Chapter 1: Understanding Stroke and Chiropractic Care

Have you ever encountered the belief that chiropractic adjustments could trigger a stroke? This fear is quite prevalent, yet the reality is that such claims often stem from misinformation and a misunderstanding of bodily functions.

To begin, let's clarify what constitutes a stroke. A stroke is a critical medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, potentially resulting in brain injury or even death. There are two primary forms of strokes: ischemic strokes, resulting from a blocked artery, and hemorrhagic strokes, caused by a ruptured blood vessel.

Now, shifting our focus to chiropractic care. Chiropractic is a branch of alternative medicine concentrating on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. One of the most frequently performed procedures by chiropractors is spinal adjustment, or manipulation. During this process, the chiropractor applies controlled pressure to spinal joints with the aim of alleviating pain and enhancing function.

So, what is the relationship between chiropractic treatments and strokes? Rare instances have been reported where individuals experienced a stroke post-adjustment. However, it's crucial to emphasize that most of these cases involved individuals with pre-existing health issues, such as a partially blocked artery in the neck, which heightened their stroke risk.

In fact, extensive research indicates that the likelihood of suffering a stroke following a chiropractic adjustment is exceedingly low. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that the incidence of stroke after chiropractic adjustments was less than one in a million. By contrast, the risk of stroke from taking aspirin, a widely used painkiller, is estimated at about one in 100,000.

In summary, while it is feasible to have a stroke after a chiropractic adjustment, the risk remains minimal, comparable to other everyday activities like taking pain medication. If you have reservations regarding the safety of chiropractic treatments, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or chiropractor to evaluate your personal health history and risk factors.

In conclusion, the perceived link between chiropractic care and strokes is predominantly fueled by misunderstandings and misinformation. Given its low risk and various advantages—including pain relief and enhanced functionality—chiropractic care can serve as a safe and effective alternative medical option for many individuals.

Chapter 2: Evolving Understanding and Studies

The perception of the connection between cervical manipulation and vertebral artery dissection (VADS) has changed over the years. Initially, case reports emerged linking cervical manipulation therapy (CMT) to VADS. Some of these cases mistakenly identified the practitioner as a chiropractor while attributing the dissection to CMT. However, other reports have also suggested that VADS could stem from various mechanical incidents.

Retrospective surveys were conducted to delve deeper into the relationship between CMT and VADS. For instance, a survey by the Swiss Society for Manual Medicine estimated the occurrence of minor and major complications at rates of 1 in 40,000 and 1 in 400,000, respectively. A California neurologist survey showed a 37% response rate, with 21% of respondents acknowledging at least one stroke case. A 10-year retrospective analysis of chiropractors in Denmark found the incidence of cerebrovascular incidents to be one case for every 362 chiropractor years and one case for every 1.3 million cervical treatment sessions.

A biomechanical study assessed the strain on the vertebral artery during cervical manipulation. The findings indicated that the average strain during CMT was 6.2% greater than at rest, yet it was deemed unlikely to cause a tear or other mechanical disruption to a healthy vertebral artery. Additional studies, including a retrospective review of 23 VADS cases, suggested that one in 48 chiropractors might encounter such cases, contrasting with one in two neurologists. The authors concluded that this discrepancy in perceptions of VADS between neurologists and chiropractors could be due to selection or referral bias. Nevertheless, none of these studies sufficiently addressed risk assessment or established a causal link between CMT and VADS.

This video titled "The Risk of Stroke After a Chiropractic Adjustment | Podcast Ep. 365" explores the concerns surrounding chiropractic adjustments and their potential link to stroke incidents, highlighting expert opinions and research findings.

In this video, "Busting Chiropractic Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction!" various misconceptions about chiropractic care are addressed, providing viewers with evidence-based insights.