Informed Consent Form
The doctor of chiropractic evaluates the patient using standard examination and testing procedures. A chiropractic adjustment involves the application of a quick, precise force directed over a very short distance to specific vertebra or bone. There are a number of different techniques that may be used to deliver the adjustment, some of which utilize specially designed equipment. Adjustments are usually performed by hand but may also be performed by hand-guided instruments. In addition to adjustments, other treatments used by chiropractor include physical therapy modalities (heat, ice, ultrasound, and soft-tissue manipulation), nutritional recommendations and rehabilitative procedures.
Chiropractic treatments are one of the safest interventions available to the public demonstrated through various clinical trials and indirectly reflected by the low malpractice insurance paid by chiropractors. While there are risks involved with treatment, there are seldom great enough to contraindicate care. Referral for further diagnosis or management to a medical physician or other health care provider will be suggested based on a history and examination findings.
Listed below are summaries of both common and rare side-effects/complications associated with chiropractic care:
Common 1.2
*Reactions most commonly are local soreness, discomfort (53%), headaches (12%), and tiredness (11%).
*Radiating discomfort (10%), dizziness, the vast majority of which resolve within 48 hours.
Rare 3.4
*Fractures of joint injuries in isolated cases with underlying physical defects, deformities of pathologies
*Physiotherapy burns due to some therapies
*Disc herniation
*Cauda Equina Syndrome (2) (1 case per 100 million adjustments)
*Compromise of the vertebrobasilar artery (i.e. stroke) (range: 1 case per 400,000 to million cervical spine adjustments [manipulation]). This associated risk is also found with consulting a medical doctor for patients under the age of 42 and is higher for those older than 42 when seeing a medical doctor.4, 5 These findings suggest that neither chiropractic or medical care is the cause, but rather because patients with a dissection in progress have symptoms of headache or neck pain they seek care from a health care provider. Please indicate to your doctor if you have a headache or neck pain that is the worst you have ever felt.
Reasonable alternatives to these procedures have been explained to me including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, possible surgery, and non-treatment. Listed below are summaries of concern with the associated alternative procedures.
Long-term use or overuse of medication carries some risk of dependency with the use of pain medication the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding among other risks
Surgical risks may include unsuccessful outcome, complications such as infection, pain, reactions to anesthesia, and prolonged recovery.6
Potential risks of refusing or neglecting care may result in increased pain, restricted motion, increased inflammation, and worsening of my condition..7
Neck and back pain generally improve in time, however, recurrence is common. Remaining active and positive improve your chances of recovery.
1. Senstad O, Leboeuf-Yde C, Borchgrevink CF. Side-effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation: type’s frequency, discomfort and course. Scand J Prim Health Care. Mar 1996;14(1):50-53.
2. Thiel HW, Bolton JE, Docherty S, Portlock JC. Safety of chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine: a prospective national survey. Spine. Oct 1 2007;32(21):2375-2378; discussion 2379.
3. Shekelle PG, Adams AH, Chassin MR, Hurwitz EL, Brook RH. Spinal manipulation for low-back pain. Ann Intern Med. Oct 1 1992;117(7):590-598.
4. Boyle E, Cote P, Grier AR, Cassidy JD. Examining vertebrobasilar artery stroke in two Canadian provinces. Spine. Feb 15 2008;33(4 Suppl):S170-175.
5. Cassidy JD, Boyle E, Cote P, et al. Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care: results of a population-based case-control and case-crossover study. Spine. Feb 15 2008;33(4 Suppl):S176-183.
6. Carragee EJ, Hurwitz EL, Cheng I, et al. Treatment of neck pain: injections and surgical interventions: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine. Feb 15 2008;33(4 Suppl):S153-169.
7. Carroll LJ, Hogg-Johnson S, van der Velde G, et al. Course and prognostic factors for neck pain in the general population: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine. Feb 15 2008;33(4 Suppl):S75-82.