This is a valid question that you or your family members may have been thinking about.
Chiropractic has a well-documented history as an extremely safe and effective method of drug-free health care since the late 1800’s. However, there are still some concerns that are raised by members of the media and medical practitioners.
While we do not know the reason for these opinions, we will focus on the facts that are easily found in the scientific journals published around the world.
One of the biggest concerns of medical practitioners is that a chiropractor can cause a “stroke” if they provide treatment to a patient’s neck. While we appreciate the concern of our medical colleagues, we need to set the record straight about the safety of our “adjustments” to your neck.
Researchers from the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences at the University of Western Ontario (Canada) studied 80 cases of patients who suffered a “stroke” after experiencing a trauma (injury) to the neck. The results of their study were published in the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences in 2003.
Of the 80 strokes that were studied, here is what actually caused them:
| Number | Percentage | Cause |
| 1 | 1% | Struck by Swinging Car Door |
| 5 | 6% | Chiropractic Manipulation |
| 5 | 6% | Industrial Injury |
| 7 | 9% | Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle |
| 62 | 78% | Motor Vehicle Accident |
As this published study clearly demonstrates, motor vehicle accidents (MVA) are the leading cause of “strokes”.
The authors state that the symptoms of a “stroke” can occur weeks, months or (in rare cases) even years after a MVA. The authors then suggest that “strokes” which were attributed to a chiropractic treatment may have actually been caused by a previous MVA damaging the blood vessels and the symptoms did not appear until a chiropractic treatment months later.
We want you and your family to know that your safety is our first and foremost concern. We will always do everything possible to earn and justify your confidence.
The statistics demonstrate that it is more risky to drive to the chiropractic clinic than it is to receive chiropractic treatment.
If you, your friends or members of your family have any concerns about the safety of chiropractic treatment, please do not hesitate to speak with your chiropractor.
Stretch of the Month
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Try a relaxation technique that involves tensing and relaxing the muscles of each part of the body, one part at a time, start with sitting or reclining in a quiet, comfortable setting with one’s shoes off:
- Make a fist with your right hand for 5–8 seconds, and then relax it.
- Bend your right arm to flex your biceps, and then relax it.
- Make a fist with your left hand, and then relax it.
- Bend your left arm to flex your biceps, and then relax it.
- Raise your eyebrows, and then relax your face.
- Squeeze your eyes shut, then relax.
- Clench your teeth and grimace, then relax.
- Afterward, close your eyes and remain relaxed, breathing deeply.
Towards Wellness
When it comes to specific foods you should eat, an anti-inflammatory diet involves avoiding foods that make inflammation worse and eating plenty of foods that reduce inflammation. These foods all help to reduce some aspect of inflammation include:
Omega-3 fatty acids
Salmon, herring, mackerel (not king), sardines, anchovies, rainbow trout, oysters, eggs, flaxseed (ground & oil) and walnuts.
Extra-virgin olive oil
Use olive oil when cooking.
Antioxidants
May help prevent arthritis, slow its progression & relieve pain.
Vitamin C
Guava, sweet peppers, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, pineapple, lemons, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, kidney beans, cauliflower, red cabbage, mangos.
Selenium
Brazil nuts, tuna, crab, oysters, pasta (whole-wheat), lean beef, cod, whole grains, turkey & wheat germ.
Carotenes
Sweet potato, carrots, kale, butternut squash, turnip greens, pumpkin, mustard greens, red pepper, apricots and spinach.
