Wondering if chiropractic care is safe? It can be an appropriate treatment option for many people with certain musculoskeletal conditions, but chiropractic care is not right for every person or every condition. Safety starts with an appropriate evaluation, a review of your health history, and a treatment plan based on your symptoms and physical findings.
At TeamMD, chiropractic care in Clifton, NJ focuses on evaluating musculoskeletal and spinal concerns and developing personalized treatment plans. The Clifton team describes its approach as including patient history, physical and orthopedic examination, functional movement and posture assessment, and individualized treatment planning.
If you’re considering chiropractic treatment for the first time, here are five common concerns worth understanding.
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Is chiropractic care safe?
For many patients, chiropractic care can be performed safely by a trained and licensed professional, but safety depends on the person’s condition, symptoms, medical history and the type of treatment being considered.
Spinal manipulation is one technique used in chiropractic care. Research indicates that it may provide modest improvements in pain and function for some people with low-back pain, while manipulation or mobilization may also help some people with neck pain. Temporary soreness, stiffness, discomfort or headache can occur after treatment and usually resolve within a short period. Serious complications are considered rare, but they have been reported.
That is why a responsible chiropractic visit should begin with an evaluation rather than automatically performing an adjustment.
Concern #1: “Will a chiropractic adjustment hurt?”
A chiropractic adjustment should not be assumed to be painful, although some people may experience temporary soreness or discomfort afterward.
During an adjustment, a trained practitioner applies a controlled force to a spinal or other joint. Patients may hear a popping or cracking sound during the procedure.
Some people experience mild soreness, stiffness, headache or temporary discomfort after spinal manipulation. These effects are generally short-lived.
Your comfort is also important. Tell your provider if a technique causes significant pain or if you are uncomfortable with a particular treatment.
At Clifton chiropractic location, treatment planning is based on an evaluation of your symptoms, health history, movement and physical findings rather than using the same approach for every patient.
What can you do before an adjustment?
Tell your chiropractor about:
- Previous injuries
- Surgeries involving your spine or joints
- Current symptoms
- Numbness or weakness
- Current medications
- Known medical conditions
- Any concerns you have about treatment
This information can help the provider determine which treatment approach is appropriate.
Pain holding you back from daily life?
Get a personalized treatment plan in the same week.
Concern #2: “Is chiropractic care safe if I have a herniated disc or spinal problem?”
It depends on the specific spinal condition, symptoms and examination findings. A herniated disc or other spinal problem should not automatically be treated with the same technique used for uncomplicated musculoskeletal pain.
chiropractic services in NJ describes its approach as beginning with a detailed consultation and patient history, followed by physical and orthopedic examination and functional movement and posture assessment. Treatment may include spinal manipulation, joint mobilization, soft-tissue therapy, corrective exercises and posture or lifestyle guidance depending on the patient’s needs.
Some evidence supports spinal manipulation as one treatment option for certain types of low-back pain, but that does not mean it is appropriate for every spinal condition. NCCIH notes that people with underlying health problems may have greater risks from spinal manipulation and should be thoroughly assessed before treatment.
If you have severe or worsening symptoms, weakness, significant numbness or other concerning neurological symptoms, your first step should be an appropriate medical evaluation rather than assuming chiropractic adjustment is the answer.
Concern #3: “Can chiropractic adjustments cause a stroke?”
This is an important concern, particularly when discussing manipulation of the neck. Serious neurological events involving the arteries of the neck are rare, but the potential risk should not be dismissed.
Neck-focused spinal manipulation has been associated with cervical artery dissection, a tear in the wall of an artery in the neck that can lead to stroke. However, current evidence does not establish a simple cause-and-effect relationship between cervical manipulation and cervical artery dissection. NCCIH notes that the incidence appears low and that there is disagreement about whether manipulation itself causes these artery injuries.
The American Heart Association also recognizes cervical artery dissection as an important cause of stroke and notes that the relationship between cervical manipulation and dissection has been studied but remains an area where the evidence has limitations.
Why does the evaluation matter?
Before treatment, patients should discuss relevant medical history and symptoms with their provider. A practitioner can then determine whether a particular technique is appropriate or whether another treatment approach would be safer.
If you experience sudden neurological symptoms such as facial drooping, difficulty speaking, severe sudden headache, loss of balance or sudden weakness, seek emergency medical attention rather than attempting to treat those symptoms with chiropractic care.
Concern #4: “Do I have to keep getting chiropractic treatment forever?”
No. Chiropractic care does not automatically mean lifelong treatment. The appropriate duration and frequency depend on your condition, goals and response to treatment.
Our Chiropractic care team emphasizes personalized treatment plans rather than a single treatment schedule for everyone.
Some people may seek care for a specific episode of back or neck pain. Others may require a longer treatment plan when dealing with recurring or chronic musculoskeletal problems.
A useful question to ask your provider is:
“What is the goal of my treatment, and how will we know whether it is working?”
Your treatment plan should be based on your symptoms, functional goals and response to care.
If your symptoms are not improving as expected, that should also be discussed with your provider so your treatment plan can be reassessed.
