Chiropractic is an alternative health practice that provides care for the spine, muscular and skeletal problems, the dysfunction of joints, and connective tissues. A great deal of research has been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care and the results have overwhelmingly shown that treatment is safe, reliable, and has few risks. The ACA (American Chiropractic Association) has reported that as many as 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives; chiropractors provide a valuable option for such treatment. Side effects are rare, usually involving muscular pain in the target areas of treatment. No medical treatment is risk-free.
The most commonly reported complication is worsening of the original condition. The chiropractic manipulation slowly, carefully moves joints to improve mobility and function. The surrounding tissue can be inflammed and a manipulation can aggravate these tissues causing increase in pain. In such an event, a patient may be referred to a different medical specialist.
The second most commonly reported complication is fracture of the rib or vertebrae, most often in elderly patients or people with osteoporosis or other bone weakening conditions.
Attempts by interest groups antithetical to chiropractic have tried to link it with stroke. While rare cases of stroke of individuals under the care of a chiropractor have been reported, studies of any actual cause and effect have not been proven. According to the National Institute of Health, there is “no evidence of excess risk of VBA stroke associated with chiropractic care compared to primary care.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2271108/
An important technique called Activator Protocol is a low force manipulation of the vertebrae, which greatly reduces any risk of pain or fracture. The Natural Wellness and Chiropractic Center is trained in this technique for those who are new to chiropractic or wish to “test the waters” and work their way up to more deep-tissue treatments.
It should be noted that chiropractors have the lowest malpractice rates of all doctors.
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