Is Chiropractic Safe? Separating Fact from Fiction
When it comes to your health, especially your spine, knowing the facts is essential. This guide will separate myth from measurable risk so you can decide confidently about chiropractic care. Chiropractic care gets a lot of attention (both good and bad), and it’s fair to ask: Is it actually safe?
It’s important to remember that individual health factors can influence risk, and your unique circumstances should always be taken into consideration. This attention to personal details helps build trust and ensures that chiropractic care decisions can be tailored to your specific needs.
The statistics are compelling: For instance, the risk of a serious adverse event is estimated at 1 per 1,000,000 (with papers ranging from 1 per 100,000 to 1 per 10,000,000 spinal manipulations, depending on the definition of serious). To put it into perspective, this risk is roughly comparable to the odds of being struck by lightning, making it exceedingly rare.(“New CDAHK Study Finds Severe Adverse Events Associated with Chiropractic Treatment Are Very Rare”)
To further put this in perspective, imagine filling a large sports stadium with 50,000 fans; you would need 20 stadiums’ worth of people just to experience 1 serious adverse effect. Therefore, the chances of a serious adverse event occurring in your case would still be extremely rare. This means when you choose chiropractic care, you are opting for one of the safest healthcare methods available.
In this article, weâll clear the air. Weâll talk about risks, reality, and why that lingering “chiropractor causes stroke” headline just doesnât hold up under scrutiny. By the end, youâll have a well-rounded, evidence-based perspective that puts safety concerns in context.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Chiropractic Care?
Short answer? Yes, overwhelmingly so.
Chiropractic adjustments, also called spinal manipulations, involve a controlled movement to help ‘move a stuck joint.’ This technique targets joints, usually in the spine, to enhance their natural range of motion. By making these adjustments, we aim to restore your body’s normal function. With millions of such adjustments performed daily, when you’re in the hands of a licensed local Surbition chiropractor, you’re in very safe territory.
According to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health, serious side effects are rare. (“Considering Spinal Manipulation for Low-Back Pain”) In fact, when we speak of adverse events, it’s important to differentiate between typical post-treatment discomfort and true complications. Most people experience mild effects, such as temporary soreness, which is comparable to what you might feel after a new gym workout. These normal responses are generally short-lived and resolve without intervention. True adverse events, on the other hand, remain exceedingly uncommon [1]. (“A retrospective analysis of the incidence of severe adverse events among recipients of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy”)
If you do experience discomfort after your chiropractic session, it is advisable to rest and apply ice to the affected area. Staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activities for a day or two can also help in recovery. Should you have any concerns or prolonged symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your local Surbiton chiropractor for further guidance. These reactions typically resolve within a day or two and are simply part of the body’s natural response to mobility changes and scar tissue breakdown.
What Does the Evidence Say?
Statistically, chiropractic care is one of the safest healthcare approaches available. A 2007 study published in Spine found that serious adverse events occur in less than one-in-a-million chiropractic patient visits [2]. (Thiel et al.) More recent systematic reviews corroborate these findings, reaffirming that the likelihood of experiencing a significant complication is extremely low, especially when compared to common medical procedures. (Hurwitz et al.) Acknowledging the consistency of this data over time helps reassure that the safety evidence is robust and up to date.
This figure is particularly significant given how many people seek chiropractic care for conditions such as back pain, neck tension, sciatica, and mobility issues. The treatment is widely used, yet major incidents remain extraordinarily rare.
Chiropractic vs Medical Risk: How Do They Compare?
Letâs put things into perspective by comparing chiropractic care to more conventional treatments:
- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen), often used for pain relief, are associated with a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers in up to 2% of users [3], which translates to about 1 in every 50 users. (“Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Gastrointestinal (GI) Risk”)
- Standard surgery, depending on the procedure, carries complication rates of 2% to 5%, including infections or nerve damage, translating to about 1 in every 50 users. (“Surgical Complications”) Making our 20 football stadiums full of chiropractic cases starts to look considerably safer.
- Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a condition that occurs in an estimated 10% to 40% of patients, depending on the type of procedure and underlying condition [4]. (“Failed Back Surgery Syndrome”) Whilst not technically always a serious side effect, FBBS cases continue to experience persistent or worsening pain after spinal surgery, often requiring additional interventions or long-term management strategies that can affect their quality of life.
Now consider this: chiropractic adjustments have a serious adverse event rate of less than 0.0001%. (“New Nature Study Concludes Rarity of Severe Chiropractic-related Adverse Events”) Based on these stats, chiropractic could be considered up to 20,000 times safer than some conventional medical interventions.
Of course, context matters. There are situations where surgery is necessary, and medication is essential. It’s also crucial to recognize that not every condition is suitable for chiropractic care. Certain medical issues, such as severe osteoporosis, fractures, or infections, may contraindicate this form of treatment. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified local Surbiton chiropractor is vital to determine the most appropriate and safe course of care. But if youâre weighing conservative care options, chiropractic should absolutely be considered one of the safest choices available.
Cervical Adjustments and Stroke: What You Really Need to Know
Have you ever hesitated to book a local Surbiton chiropractor after reading a headline about strokes? You’re not alone; it’s one of the most persistent and widely shared myths in healthcare. But what does the science actually say?
Understanding Vertebral Artery Dissection (VAD)
This concern arises from a rare condition called vertebral artery dissection (VAD), which can lead to a type of stroke. The fear is that neck adjustments could trigger such a dissection.
However, research tells a different story. A major study published by Cassidy et al. in Spine (2008), a population-based case-control study involving 9.4 million person-years of data, found that patients were just as likely to have visited a medical doctor as a chiropractor before experiencing a VAD-related stroke [6]. (Cassidy et al.) The conclusion? The stroke was already in progress or developing when the patient sought care. The visit didnât cause it.
So, while people presenting with early symptoms (like neck pain or headache) may go to a chiropractor or GP, there is no credible evidence that chiropractic adjustments increase the risk of stroke. (“Risk of Carotid Stroke after Chiropractic Care: A Population-Based Case-Crossover Study”) In fact, it may be more likely for such vascular events to occur during common daily activities, such as turning your head at the gym or reclining at a hair salon sink, both of which have been associated with vertebral artery dissection in case reports due to prolonged or awkward neck positions. (Prasad-Reddy et al.)
In short, correlation does not equal causation. Just because two events happen around the same time does not mean one caused the other. In the case of vertebral artery dissection (VAD), early symptoms such as neck pain or headache may prompt someone to visit a healthcare provider. However, that visit does not initiate the dissection; instead, the underlying issue led to both the symptoms and the visit. The timing is coincidental, not causal. This confusion between timing and causality is how persistent myths, like the one linking chiropractic care to stroke, gain traction despite evidence to the contrary.
An analogy Iâve always liked goes like this: on a hot summerâs day at the beach, two things tend to happen: ice cream sales go up, and so do lifeguard rescues. Just because they occur simultaneously doesnât mean one is causing the other, despite potential fearmongering about eating before you swim. Correlation alone doesnât prove causation, and this kind of confusion is precisely what fuels misconceptions around chiropractic and stroke risk.
As previously stated, chiropractic is one of the safest healthcare professions in the world. In fact, one international safety review by long-time chiropractic sceptic and critic, Prof. Ernst, found that between 1934 and 2010 only 26 fatalities worldwide were reported in connection (not causation) with chiropractic care, and, even then, most of these incidents were poorly reported, lacked medical clarity, or involved unqualified individuals claiming to be chiropractors [7]. (Ernst and Edzard)
And whilst I wouldnât want to knock our hardworking NHS, the British Medical Journal estimates that there are around 17,000 deaths per year in the UK due to medical errors or malpractice [5]. (“Data and Decision-Making Regarding Patient Safety Incidents: A Survey of Leaders in Healthcare Organisations”) While itâs important to acknowledge that scale and volume play a role in this comparison, itâs still a startling admission that puts the relative safety of chiropractic in a sharp, very positive perspective.
Is there a risk of fractures when seeing a chiropractor?
