What are possible negative side effects of being treated by a chiropractor?

Question

Any personal experience with this issue?

Answer 1

Yur wallet will be lighter.

Answer 2

The most common side effect is dependent upon your particular condition. The question is simply too broad. Chiropractic is simply physical "medicine."

Yet you must be very careful in your selection of a Chiropractor, just as you would be of any health care provider. Some
Chiropractors are simply crooks. Some are hustling for that extra dollar to repay an outrageous debt incurred because they became trapped into a very expensive education (Chiropractic colleges are privately owned institutions operated under non-profit status), and there are others who are very honest, ethical, and epitomize what a health care practitioner should be.

Ask the individual about their "philosophy" on Chiropractic, their fees, their health care experience, what type of techniques do they use, do they refer to M.D,/D.O.'s, etc...

Chiropractic education varies from school to school even though all Chiropractic students take the same national exams for licensure. What a Chiropractor can do within their scope of practice varies state by state. There is a standing joke in Chiropractic;Put two Chiropractors in a room and you will get three opinions on what Chiropractic is.

Unfortunately, it is a buyer beware situation. Although there are some outrageous claims on this website, I suggest that you may wish to view www.chirobase.com

Chiropractic when performed honestly and ethically can be a great help in musculoskeletal conditions, but it has its limitations. Unfortunately some Chiropractors don't believe this even when research says otherwise.

Good luck. I hope you find a good practioner.

Sincerely,

A chiropractic student

Answer 3

Basically I have had great success with chiropractors. No real negative side effects what-so-ever, unless you don't want to feel better. My only bad experience with a chiropractor was a few years ago. I took a fall on some ice. I went into my regular chiropractor thinking I just pulled some ribs out of place, or something. My chiro tried adjusting me, to no avail. I ended up going to the ER a day later. Got x-rays and I had cracked 3 ribs. My chiro should have taken x-rays since I had taken a fall. That is my only "bad" experience. Do have x-rays taken if you are just starting to go to a chiro, or if you've had an accident or fall. Simple adjustments to help with betterment of health shouldn't requre x-rays. I still continue seeing a chiro when needed. It is a greatly overlooked form of medicine (without the drugs).

Answer 4

Hi Craig. I am a retired Chiropractor. Generally, Chiropractic treatment is very low risk. This is reflected in Chiropractor's malpractice premiums that tend to run about one tenth of many medical doctor's premiums.

As in any form of health care there are always some risks. One of the most common risks with spinal manipulation is separation of or cracking of a rib. This is very rare by 'medical standards', but it does occur. Fortunately, these kinds of injuries are 'self-limiting' and rarely cause serious or permanent problems.

The most serious 'side effect' of Chiropractic as with any form of medical care, may be a missed diagnosis. This can usually be avoided by good doctors and rational approaches to patient care.

Lastly, very rarely (so rare that medical epidemiologists have not been able to calculate the statistical risk) is an injury to the vertebral arteries in the neck. This can cause a stroke-like injury to the brain, which is obviously very serious. These are very rare, but they do occur. Again, a good doctor will approach the patient with diagnostic evaluations and treatment procedures that minimize this alreadly rare type of event.

Researchers estimate that 16,500 to over 30,000 Americans DIE every year from reactions to Advil and Motrin (Ibuprofen) prescribed by doctors for the treatment of arthritis pain. Another 100,000 are made so sick each year by these drugs (taken as prescribed - not overdoses) that they have to be hospitalized. These same researchers wouldn't even 'guess' at how many people are killed or hospitalized by the over the counter sources of Motrin and Advil.

The severity and size of the above numbers for common, 'safe', drugs should give you some perspective on the incredible relative safety of non-invasive treatment such as Chiropractic.

Hope this was helpful. Best wishes.

Answer 5

Chiropractors engage in a practice similar to Santaria. You can pick up negative vibes with resulting negative life-long experiences. If you practice this religion (any folk religion really) yourself you can attain positive benefits.

Answer 6

It is rare for someone to get an injury by a chiropractor.

Answer 7

I made the mistake of seeing one. Now I'm in worse pain and can't drive over 30 minutes. Arthritis/ and disk disease.

Answer 8

some are good; some are quacks