The Truth About Chiropractic Safety: What the Research Really Shows
Separating Fact from Fear
You may have heard concerns about the safety of chiropractic adjustments, particularly those involving the neck. These worries often stem from outdated information or misconceptions rather than current scientific evidence. At Johnstone Chiropractic, we believe you deserve to know the facts about chiropractic safety based on decades of research and millions of successful treatments.
Modern chiropractic care has been extensively studied and proven to be remarkably safe when performed by licensed professionals. The safety concerns that occasionally surface are often exaggerated or taken out of context, creating unnecessary fear about this highly effective form of healthcare.
What Decades of Research Reveals
Comprehensive studies spanning decades have consistently shown that serious complications from chiropractic adjustments are extraordinarily rare. Research examining millions of treatments has documented complication rates that are so low they’re considered statistically insignificant. These studies have looked at everything from minor discomfort to serious adverse events.
The most recent in-depth analysis published in the Spine Journal examined 10 years of hospital records involving 100 million person-years of data. The conclusion was clear: there was no evidence of increased risk with chiropractic care compared to medical management for neck-related issues.
Putting Risk in Perspective
To truly understand chiropractic safety, it’s helpful to compare it with other common healthcare interventions. Over-the-counter pain medications that many people take without a second thought actually carry significantly higher risks than chiropractic adjustments. Annual deaths in the United States from common pain relievers range from thousands to tens of thousands, along with many more hospitalizations.
Even something as routine as getting out of bed in the morning or turning your head to check traffic carries similar statistical risks to those occasionally attributed to chiropractic care. The research shows that serious complications should be considered random and unpredictable events that can happen with any neck movement, not specifically related to chiropractic treatment.
Insurance Companies Recognize Chiropractic Safety
One of the most telling indicators of chiropractic safety comes from the insurance industry, which bases decisions on statistical risk analysis. Malpractice insurance premiums for chiropractors are a fraction of what medical practitioners pay. Insurance companies, whose business depends on accurately assessing risk, clearly recognize the exceptional safety record of chiropractic care.
- Decades of research show extremely low complication rates
- Insurance companies offer lower malpractice premiums for chiropractors
- Serious complications are statistically comparable to everyday activities
- Modern chiropractic techniques continue to improve safety standards
- Licensed chiropractors undergo extensive training in safe treatment methods
Your Safety at Johnstone Chiropractic
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities at Johnstone Chiropractic. We use evidence-based techniques, maintain the highest professional standards, and continuously update our knowledge with the latest research. Before any treatment, we conduct thorough examinations and discuss your health history to ensure chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific situation.
We believe in transparent communication about both the benefits and any potential risks of treatment. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare while feeling confident and comfortable throughout your treatment process.
Schedule Your Appointment
Ready to experience safe, effective chiropractic care for yourself? Contact Johnstone Chiropractic today to schedule your consultation and discover how our evidence-based approach can help improve your health and quality of life.