Another topic that sometimes comes up in chiropractic safety discussions is rib fractures, particularly in older adults or those with known bone density issues. Itâs important to emphasise that a healthy, structurally sound rib is highly unlikely to fracture under routine chiropractic care. Other bones, like the spine, are certainly not at risk of fractures when healthy. In nearly all reported cases, rib injuries are associated with predisposing factors such as osteoporosis, previous trauma, or undiagnosed pathology.
To proactively prevent fractures, we conduct a thorough screening process for older adults. This involves specific questions about any history of bone fractures, known osteoporosis, and past traumas. Through these assessments, we aim to tailor our chiropractic techniques to ensure maximum safety.
The thoracic spine, located in the middle and upper back, is where the ribs connect, and occasionally, a sudden but controlled adjustment in this region can place stress on a weakened rib. In most instances where rib injuries occur, there are existing risk factors such as osteoporosis, a history of trauma or previous fracture, or undiagnosed bone thinning. Additionally, many patients are unaware of or forget past rib injuries, which can increase susceptibility and may not be flagged during initial assessment unless specifically discussed.
While undoubtedly unpleasant, rib fractures are generally self-limiting and tend to heal without causing long-term complications. They are painful but temporary; in most cases, full recovery occurs with rest and conservative care. This makes them an unfortunate but still acceptable risk within the broader context of achieving therapeutic benefit, especially when weighed against the alternative of untreated musculoskeletal dysfunction.
At The DISC Chiropractor in Surbiton, we take this risk seriously. If you are over 60, postmenopausal, or have a known history of bone thinning, we modify our techniques accordingly. We may use gentler, low-force tools, instrument-assisted adjustments, or postpone thoracic manipulation until imaging confirms it is safe to proceed. For those concerned about bone weakness or diagnosed with osteoporosis, we also offer non-manipulative treatments focused on soft-tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and other conservative care options tailored to your comfort and safety.
As always, a thorough health history and proper assessment are the best ways to avoid preventable issues. The rare occurrence of rib fractures in chiropractic settings does not indicate poor practice but reinforces the importance of personalised care and clear communication.
Can Chiropractic Make Things Worse? (Especially with Disc Injuries)
Letâs be transparent: chiropractic care can aggravate a condition in the short term if it’s delivered improperly. But so can taking the wrong medication, lifting a washing basket with poor form, or even sneezing in the wrong position.
The quality of assessment and clinical judgment is often what separates safe care from risky care. At The DISC Chiropractor in Surbiton, for example, we always begin with a two-step evaluation process. This includes a comprehensive consultation and, if needed, imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans. We then review everything before beginning any hands-on care.
For new patients, your first appointment will include a detailed history-taking session during which we discuss your medical background and current concerns. This is followed by a physical examination to assess your posture, range of motion, and any areas of discomfort. Once we gather all pertinent information, we will discuss the findings and outline a potential treatment plan, ensuring you feel informed and at ease before initiating any chiropractic adjustments.
We especially tread carefully with disc injuries, trapped nerves, or cases involving severe or chronic symptoms. These conditions require an experienced eye and often a more conservative approach.
Too often, we see or hear about patients who were treated too aggressively at another clinic without a proper diagnosis. In many of these cases, an underlying disc injury was likely either overlooked during assessment or not given the level of clinical respect required. There is no evidence that chiropractic care can cause a previously healthy disc to herniate.
Disc injuries are notoriously difficult to diagnose accurately and, as a result, are very easy to overtreat, especially by clinicians without specific training or who lack experience in this area. The issue isnât chiropractic itself; itâs the lack of thorough assessment and an underappreciation for how subtle yet critical disc-related cases can be; hence, finding a specialist in these cases is essential for anyone concerned about herniations.
Studies have shown that approximately 42% of clinically presenting back pain may be disc-related, which is far more than previously expected [8]. (Verrills et al.) So, underestimating the severity of what is in front of a clinician could be our profession’s most significant obstacle and the source of much of the myth that adjustments can cause herniation of a previously healthy disc.
Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?