Pain holding you back from daily life?
Get a personalized treatment plan in the same week.
Concern #5: “Is chiropractic care actually supported by evidence?”
There is evidence supporting spinal manipulation for certain musculoskeletal conditions, but the benefits depend on the condition and individual patient.
NCCIH reports that spinal manipulation may provide modest improvements in pain and function for some adults with acute or chronic low-back pain. It also reports evidence that manipulation or mobilization may help some people with neck pain. The quality of evidence varies by condition and study.
That means chiropractic care should not be presented as a universal treatment for every type of pain.
A better approach is to identify the likely source of the patient’s symptoms, determine whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate and establish realistic goals for care.
Our chiropractic care is positioned within a broader musculoskeletal and multidisciplinary care environment, with services that also include pain management, orthopedic care, physical therapy, podiatry and other specialties.
What Happens During a Safe Chiropractic Visit?
A responsible chiropractic visit should involve more than simply getting an adjustment.
1. Your provider reviews your health history
You’ll have an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, previous injuries, medical conditions and other relevant health information.
2. Your treatment options are discussed
Depending on your condition, treatment may include:
- Spinal manipulation
- Joint mobilization
- Soft-tissue therapy
- Corrective exercises
- Posture guidance
- Lifestyle guidance
Not every patient needs every treatment.
3. Your response to treatment should be monitored
A treatment plan should be reassessed based on how your symptoms and function respond.
This patient-specific approach is more appropriate than assuming one technique or treatment schedule works for everyone.
When Might Chiropractic Care Not Be Appropriate?
Chiropractic treatment should not be treated as a substitute for urgent medical evaluation when serious symptoms are present.
Certain conditions may require a different treatment approach or additional medical assessment. Mayo Clinic, for example, advises against chiropractic adjustment in certain circumstances including severe osteoporosis, some neurological symptoms, spinal cancer, increased stroke risk and certain upper-neck abnormalities.
Talk with a healthcare professional before treatment if you have concerns such as:
- New or worsening weakness
- Significant numbness or loss of sensation
- Serious neurological symptoms
- A history of certain spinal or vascular conditions
- Severe osteoporosis
- Recent major trauma
- A known condition that may make spinal manipulation inappropriate
The right treatment depends on the individual, which is why an evaluation matters.
Pain holding you back from daily life?
Get a personalized treatment plan in the same week.
How Can You Tell if a Chiropractic Provider Is Taking Safety Seriously?
Before beginning treatment, consider whether the provider:
- Asks about your health history
- Evaluates your symptoms and physical condition
- Explains the recommended treatment
- Discusses reasonable expectations
- Answers your questions about risks and benefits
- Adjusts the treatment approach to your individual needs
- Reassesses your progress when necessary
A provider should be willing to explain why a particular treatment is being recommended rather than treating every patient the same way.
Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?
Chiropractic care may be a useful option for some people dealing with back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports-related injuries and other musculoskeletal concerns. However, whether it is appropriate depends on the individual patient.
Our chiropractic team uses an evaluation-based approach that includes patient history, physical and orthopedic examination, movement and posture assessment, and individualized treatment planning.
If you’re considering chiropractic care in Clifton, NJ, you can discuss your symptoms and concerns with the TeamMD team before beginning treatment.
Book an appointment to discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.
Pain holding you back from daily life?
Get a personalized treatment plan in the same week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe for most people?
Chiropractic care can be appropriate for many people when performed by a trained and licensed professional, but it is not appropriate for every condition. A patient’s medical history, symptoms and physical findings should be considered before treatment.
What are the most common side effects of chiropractic adjustments?
Temporary soreness, stiffness, headache or increased discomfort can occur after spinal manipulation. These effects are generally mild and short-lived. Serious complications are rare but have been reported.
Is chiropractic care safe for a herniated disc?
It depends on the individual’s condition and symptoms. A herniated disc does not automatically mean that spinal manipulation is appropriate. A qualified provider should evaluate the patient before recommending treatment.
Can chiropractic neck adjustments cause a stroke?
Serious events involving cervical arteries are rare, but cervical artery dissection has been associated with neck manipulation. Current evidence does not establish a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship, so patients should discuss relevant risks and medical history with their provider.
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
There is no universal number of visits. Treatment frequency should depend on the patient’s condition, treatment goals and response to care. TeamMD describes its chiropractic treatment plans as personalized to the patient’s needs.
What should I tell my chiropractor before treatment?
Tell your provider about your symptoms, previous injuries or surgeries, medical conditions, medications and any concerns you have about treatment. Complete information helps the provider determine an appropriate treatment approach.
Can older adults receive chiropractic care?
Some older adults may receive chiropractic care, but treatment should be adapted to the individual’s health, bone health, symptoms and physical condition. Severe osteoporosis and certain other conditions may make some forms of adjustment inappropriate.
What should I do if I am nervous about my first adjustment?
Tell your provider that you are nervous and ask what the evaluation and treatment will involve. Understanding the purpose of the recommended treatment and discussing alternatives can help you make a more informed decision.
