Here are all the risks associated with chiropractic neck adjustments after a man in his twenties was left with locked-in syndrome after suffering a stroke at his appointment.
You've more than likely scrolled past numerous videos of chiropractors performing adjustments on their patients in recent years, with the treatment becoming increasingly popular.
Videos of people having their bodies contorted into numerous different positions on camera, followed by a satisfying crack and the physician declaring they should feel instant relief from a previous ailment.
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However, the practice has also been hit with numerous cases of patients suffering devastating side effects afterwards, such as a British woman who died after receiving an adjustment, patients being left paralysed and a man who even turned himself blind after attempting an at home adjustment.
More recently, a court found a doctor and radiologist liable in the case of US man Jonathan Buckelew, a man who suffered a stroke while having a neck adjustment.
What has happened to Jonathan Buckelew?
In October 2015 Jonathan underwent a neck adjustment at a chiropractor appointment, per Atlanta News First.
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He later became dizzy, disoriented and unresponsive.
Jonathan was rushed to hospital where doctors failed to diagnose that he was experiencing a severe brain stem stroke, which caused him to develop locked-in syndrome.
The family later launched legal proceedings against the chiropractor, the hospital, Dr. Matthew Womack, radiologist James Waldschmidt, and the on-call neurologist Christopher Nickum.
A court has since ruled the Dr Womack and Waldschmidt had been 'grossly negligent' in failing to diagnose Jonathan's condition. The chiropractor, hospital and other clinical staff were not found liable.
What is locked-in syndrome?
Locked-in syndrome is neurological condition where a person is conscious but unable to move or communicate verbally. In Jonathan's case, he is only able to communicate via eye movements.
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Stroke Association notes that there is no specific cure for locked-in syndrome.
Why are neck adjustments done?
According to MayoClinic, the majority of neck adjustments performed by chiropractors are performed to relieve neck pain, lower back pain and even headaches.
The British Chiropractic Association adds that adjustments typically help patients manage chronic neck pain caused by muscle tightness and strain, joint pain and stress. Chiropractic treatments for neck pain include:
- Hands-on adjustments - the most well known type of chiropractic treatment, where a practitioner manually manipulates an area in order to relieve pain.
- Exercises and stretches
- Support with lifestyle changes
- Soft tissue therapy - techniques targeting surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue
What are the risks of undergoing a chiropractic adjustment?
Of course, the overwhelming majority of people who undergo chiropractic treatments won't experience any adverse side effects - but that's not to say that they don't exist.
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MayoClinic notes that serious complications include herniated discs, nerve compression and certain types of strokes after a neck adjustment.
However, these are rare, with patients urged to make sure they're visiting a qualified practitioner to minimise risks.
People who suffer from osteoporosis, certain cancers and an increased risk of stroke shouldn't visit a chiropractor.
Brenna Cooper