Many expectant mothers suffer from lower back pain, pelvic discomfort, or postural changes as their pregnancy progresses. When provided by a practitioner trained in prenatal techniques, chiropractic care can be a safe and effective way to manage these symptoms. We aren’t specialists in perinatal care at The DISC Chiropractor in Surbirton, but we have multiple gentle adjustment techniques that perfectly accommodate growing bellies and changing joint dynamics.
Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on relieving pressure from the spine and pelvis, improving alignment, and promoting overall comfort. There is also evidence that maintaining pelvic balance may positively influence labour outcomes. All care plans are tailored to the trimester and your individual health needs. Good chiropractors prefer not to start a treatment program within the first trimester as an example of extreme caution.
Like any condition, if you are concerned your case is complicated, then we advise seeking a specialist in the area, in this case, a prenatal chiropractor or osteopath.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Children?
Parents often ask whether chiropractic care is appropriate for babies, toddlers, or older children, and the answer is yes, when performed by a good chiropractor trained in paediatric techniques. Chiropractic care for children is significantly gentler than for adults. The adjustments involve light pressure and often no audible âcrack,â making them safe and well-tolerated.
Children may benefit from chiropractic care for a variety of concerns, including colic, feeding difficulties, poor sleep, postural issues, and musculoskeletal discomfort from falls or growth spurts. At The DISC Chiropractor in Surbiton, we regularly see the children of our existing patients for tune-ups and happily treat adolescent children. However, like all good chiropractors, we recognise our limitations and suggest specialist paediatric chiropractors or osteopaths treat infants.
As with all age groups, safety begins with a thorough assessment and open dialogue with parents. If we ever believe chiropractic isnât suitable or should be delayed, weâll let you know and help guide you to the right alternative.
How Do Your Surbiton Chiropractors Minimise Risk?
The best chiropractors follow several key safety principles to ensure you get the right care, at the right time, in the right way. Checking a local Surbiton chiropractor’s qualifications is an essential first step in making an informed choice about your care. Look for practitioners who are registered with recognized professional bodies and have valid licenses to practice.
Verifying your local Surbiton chiropractor’s credentials can involve checking registration details through professional websites or confirming membership in reputable chiropractic associations. This empowers patients to make informed, safe choices about their healthcare providers.:
- Thorough Assessments: Every case starts with a full history & physical examination.
- Diagnostic imaging: having the relevant X-ray or MRI studies when appropriate, particularly in cases involving significant muscle spasm or radicular pain (referred pain).
- Evidence-Based Decision Making: The best Chiropractors use established guidelines and clinical judgment to determine whether adjustments are safe and suitable.
- Conservative First-Line Care: For complex conditions, initial care may involve gentle techniques, anti-inflammatory technology (e.g., laser), or soft-tissue therapy before progressing to spinal manipulation.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Treatment plans are continuously reviewed and adapted based on how your body responds.
This tailored approach greatly reduces the likelihood of complications and increases the chances of successful outcomes.
Working Together with Medical Professionals
The best Chiropractors today are increasingly integrated into the broader healthcare system, and this shift is particularly important for managing complex musculoskeletal conditions. At The DISC Chiropractor in Surbiton, we regularly collaborate with GPs, radiologists, orthopaedic consultants, and other healthcare providers to ensure our patients receive well-rounded, safe care. This might include:
- Referring for blood tests, MRI scans, or X-rays to rule out red flags or confirm diagnoses
- Liaising with GPs about appropriate short-term pain relief, when needed, as part of a conservative care plan
- Coordinating rehabilitation strategies with physiotherapists or surgeons post-operatively or during recovery from serious injury
- Sharing reports and clinical findings with other providers to create a clear, unified care plan
This integrated model promotes open communication and shared responsibility for patient outcomes. It also ensures that no matter how complex your condition is, your chiropractic care is not isolated but fully aligned with your broader health journey. We believe this is how healthcare should workâpatient-centred, evidence-led, and collaborative from start to finish.
So, Should You Be Worried?
If youâre considering chiropractic care, itâs absolutely valid to ask questions and do your research. But the overwhelming consensus from clinical studies and professional bodies is that chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective when delivered by a qualified practitioner.
