The material risks inherent in chiropractic adjustment:
As with any healthcare procedure, there are certain complications which may arise during chiropractic manipulation and therapy. These complications include but are not limited to: fractures, disc injuries, dislocations, muscle strain, cervical myelopathy, costovertebral strains
and separations, and burns. Some types of manipulation of the neck have been associated with injuries to the arteries in the neck leading to or contributing to serious complications including stroke. Some patients will feel some stiffness and soreness following the first few days of treatment.
I will make every reasonable effort during the examination to screen for contradictions to care; however, if you have a condition that would otherwise not come to my attention, it is your responsibility to inform me.
The probability of those risks occurring
Fractures are rare occurrences and generally result from some underlying weakness of the bone which I check for when taking your history, x-rays and performing your examination. Stroke has been the subject of tremendous disagreement. The incidences of stroke are exceedingly rare and are estimated to occur between one in one million and one in five million cervical adjustments. The other complications are also generally described as rare.
The availability and nature of other treatment options:
Other treatment options for your condition may include:
- Self administered, over-the-counter analgesics and rest.
- Medical care and prescription drugs such as anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants and pain killers.
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
If you choose to use one of the above noted “other treatment” options, you should be aware that there are risks and benefts of such options and you may wish to discuss these with your primary medical physician.
The risks and dangers attendant in remaining untreated:
Remaining untreated may allow the formation of adhesions and reduce mobility which may set up a pain reaction further reducing mobility. Over time this process may complicate treatment making it more difficult and less effective the longer it is postponed