Chiropractic Neurology: A Stroke Patient's Recovery Companion

Chiropractic neurology is a controversial topic, with some sources claiming that it can help stroke patients and others warning of its potential dangers. Proponents of chiropractic care argue that it can significantly influence central neural function and promote motor recovery in stroke patients. They also claim that it can help relieve musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, as well as improve the immune system. On the other hand, neurologists have warned about the potential link between chiropractic neck manipulation and stroke, with some even calling for a ban on such practices, especially on infants and children. While the exact risk is unclear, it is important for patients to be aware of the potential dangers and for chiropractors to provide informed consent.

Chiropractic care can help with musculoskeletal pain and stiffness after a stroke

Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health, focusing on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. It involves spinal manipulation or joint manipulation, where chiropractors use their hands or small instruments to apply a quick, controlled force to a joint. This treatment can help reduce pain, correct body alignment, and improve physical function.

Chiropractic care can be beneficial for individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain and stiffness after a stroke. It can help relieve joint and muscle pain and improve range of motion in the affected areas. Spinal manipulation helps stretch spinal muscles, promoting the growth and repair of muscles and nerves. Chiropractic care can also promote neuroplasticity, enhancing the body's ability to reorganize the nervous system and support healing.

In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may also recommend other treatments such as soft-tissue therapy, exercises, stretches, and joint bracing or taping. They may also provide guidance on diet and nutrition to reduce inflammation and promote healthy weight management.

It is important to note that individuals should consult with their primary care physician and seek specialized care for stroke recovery. Chiropractic care can be considered as a complementary treatment approach as part of a comprehensive plan for stroke recovery, in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Chiropractic care can improve immune system function after a stroke

Chiropractic care can be beneficial for stroke patients, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. While chiropractic spinal adjustments can improve motor function and muscle strength, there is also a rare but serious risk of vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to stroke.

Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health that focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. It has been shown to significantly influence central neural function and can help with musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. Specifically for stroke patients, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of their overall recovery plan, as it can improve motor function and muscle strength.

A study published in the *Brain Sciences* journal in 2021 found that four weeks of chiropractic spinal adjustments, combined with physical therapy, resulted in statistically significant improvements in motor function compared to sham chiropractic with physical therapy in people with subacute or chronic stroke. The improvements in motor function were likely due to the ability of chiropractic spinal adjustments to impact sensorimotor control and produce long-lasting alterations in central neural function.

However, it is important to note that there is a rare but serious risk associated with chiropractic neck manipulation. High-velocity neck manipulation can result in a vertebral artery dissection, which is a tear in the inner lining of the vertebral artery, located towards the back of the neck. This can lead to stroke, as blood can enter the arterial wall and form a blood clot, or the expanding artery wall can narrow the vessel and impede blood flow. The precise incidence of artery dissection caused by chiropractic neck manipulation is hard to determine, but it is a risk that patients should be aware of and discuss with their healthcare providers.

In conclusion, while chiropractic care can improve immune system function and overall recovery after a stroke, it is important for patients to be informed of the potential risks involved and to work with their healthcare team to determine the best course of treatment.

Chiropractic care can positively impact central neural function after a stroke

Chiropractic care has been shown to produce short-term increases in muscle strength in chronic stroke patients. A randomised controlled trial found that four weeks of chiropractic spinal adjustments, combined with physical therapy, had a greater impact on motor function than sham chiropractic with physical therapy. The study found that chiropractic care, combined with physical therapy, improved motor function, particularly lower limb motor function.

Chiropractic care can also help with relieving musculoskeletal pain and stiffness and improving the immune system.

However, it is important to note that there is a rare risk of stroke associated with chiropractic neck manipulation. A vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to stroke, can occur due to high-velocity neck manipulation. This is a tear in the inner lining of the vertebral artery, which is located at the back of the neck and supplies blood to the brain.

Chiropractic care may increase the risk of cervical artery dissection and stroke

Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health with a particular focus on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Spinal manipulation is a common practice used by chiropractors to bring the human body into alignment and enhance its ability to heal itself. However, some experts have raised concerns about the link between spinal manipulation and stroke, specifically cervical artery dissection.

Cervical artery dissection is a rare but devastating complication that can occur following chiropractic manipulation of the neck. The high-velocity thrust used in cervical manipulation can produce significant strain on the carotid and vertebral vessels, leading to a tear in the inner lining of the vertebral artery. As the vertebral artery is one of four major blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain, such a tear can be life-threatening. The trauma often leads to the formation of a blood clot, which may break apart and obstruct blood flow. In some cases, the artery wall expands as blood enters through the tear, also impairing the supply of oxygen to the brain.

The risk of stroke associated with chiropractic care has been the subject of debate and ongoing research. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adjustments of the cervical spine can increase the risk of stroke by up to 10% as measured 30 days after treatment. However, it is important to note that the results can be almost instantaneous, and a stroke may occur in the physician's office. The Canadian Stroke Consortium estimates that 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 strokes is caused by neck manipulation, with about 100 cases of arterial dissection linked to neck manipulation each year in Canada.

The link between chiropractic care and stroke is particularly concerning due to the delay in the onset of symptoms. Warning signs of vascular accidents, such as neck pain, visual impairment, nausea, dizziness, and numbness, may not appear until a week or two after the chiropractic visit. This delay can lead to a failure to seek medical treatment and an increased risk of severe complications or death.

To mitigate the risk of cervical artery dissection and stroke, it is recommended that individuals seek medical clearance before undergoing cervical manipulation. Increased communication between chiropractors and medical professionals is essential to ensure patient safety.

Chiropractic care can improve motor function after a stroke

Chiropractic care can be beneficial for stroke patients, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. While chiropractic spinal adjustments have been shown to result in short-term increases in muscle strength in chronic stroke patients, the long-term effects are still unknown.

Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. This involves identifying and correcting central segmental motor control (CSMC) problems, which are neurobiomechanical issues in the spine that cause ongoing maladaptive neuroplastic changes in the central nervous system. By applying manual techniques, such as high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments, chiropractors aim to facilitate the ability of the central nervous system to self-coordinate, self-regulate, adapt, and heal.

A randomized controlled trial published in 2021 investigated the effects of 4 weeks of chiropractic spinal adjustments combined with physical therapy on motor function in 63 subacute or chronic stroke patients. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in motor function compared to a control group that received sham chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy. However, the improvements were no longer significant at the 8-week follow-up, possibly due to a diminishing effect of chiropractic care or a high participant drop-out rate.

While chiropractic care can potentially enhance neural plasticity, sensorimotor integration, and motor recovery following a stroke, it is important to consider the risks associated with chiropractic neck manipulation. Neck manipulation has been linked to a rare but serious risk of vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to stroke. This risk is particularly relevant for patients under 45 years of age. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to be aware of the potential risks and discuss them with their healthcare providers before undergoing chiropractic treatment.

In conclusion, while chiropractic care has shown promising results in improving motor function after a stroke, more large-scale and long-term studies are needed to corroborate these findings and further investigate the impacts on motor function in stroke patients.

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