Credible, peer-reviewed research has thoroughly debunked the stroke myth. Common side effects are minor, and major risks are incredibly rare. Compared to the risks associated with other interventions, chiropractic care offers an impressively low-risk pathway to relief, recovery, and better mobility.
So, if youâre struggling with back pain, stiffness, or nerve irritation, donât let fear hold you back. Find a local Surbiton chiropractor who listens carefully, performs thorough evaluations, and is happy to explain the âwhyâ behind your care plan.
Safe, conservative care is not just possible, itâs the standard in modern chiropractic practice.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chiropractic. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chiropractic
- Gouveia LO, Castanho P, Ferreira JJ. Safety of chiropractic interventions: a systematic review. Spine. 2009.
- Bjarnason I et al. Side effects of NSAIDs on the small and large intestine in humans. Gastroenterology. 2004.
- Deyo RA, Mirza SK. Trends and variations in the use of spine surgery. Spine. 2006.
- British Medical Journal. “Medical error: the third leading cause of death in the US.” BMJ. 2016.
- Cassidy JD, Boyle E, Cote P et al. Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care. Spine. 2008.
- Ernst E. Deaths after chiropractic: a review of published cases. Int J Clin Pract. 2010;64(9):1162-1165. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642794/
- Schwarzer AC, Aprill CN, Derby R, Fortin J, Kine G, Bogduk N. The prevalence and clinical features of internal disc disruption in patients with chronic low back pain. Spine. 1995;20(17):1878â1883. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8534341/
References
“New CDAHK Study Finds Severe Adverse Events Associated with Chiropractic Treatment Are Very Rare.” https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/152578/New-CDAHK-Study-Finds-Severe-Adverse-Events-Associated-with-Chiropractic-Treatment-Are-Very-Rare
“Considering Spinal Manipulation for Low-Back Pain.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2024. https://files.nccih.nih.gov/pain-ebook-2024-08-508.pdf
“A retrospective analysis of the incidence of severe adverse events among recipients of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36690712/
Thiel, et al. “Safety of Chiropractic Manipulation of the Cervical Spine: A Prospective National Survey.” Spine, vol. 32, 2007. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17906581/
Hurwitz, et al. “The risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care..” Spine, vol. 34, 2009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19952656/
“Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Gastrointestinal (GI) Risk.” FDA Backgrounder, November 15, 2018. https://www.fda.gov/files/advisory%20committees/published/AADPAC-11152018-FDABackgrounder.pdf
“Surgical Complications.” Clinical Tree. https://clinicalpub.com/surgical-complications/ Accessed November 16, 2025
“Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.” nm.org. https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/failed-back-surgery-syndrome Accessed November 16, 2025
“New Nature Study Concludes Rarity of Severe Chiropractic-related Adverse Events.” https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-nature-study-concludes-rarity-of-severe-chiropractic-related-adverse-events-301738936.html
Cassidy, et al. “Risk of Vertebrobasilar Stroke and Chiropractic Care: Results of a Population-Based Case-Control and Case-Crossover Study.” Spine, vol. 33, 2008. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18204390/
“Risk of Carotid Stroke after Chiropractic Care: A Population-Based Case-Crossover Study.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, vol. 38, 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27884458/
Prasad-Reddy, et al. “Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome in a 32 Year-Old Female: A Case Report.” Journal of Drugs Addiction & Therapeutics, vol. 15, 2025. https://www.onlinescientificresearch.com/articles/beauty-parlor-stroke-syndrome-in-a-32yearold-female-a-case-report.pdf
Ernst, and Edzard. “Deaths after chiropractic: a review of published cases.” International Journal of Clinical Practice, vol. 64, 2010. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642715/
“Data and Decision-Making Regarding Patient Safety Incidents: A Survey of Leaders in Healthcare Organisations.” BMJ International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, 2023. https://internationalforum.bmj.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/BMJ1557-International-Forum-2023-Whitepaper-6.pdf
Verrills, et al. “Prevalence and Characteristics of Discogenic Pain in Tertiary Practice: 223 Consecutive Cases Utilizing Lumbar Discography.” Pain Medicine, vol. 16, 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26217926/