Ive had a few patients this morning who are concerned about a report from Oklahoma regarding a 30 year old man that died following a cervical chiropractic adjustment. I want to take some time to address the situation. Firstly, I want to say that the death of any young person is terribly tragic and my prayers go out to the family of the young man involved in this incident. Secondly, tragedy provides opportunity for groups and individuals that oppose a particular group or individual to speak out and place blame. I do not know the details of this mans health or the practice, methods or techniques of the chiropractor involved. However, as a chiropractor, I feel obligated to discuss this matter. Chiropractic adjustments to the segments of the neck or cervical region regularly, literally hundreds per day in some offices without incident. The particular stroke that is discussed reportedly occurs once per 2 million cervical manipulations according to research. It takes place when excessive rotation and extension is applied to the upper neck and causes trauma to the artery that passes through the upper cervical region or causes a preexisting clot to release and cause a stroke when it reaches a blood vessel too small to allow the clot to pass. This type of stroke has also been shown to occur from wash basins at salons and is not specific or limited to manipulations of the cervical spine. From a chiropractors perspective, there are different techniques for adjusting the cervical spine. Some use more rotation than others. When done properly, they are all safe and effective. When performed poorly or improperly risks increase, which is true for any medical/healthcare procedure, even taking medication. When comparing the numbers, stroke from a manipulation of the neck is very rare. Note: I am using the term manipulation, rather than adjustment because manipulations are less precise or specific and far more risky. In closing, Id like to address the importance of finding a high quality, skilled chiropractor for your family. Like in any profession, there are the good and the bad. If most people have a bad experience at the medical doctor or dentist, they find another. I ask that you extend chiropractors the same courtesy because your spine and nervous system is crucial to your health and must be cared for properly. Find a chiropractor that makes you feel welcome and comfortable. I have attached a video of one of my Australian Gonstead colleagues providing a cervical chair adjustment (which I use nearly exclusively in my office) to demonstrate that with proper technique. The reason I like this video is because Dr. Ian acknowledges that his technique is not perfect. However, there is very little rotation to the cervical spine. Thus, no risk to the vessels of the cervical spine. To my knowledge, there has never been evidence of stroke caused by a Gonstead cervical chair adjustment. Please respond with your comments, questions and concerns. https://youtube/watch?v=r2GmLb1Yxmg
Posted on: Fri, 07 Nov 2014 18:51:27 +0000
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