In general terms, chiropractic care is safe and presents an effective alternative treatment for back pain and other ailments. There are, however, dangers associated with seeking this type of care. To insure you are getting a reputable practitioner, make sure you look for warning signs of danger.
Non-musculoskeletal Ailments
Beware of any chiropractor who claims to be able to help any type of non-musculoskeletal ailment. This practice has been denounced by the National Association of Chiropractic Medicine and the New England Journal of Medicine. Claims of curing ailments such as asthma, ear infection and stomach irritation through Chiropractic care are not supported by medical evidence.
Non-appropriate Manipulations
A good chiropractor will not use machines in adjusting the spine. All adjustments will be done by hand. They will also use other therapies such as massage, rest, hot and cold compresses, and gentle exercise.
Unnecessary and Repeated Treatment
A good chiropractor will not immediately start examining the spine for subluxation. They will take a case history and look for other possible causes of the pain first. Beware of any chiropractor who demands repeated and frequent visits immediately after treatment.
Popping a Healthy Back
Once your back is feeling better, there is no need to continue treatment. Beware if the chiropractor wants to continue manipulating your back once it appears healed. This may do more harm than good.
Neck Manipulation
There is a legitimate place in chiropractic care for neck manipulations. However, this should only be attempted when all other vascular problems have been ruled out. Neck manipulation can be dangerous, and in rare cases, can cause stroke or paralysis.
