The Backstory – Oxford Chiropractor

Is seeing a Chiropractor safe? The potential risks and benefits!

“Unlocking the Secrets of Chiropractic Care: Discover the Potential Risks and Benefits!”

Are you curious about the wonders of chiropractic care but also wary of potential risks? Well, fear not! Let’s delve into the fascinating world of chiropractic adjustments, exploring the potential benefits while being mindful of the few risks that exist.

Chiropractic is widely recognised as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although Chiropractic has an excellent safety record, and your treatment at The Backstory is carried out by a fully qualified and competent Chiropractor, no healthcare treatment is completely free of adverse side effects. The risks associated with Chiropractic are very small and will be discussed with you before any treatment commences.

The Thrilling Benefits:

Natural Pain Relief 

Chiropractic care has a remarkable ability to alleviate pain, especially for issues including lower back pain, neck pain and discomfort, and headaches. Embrace the potential of drug-free and non-invasive treatments to bid farewell to persistent aches!

Enhanced Functionality

Feeling like a well-oiled machine is the dream, right? Chiropractic adjustments aim to enhance joint mobility and optimise your body’s performance, so you can tackle life with grace and agility.

Holistic Harmony

It’s not just about the cracks and pops – chiropractic care embraces a holistic approach. At The Backstory, we consider your entire well-being, providing guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle tweaks for a well-rounded health journey.

The Balanced Perspective:

⚠️ Minor Discomfort: While the majority of patients experience smooth sailing, a few might encounter such as temporary soreness, stiffness, or fatigue. These effects are generally short-lived and considered normal as your body adapts to the changes.

⚠️Pre-existing Conditions: Certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as osteoporosis or spinal cord compression, may require more caution during chiropractic treatment. It’s crucial to inform your chiropractor about any health issues you may have, and how advanced they might be, so that they can make sure that you are appropriate for Chiropractic care, and if you are, to ensure safe and appropriate care.

⚠️ Rare Risks: Like any medical intervention, there are some potential risks. There have been some reports suggesting an association between chiropractic neck adjustments and a type of stroke called vertebral artery dissection. However, recent research has dispelled these reports.

Two notable studies, conducted by Cassidy et al., have shed light on this topic:

1. Vertebrobasilar Artery and Chiropractic Care (2010): The study published in the Spine Journal in 2010 aimed to investigate the association between chiropractic visits and vertebrobasilar artery stroke. The research concluded that there was no evidence of an increased risk of stroke associated with chiropractic care. The authors found that patients were equally unlikely to experience a stroke whether they had visited a chiropractor or a primary care physician.

2. Carotid Artery Dissection and Chiropractic Care (2016): In another study published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases in 2016, Cassidy et al. explored the association between chiropractic visits and carotid artery dissection. Similar to the previous study, they found no evidence to suggest that chiropractic care increased the risk of carotid artery dissection.

Understanding Association and Risk: It’s essential to clarify the difference between an association and a causal relationship. While the studies show an association between chiropractic visits and strokes, it does not mean that chiropractic care causes strokes. The association simply means that people who experience strokes may sometimes seek medical or chiropractic services.

Chiropractors and Patient Safety: Chiropractors prioritise patient safety above all else. Before administering any care, they perform a thorough health history and examination to identify any risk factors or pre-existing conditions that might contraindicate certain treatments.

Recognizing Strokes: Chiropractors are trained to recognise the signs of stroke during their assessment. If a patient presents with symptoms that could indicate a stroke in progress, they will promptly refer the patient to the appropriate medical professional for immediate evaluation and treatment.

Collaborative Approach: Chiropractors work in conjunction with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive patient care. They understand the importance of timely medical intervention in certain cases and will not hesitate to refer patients for further evaluation if needed.

Patient Education: Chiropractors take the time to educate their patients about the benefits and potential risks of chiropractic care. They encourage open communication and address any concerns or questions patients may have.

In conclusion, the research conducted by Cassidy et al., published in prestigious medical journals, has demonstrated that chiropractic care does not increase the risk of strokes. Chiropractors are well-trained professionals who prioritise patient safety and are knowledgeable about the signs of stroke. By working collaboratively with other healthcare providers and emphasising patient education, chiropractors provide safe and effective care to their patients.

You can rest assured that chiropractic care is a valuable and safe option for managing musculoskeletal issues, without increased risk of stroke. Embrace the transformative benefits of chiropractic care, and trust in the expertise of your chiropractor to lead you towards improved health and well-being!