Chiropractic: A Safe Treatment Option

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of back pain, neck pain, joint pain of the arms or legs, headaches, and other neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects.

The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.1

In addition to being a safe form of treatment, spinal manipulation is incredibly effective, getting patients back on their feet faster than traditional medical care. A March 2004 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care is more effective than medical care at treating chronic low-back pain in those patients who have been experiencing the symptoms for one year or less. In addition, a study published in the July 15, 2003, edition of the journal Spine found that manual manipulation provides better short-term relief of chronic spinal pain than a variety of medications.

Neck Adjustments
Neck pain and some types of headaches are treated through precise cervical manipulation. Cervical manipulation, often called a neck adjustment, works to improve joint mobility in the neck, restoring range of motion and reducing muscle spasm, which helps relieve pressure and tension.

Neck manipulation is a remarkably safe procedure. While some reports have associated upper high-velocity neck manipulation with a certain kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection, recent evidence2 suggests that this type of arterial injury often takes place spontaneously, or following everyday activities such as turning the head while driving, swimming, or having a shampoo in a hair salon.

Patients with this condition may experience neck pain and headache that leads them to seek professional care—often at the office of a doctor of chiropractic or family physician—but that care is not the cause of the injury. The best evidence indicates that the incidence of artery injuries associated with high-velocity upper neck manipulation is extremely rare – about 1 case in 5.85 million manipulations.3

To put this risk into perspective, if you drive more than a mile to get to your chiropractic appointment, you are at greater risk of serious injury from a car accident than from your chiropractic visit.

It is important for patients to understand the risks associated with some of the most common treatments for neck and back pain—prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)—as these options may carry risks significantly greater than those of manipulation. According to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin or NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen.4

Furthermore, surgery for conditions for which manipulation may also be used carries risks many times greater than those of chiropractic treatment. Even prolonged bed rest carries some risks, including muscle atrophy, cardiopulmonary deconditioning, bone mineral loss and thromoembolism.5

If you are visiting your doctor of chiropractic with upper-neck pain or headache, be very specific about your symptoms. This will help your doctor of chiropractic offer the safest and most effective treatment, even if it involves referral to another health care provider. If the issue of stroke concerns you, do not hesitate to discuss it with your doctor of chiropractic. Depending on your clinical condition, he or she can forego manipulation, and instead can recommend joint mobilization, therapeutic exercise, soft-tissue techniques, or other therapies.

Research Ongoing
The ACA believes that patients have the right to know about the health risks associated with any type of treatment, including chiropractic. Today, chiropractic researchers are involved in studying the benefits and risks of spinal adjustment in the treatment of neck and back pain through clinical trials, literature reviews and publishing papers reviewing the risks and complications of neck adjustment.

All available evidence demonstrates that chiropractic treatment holds an extremely small risk. The chiropractic profession takes this issue very seriously and engages in training and postgraduate education courses to recognize the risk factors in patients, and to continue rendering treatment in the most effective and responsible manner.

www.acatoday.org

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James Leadbetter III

Trainer

I  am a certified personal trainer that specializes in functional training for all ages. This type of training utilizes exercise movements in order to improve daily functionality, strength, mobility, and reduce pain/stiffness.

Lek Kathu

Therapist
It is my intention to use massage therapy to provide quality care for all of my patients.
I work to create a customized, outcome-driven treatment plan for each patient and their specific needs.
I specialize in Swedish, Deep Tissue and Medical Massage as well as other therapeutic techniques. All to increase range of motion, release tension, stress and holding patterns associated with injury, trauma and repetitive movements. Restoring balance and leave you feeling your best.

Christy Eldridge

Therapist
I specialize in Myofascial Release Therapy. “Myo” refers to muscle, and “fascia” to the elastic web of connective tissue that ties your body together. My technique helps relieve tension and pain by releasing and lengthening both muscles and fascia.

Mandy Nurenberg

Therapist
I am an LMT with 15 plus years experience. I am committed to providing personalized care to each client, while tailoring my treatments to address specific needs. My warm and compassionate demeanor creates an environment that is comfortable and rejuvenating for those who seek my services.

Ellary Pachulski

Therapist
I am a licensed massage therapist at Viking Chiropractic. I specialize in relaxation massage and deep tissue massage. I started my career as an LMT in 2022, so I am working towards expanding my knowledge into additional services that I will soon be able to provide!

Chad Hickey DC

Owner
I am a Palmer College graduate with over 25 years of experience. I strive to have an office that can treat the “whole” patient. I typically use Gonstead and Diversified techniques, but I am always looking to learn new treatment protocols through continuing education. Our office has achieved what has been my vision for years. We offer several different massage therapists who each bring their own expertise, and now we are able to offer personalized training classes that can target specific body parts or overall body correction. I have loved my opportunity to treat the Lakewood community for all these years and look forward to many more years of interactions.