The Process
Generally speaking, the practice of Chiropractic care is completely safe. Chiropractors train for a number of years in most cases completing an accredited MD program before their studies. Chiropractors use a wide variety of techniques to help their patients but mostly work with spinal manipulation to make adjustments. These adjustments unblock the flow of trapped energy in the spinal cord. Occasionally there will be pops or cracks heard during the treatment. Sometimes the patient may feel some minor discomfort and on rare occasions the treatment can cause injury.
How Minor Injuries Can Occur
The chiropractor takes his hand and lays them on the patient's spine. He applies gentle to moderate pressure in an attempt to push the joint beyond its normal range of motion. This practice is the main reason many patients may hear a popping or clicking sound during their sessions. It is important to note that this practice is safe the overwhelming majority of the time. However, there are instances where the joint may have had too much pressure applied to it. It can result in pain, inflammation and minor discomfort. If the pain or discomfort is excessive and doesn't correct itself in a few days, then additional medical attention should be sought.
Severe Neck Injuries
Although extremely rare according to The Mayo Clinic, there are occasions where Chiropractic treatments to the neck can cause strokes and paralysis. The treatment involves manipulation and can on occasion disrupt the flow of blood to the brain. This can cause the patient to suffer unconsciousness and even a stroke. Unfortunately, chiropractic neck treatment has also been linked to a few cases of permanent paralysis. The manipulation of the neck again was to blame for restricting the blood flow through the spinal cord. The unfortunate outcome was permanent paralysis in the legs and arms. Again, these instances are quite rare but can happen.
Tags: minor discomfort, permanent paralysis, spinal cord