This is a val
id 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 riskier 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.
Towards Wellness: Is Stress Getting in the Way of Achieving Your Health Goals?
Modern living and stress seem to go hand in hand and it may be no surprise to you that the effects of stress can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing. Nevertheless, you may not know that the effects of stress can impact other body systems potentially hindering the achievement of health goals such as losing weight or improving digestive function, so it is important to understand what the stress response is and how it could affect you.
S-T-R-E-T-C-H of the Month: Pretzel Stretch
• Lie on your left side with your head resting on your arm.
• Bend your right hip and knee up toward your chest as far as you can, and then let it drop to the floor.
• Bend your left knee and grab your left foot (use a strap if you can’t reach it) with your right hand.
• Make sure your leg and torso remain in a straight line as you gently bring your top shoulder blade toward the floor.
• For more of a spinal twist, turn your head to look over your right shoulder.
• Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the opposite side.