Chiropractic care is recognized as being an effective and safe method of care. However, as in all healthcare, there are some very slight risks. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Your condition becoming worse;
• Disc injuries, rib fractures, sprains/strains, tiredness, muscle aches (1 in 139,000 in the neck and 1 in 62,000 in the low back) (1);

Put into context, chiropractic has been shown to be 250 times safer than anti-inflammatory drugs (2) and safer than driving a car (3). Some people may experience some mild soreness for 24 – 48 hours after their adjustments, especially when their body is unwinding. This is a normal sign of change, as may occur after exercise or stretching.

In extremely rare cases, a dissection of a blood vessel in the neck is seen during or shortly after neck treatment. A dissection is a tear in the wall of a blood vessel. In the worst case, this can lead to a cerebral infarction, with possible consequences such as permanent disability or death. Scientifically, there is no causal relationship between neck adjustment by a chiropractor and dissection. The probability of a dissection during or immediately after neck manipulation, the association, is estimated to be at most one in 6 million neck treatments. Dissections are seen during common movements of the neck and can also occur, for example, during an activity that may involve turning the head such as driving or after a visit to the doctor or hairdresser.

It is assumed that a dissection occurs only in patients with an underlying pathology or with a congenital defect. To exclude as much as possible that you belong to this risk group, the chiropractor will carefully go through your health before starting the examination and treatment. It is very important that you inform your chiropractor about your general health, your medical history and medication use and any changes therein. If, in addition to neck or headaches, you have other symptoms such as problems with vision (e.g. double vision), swallowing, talking, walking, dizziness, fainting, miscommunication or disturbed sensation in arms, legs or face, tell your chiropractor.

Clinical experience consistently demonstrates unexpected improvement in people’s life. One study indicated that 23% of people experienced improvement in some other aspect of their health (4). Of individuals who experience such improvements:

• 26% experienced improvements in their respiratory system;
• 25% in their digestive system;
• 14% in their circulatory system/heart;
• 14% in their eyes/vision.

Consent to chiropractic care:

I wish to rely on the chiropractor to exercise his/her judgment during the course of procedures which he/she feels, at the time, based upon the facts known, is in my best interests. I have, to the best of my knowledge, provided the chiropractor with a complete and accurate health history. I have read the above consent. I understand that results are not guaranteed. I intend this consent to cover the entire course of my chiropractic care for this and any future presentation. I hereby request and consent to chiropractic examinations, adjustments and other chiropractic procedures wherever the chiropractor determines necessary.

I understand that chiropractors may sometimes use an adjustment to the cervical spine (neck). This is performed with the hands in a gentle way and for a chiropractor with the right training has an excellent safety record. This is not performed with infants or babies.

On your first appointment there will be an examination performed to see what adjustments are best suited for you, an explanation of these adjustments and how they can help you. A cervical adjustment may be possible. If I do not consent to a particular type of adjustment, I will discuss this with the chiropractor during the first appointment so an alternative option can be provided.

Dvorak study in Principles and Practice of Chiropractic, Haldeman, 2nd Ed.
Arterial Dissections Following Cervical Manipulation: The Chiropractic Experience. Haldeman S et al. Canadian Medical Association Journal, Vol 165, No 7, 905-906, 2001.
What are the Risks of Chiropractic Neck Adjustments. Lauretti W. JACA 1999; 36(9);42-47.
Leboeuf-Yde C, Axen I, Ahlefeldt G, Lidefelt P, Rosenbaum A, Thurnherr T. The types of improved nonmusculoskeletal Side effects of chiropractic treatment: a prospective study. Leboeuf-Yde C. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1997 Oct;20(8):511-5.