Before receiving any sort of medical treatment, it is a good idea to ask about the types of side effects that you may experience. Chiropractic treatment is generally safe when performed by a licensed and skilled practitioner, and research has shown it to be at least as effective as other modalities for relieving low back pain.
However, while the risk involved chiropractic adjustment is low, the treatment is not ideal for everyone. Certain conditions are contraindications for chiropractic treatment, meaning that the risk for injury is greater than the potential reward. Furthermore, not everyone responds to chiropractic treatment, and it is not in your interest to continue if it is not providing noticeable improvement.
Short-Term Side Effects
Chiropractic takes some time to start working, yet you may experience some negative effects in the hours or days immediately following treatment. These are usually mild and may include fatigue or headaches, as well as stiffness or soreness in the area of the body where you received the manipulation.
However, not everyone experiences negative side effects from chiropractic. Many report no ill effect, while some even experience a significant endorphin release that provides a rush of euphoria.
Possible Complications and Contraindications
Injuries from chiropractic manipulation are rare, but certain pre-existing conditions can put you at a greater risk. You should not attempt chiropractic at all if you have any of the following conditions:
- Known bone or blood vessel abnormalities of the upper neck
- Increased stroke risk
- Spinal cancer
- Osteoporosis
People who have a herniated disk should proceed with caution when seeking chiropractic treatment. Spinal adjustment may not be effective at resolving this condition and may, in fact, make it worse.
There have been reports of people suffering strokes following chiropractic adjustment of the neck, some of which have proven fatal. Investigation has demonstrated that most, if not all, of these people had an existing malformation of the neck arteries that may have contributed to the event. However, if you have concern about the possibility of stroke from chiropractic treatment, you are entirely within your rights to ask your chiropractor not to perform any manipulation of your neck at all.
Different Forms of Treatment
Chiropractic care is tailored to your individual needs, so you should feel free to discuss any modality with which you feel uncomfortable with your chiropractor. A reputable doctor of chiropractic will listen to your concerns and avoid pressuring you into treatments that you don’t want. Chiropractic involves over 100 named techniques, so you should be able to find one that suits your situation and preferences. For more information about the techniques used, contact a clinic today.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Chiropractic Care
