Debunking the Chiropractic Stroke Myth

If you have been thinking about visiting a chiropractor for the first time, you may have heard or read about the chiropractic stroke myth. This myth claims that visiting a chiropractor is dangerous as the sudden readjustment of your neck or spine can cause a stroke. Not only is there not a clear origin for this myth, but it is also scientifically unfounded.
If you have been thinking about visiting a chiropractor but are indecisive because of the risk of a stroke, this blog post is for you. We will discuss when a stroke could happen and how safe chiropractic care really is.

Can A Chiropractic Adjustment Cause A Stroke?

People claim that visiting the chiropractor is dangerous because it could cause a stroke. This is extremely unlikely and numerous scientific studies show that chiropractic care is completely safe.

A stroke could happen during spinal realignment if a sudden movement of the neck ruptures a blood vessel. This type of stroke is called a vertebrobasilar stroke (VBS) and is extremely rare. A study published in 2015 shows that the incidence of a VBS stroke is less than 1 case per 100,000.

The same paper concluded that, among the people in the study who visited a chiropractor, “incidence of vertebrobasilar stroke was extremely low” and thus “Small differences in risk between patients who saw a chiropractor and those who saw a primary care physician are probably not clinically significant.”

Another study published in 2012 concludes that “Conclusive evidence is lacking for a strong association between neck manipulation and stroke, but is also absent for no association”.

So, even though a spinal manipulation could theoretically cause a stroke, the likelihood of this happening is not high enough to have a quantifiable effect.

Visiting A Chiropractor Is Completely Safe

Not only are strokes due to spinal manipulation extremely rare, but visiting a chiropractor can have a number of positive health benefits. The amount of scientific literature supporting the health benefits of chiropractic care is very large and continues to grow year after year.

The most obvious benefit of chiropractic care is relief of:

• Lower back pain,
• Upper back pain,
• Headaches,
• Migraines,
• Neck pain,
• Joint pain,
• Whiplash, and more.

If you are thinking about visiting a chiropractor to treat any chronic pain, you can rest assured that the medical literature is on our side. The field of chiropractic care has been proven time and time again to be both safe and effective at combating pain caused by spinal misalignment.

Contact A Licensed Chiropractic Care Clinic Near You Today

If you are ready to begin your journey in chiropractic care, call a licensed clinic near you today. Active Family Chiropractic is a leading chiropractic clinic in Maryland serving Kentlands, Lakelands, Gaithersburg, North Potomac, Rockville, Germantown, Potomac, and neighboring cities. If you are in or near Maryland, call us today at (301) 963-8333 to book your first appointment.

If you still have questions or doubts about the safety or efficacy or chiropractic, you are welcome to get in touch with us to discuss. One of our licensed chiropractors will be happy to address any concerns you may have about beginning your chiropractic care.