Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Chiropractic care is often seen as alternative medicine, a phrase that tends to make some people apprehensive.  Interestingly, people are willing to put things into their body knowing of severe risks associated with over-the-counter or prescription medicines.  However, the uncertainty of alternative medicine is what scares them the most. The safety of chiropractic care is questioned by those who are unsure.  So how do you decide if chiropractic care is safe and right for you?

Risks of Medicinal Treatments

When a person is treated for back pain, neck pain, or headaches, the treatment often consists of a variety of OTC or prescription medicines.  Taking an abundance of anti-inflammatories, analgesics, or muscle relaxants have associated risks, including but not limited to:

• Increased risk of heart failure
• Gastrointestinal damage
• Renal failure
• Dependence
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

Additionally, leaving back pain or other similar ailments untreated can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, depletion of energy, increase in sleeping, depression, and other physical and social constraints.  

The Safety of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a safe alternative to medicinal treatment.  There have been several studies outlining the lack of risks involved with chiropractic care.  One Ontario study reports that no clinical or case studies have shown or even implied that chiropractic care is unsafe.  Of course, with any medical treatment, there are risks, albeit, lower than traditional medicine. Risks associated with chiropractic treatment include:

• Temporary headaches
• Tiredness
• Temporary discomfort in the body parts that were treated

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health discusses the emphasis on the safety of chiropractic care in ongoing research.  Minor side effects of spinal manipulation is relatively common, but the risks of serious side effects have been proven to be very low.

Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs?

There are very few risks associated with chiropractic care.  Complications from taking prescription or OTC medicine are far more serious than those received from spinal manipulation.  Yet, 39% of people in the US still take more than the recommended dosage of pain relieving drugs. With chiropractic care, there is no risk of drug dependence or side effects like constipation that are associated with narcotic pain relief.  Long-term use can result in organ damage or failure. Side effects of chiropractic adjustments are similar to those you might experience from massage. Minor side effects are preferential to the long-term consequence of medication or surgical procedures.

If you are interested in getting safely treated for back pain, neck pain, headaches and/or migraines, call Delaware Integrative Healthcare and Rehabilitation to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members.  Anyone on our team will be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have about the safety of chiropractic care. Call today to start your journey to long term wellness and a pain-free life!

Discuss Your Health History Before Treatment

Chiropractic care is not appropriate for every patient or every condition. Tell your provider about recent injuries, osteoporosis, neurological symptoms, surgeries, medications, pregnancy, and other health concerns. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health provides an overview of potential benefits and risks.

Learn more about chiropractic care at DIH and explore our Delaware locations.

This article is for educational purposes and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for individualized medical advice.

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Related Care and Resources

Related reading: 3 Winter Related Health Problems Helped By Chiropractic Care.

Safety Depends on the Patient and the Technique

Chiropractic care includes different techniques and treatment intensities. A method appropriate for a healthy adult with uncomplicated back pain may not be appropriate for someone with osteoporosis, recent trauma, inflammatory disease, or neurologic symptoms. Safety begins with selecting the right patient and approach.

Common Short-Term Reactions

Some patients experience temporary soreness, stiffness, headache, or fatigue after hands-on treatment. These effects are usually mild and resolve, but patients should report symptoms that are severe, unusual, or worsening. New neurologic symptoms require prompt evaluation.

Information Your Chiropractor Needs

Share your complete health history, medication and supplement list, previous surgeries, pregnancy status, recent infections, cancer history, bone-health concerns, and current symptoms. Mention dizziness, severe headaches, numbness, weakness, or coordination changes. Withholding information can make risk assessment less accurate.

What Informed Consent Should Include

Before treatment, you should understand the proposed technique, expected benefits, alternatives, possible risks, and the option to decline. Ask why a technique is recommended and whether a lower-force alternative is available. Consent can be withdrawn at any point.

How to Choose a Qualified Chiropractor

Verify licensure, ask about experience with your condition, and look for clear communication about diagnosis, alternatives, and referral. Be cautious of guarantees, pressure to purchase lengthy prepaid plans, or claims that spinal treatment cures unrelated diseases. Responsible care uses measurable goals and works with other healthcare professionals when needed.

Patients should feel comfortable asking questions at every visit. Clear explanations, ongoing consent, and willingness to refer are important signs of responsible, patient-centered care.

Schedule Your Next Step

Learn more about Dr. Philip Brown or review care available at our Middletown office. New patients can request an appointment online, and current patients can use the existing-patient scheduling page.

This article provides general educational information and does not replace an individualized evaluation or medical advice.

Primary Chiropractic Resource

For a broader overview and more related patient guides, visit Answers to Your Top 10 Questions About Chiropractic Care.