important to act quickly and seek emergency medical assistance as soon as possible.

The American Heart Association recommends using the F.A.S.T. warning signs to spot a stroke:

• F — Face: One side of a person's face may droop or feel numb.
• A — Arm weakness: One arm may be numb or weak, and the person may struggle to lift it.
• S — Speech: The person's speech may be slurred, or they may have difficulty speaking.
• T — Time: Call the emergency services immediately, as taking action quickly can help minimize brain damage.

It is crucial to act fast as prompt treatment can help reduce the amount of damage a stroke can cause to the brain.

While chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe when performed by a trained and registered chiropractor, there is a small risk of serious adverse effects such as stroke and slipped discs, particularly after vigorous spinal manipulation. Therefore, it is always best to discuss any potential health risks with a doctor who is aware of your medical history before undergoing any chiropractic adjustments.

What are the benefits of chiropractic adjustments?

Chiropractic adjustments are an alternative treatment option for pain management and overall wellness. While there are benefits to this form of treatment, there are also some risks to be aware of.

Chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal system and nervous system and how these impact the rest of the body. They use spinal adjustments and other manual therapies to restore proper alignment and function to the spine and joints, reducing nerve compression and relieving muscle tension. This can be an effective treatment for pain, especially back and neck pain, and can also address issues like headaches, joint discomfort, and scoliosis. Chiropractic care can also improve range of motion, balance, and athletic performance.

In addition, chiropractic adjustments may have benefits for digestive health, reproductive health, and cardiovascular health, including improved respiration and asthma control. They can also increase energy levels and potentially improve neurological conditions. For pregnant women, chiropractic care can provide relief during pregnancy and may even help with delivery.

However, it is important to note that there is a small risk of adverse effects associated with chiropractic adjustments. While rare, there have been cases of stroke and slipped discs following vigorous spinal manipulation. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a qualified and competent chiropractor and discuss any potential risks before undergoing treatment.

What are the potential dangers of neck manipulation?

Chiropractic sessions do not typically cause serious adverse effects. However, there is a low risk of serious problems, such as stroke and slipped discs, particularly after vigorous spinal manipulation. The high-velocity thrust used in cervical manipulation can produce significant strain on the carotid and vertebral vessels. Once a dissection has occurred, the risk of thrombus formation, ischemic stroke, paralysis, and even death is drastically increased.

The risk of a stroke after a chiropractic session is rare, but it is a possibility. The American Heart Association recommends using the F.A.S.T. warning signs to spot a stroke. The F.A.S.T. acronym stands for:

• Face: One side of a person’s face may droop or feel numb during a stroke.
• Arm weakness: One arm may be numb or weak, and a person may struggle to lift it.
• Speech: A person’s speech may be slurred.
• Time to call 911: A person should call emergency services immediately, as taking action quickly can help minimize brain damage.

In addition to the signs outlined by the F.A.S.T. acronym, other signs of a stroke from a vertebral artery dissection include:

• Sensory loss, weakness, or clumsiness of the arm or leg on one side of the body.
• Vertigo or difficulty walking.
• Neck pain, most notably on the same side as the dissection.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, call 911 immediately. Do not put it off.

Frequently asked questions