It's a fair question, and the honest answer is that chiropractic care is generally considered safe for most people when it's done by a licensed doctor of chiropractic after a proper history and exam. Like any health care, it has side effects and rare risks, and you should know about them.
Common, mild side effects
Some people feel soreness, stiffness or tiredness for a day or so after an adjustment, much like after a new workout. These usually pass on their own.
Rare, serious risks
Serious problems are rare. The one people hear most about is a tear in an artery in the neck (cervical artery dissection), which can lead to a stroke. Research hasn't shown that neck adjustments cause these tears, and some people who have one go to a chiropractor or medical doctor because the tear itself is causing neck pain or a headache. That's why we screen carefully.
How we keep care safe
- A full history and exam before any treatment, including questions about warning signs
- Reviewing X-rays, MRIs and surgical notes when you have them, and ordering or referring for imaging when needed
- Low-force and instrument techniques for people who aren't suited to, or don't want, manual adjustments
- Referring to a medical provider when your symptoms need one
Choosing a chiropractor
A good chiropractor explains what they find, what they recommend and why, and what it will cost, before starting. Be cautious about anyone who pressures you into a long prepaid plan on your first visit. See how to choose a chiropractor.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Our doctors are doctors of chiropractic (D.C.), not medical doctors. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.