Side Effects of chiropractic: A Synthesis of Findings from 11 Studies

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This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of chiropractic: A Synthesis of Findings from 11 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Chiropractic treatment is often associated with minor side effects. While these are generally mild, research suggests they could impact patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. 1

Cervical artery dissection, a serious condition that can lead to stroke, has been linked to chiropractic neck manipulations, particularly those involving high-negative pressure.

Reasons for Side Effects

Side effects from chiropractic treatment are thought to arise from manipulations that can potentially injure blood vessels or alter blood flow to the brain.

Common Side Effects

Headache

Headache is a common side effect of chiropractic treatment.

Dizziness

Dizziness is another reported side effect of chiropractic treatment.

Nausea

Nausea is also among the side effects reported after chiropractic treatment.

Muscle Soreness

Muscle soreness is a frequent side effect following chiropractic treatment.

Side Effects Management

Headache

If you experience a headache, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

Dizziness

If dizziness occurs, it's important to move to a safe location and rest.

Nausea

For nausea, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is recommended.

Muscle Soreness

If muscle soreness is a concern, consult your chiropractor for guidance.

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities in Studies

Several studies have consistently shown that chiropractic treatment can result in minor side effects. 1

Differences in Studies

Some studies have raised concerns about the potential of chiropractic treatment, particularly neck manipulations, to cause cervical artery dissection.

Considerations for Real-Life Application

Before starting chiropractic treatment, it's vital to discuss your health history and treatment goals with your doctor. This helps ensure that chiropractic care is the right approach for your specific needs.

If you experience any side effects following chiropractic treatment, such as headache or dizziness, immediately contact your doctor for advice.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of chiropractic treatment remains limited. 1

Future Research Directions

Further studies are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the side effects of chiropractic treatment, including their predictors, severity, and long-term impact. 1

Conclusion

Chiropractic care can be a beneficial treatment option for many individuals. However, it is essential to recognize that the possibility of side effects exists. 1

Always consult your doctor before starting chiropractic treatment. This allows for a personalized assessment of your health and ensures that chiropractic is the right approach for your condition. Be mindful of any potential side effects and promptly seek medical attention if necessary.

Literature analysis of 11 papers
Positive Content
9
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
2
Article Type
3
0
0
0
11
1.

Adverse reactions to chiropractic treatment and their effects on satisfaction and clinical outcomes among patients enrolled in the UCLA Neck Pain Study.

Author: HurwitzEric L, MorgensternHal, VassilakiMaria, ChiangLu-May

Possible increased pain

Cervical spine manipulation is more likely to result in adverse reactions compared to mobilization for neck pain patients. Patients who experienced adverse reactions were less satisfied with care and had less improvement in pain and disability.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

2.

Adverse events in a chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial for migraineurs.

Author: ChaibiAleksander, BenthJūratė Šaltytė, TuchinPeter J, RussellMichael Bjørn

Mild side effects
Transient effects

This study looked at the safety of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) in patients with migraine. The study found that CSMT was well-tolerated with only mild and transient adverse events reported.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Side-effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation: types frequency, discomfort and course.

Author: SenstadO, Leboeuf-YdeC, BorchgrevinkC F

Local or radiating symptoms

Unpleasant reactions to spinal manipulation were reported by patients in one-third of treatments. These reactions were typically mild, local, and short-lived.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

4.

Side effects of chiropractic treatment: a prospective study.

Author: Leboeuf-YdeC, HenniusB, RudbergE, LeufvenmarkP, ThunmanM

Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Local discomfort
Nausea
Other pain

Unpleasant side effects after spinal manipulative therapy are common and typically mild and transient. The most common reactions are local discomfort and pain in areas other than that of treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

Safety of chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine: a prospective national survey.

Author: ThielHaymo W, BoltonJennifer E, DochertySharon, PortlockJane C

Dizziness
Fainting
Headache
Numbness

This study found that the risk of a serious adverse event following chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine is low to very low. No reports of serious adverse events were found in 50,276 cervical spine manipulations. Minor side effects with a possible neurologic involvement were more common, with the highest risk being fainting/dizziness/light-headedness.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

Characterization of side effects sustained by chiropractic students during their undergraduate training in technique class at a chiropractic college: a preliminary retrospective study.

Author: MacanuelKim, DeconinckAmy, SlomaKatie, LedouxMonique, GleberzonBrian J

Injuries

Chiropractic students experience side effects during their undergraduate training that are very similar to those experienced by patients under clinical care.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

8.

Adverse reactions to chiropractic treatment and their effects on satisfaction and clinical outcomes among patients enrolled in the UCLA Neck Pain Study.

Author: HurwitzEric L, MorgensternHal, VassilakiMaria, ChiangLu-May

Possible increased pain

Cervical spine manipulation is more likely to result in adverse reactions compared to mobilization for neck pain patients. Patients who experienced adverse reactions were less satisfied with care and had less improvement in pain and disability.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

9.

Frequency and characteristics of side effects of spinal manipulative therapy.

Author: SenstadO, Leboeuf-YdeC, BorchgrevinkC

Dizziness
Headache
Hot skin
Local discomfort
Nausea
Radiating discomfort
Tiredness

55% of patients reported at least one unpleasant reaction after spinal manipulative therapy. The most common reactions were local discomfort (53%), headache (12%), tiredness (11%), or radiating discomfort (10%). These reactions were typically mild or moderate and resolved within 24 hours.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

10.

Self-care: An Australian case study of chiropractic patients.

Author: JamisonJennifer R

Healthy lifestyle

Chiropractic patients reported a healthy lifestyle, but few displayed appreciation of possible side-effects or 'dose-response' relationships of self-care initiatives.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

Chiropractic management of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a report of two cases.

Author: CollocaChristopher J, PolkinghornBradley S

Medication reduction
Pain reduction
Tissue fragility
Work disability

Chiropractic care may be of benefit to some patients with connective tissue disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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