What are the disadvantages of a chiropractor?

As a Chiropractor I am commonly asked about the side effects and risks of Chiropractic. Today I will be focusing on the potential drawbacks. But don’t worry, we’ll also touch on the benefits to give you a well-rounded perspective.

Now, you might be wondering, “If chiropractors can help with back pain, why are we talking about disadvantages?” Well, like any medical treatment, chiropractic care isn’t without its risks and potential downsides. It’s important to have all the information before making decisions about your health, right?

Let’s start with the cons:

1. Potential for temporary discomfort

This is the greatest risk is after a chiropractic adjustment, some people experience mild aches, stiffness, or soreness. It’s a bit like how you might feel after a good workout – a little sore, but nothing too alarming. This discomfort usually subsides within 24 hours, but it can be off-putting and annoying for some patients. In our clinic, all our chiropractors ring our customers the evening of their first treatment, to check they are feeling OK. If they have any soreness or extra questions we help them by reassuring them and giving them advice (icing their pain typically).

2. Rare but serious complications

While extremely rare, there have been reports of more serious complications following chiropractic treatment. These can include stroke (vertebrobasilar stroke associated with neck manipulation) and fracture of the spine or ribs. It is important to note that these severe complications are very uncommon. The risk of stroke with spinal manipulation is considered between 1:400,000 to 1:2,000,000 according to research. Indeed recent research in 2015 looking at over 1.1 million elderly people said “Chiropractic cervical spine manipulation is unlikely to cause stroke in patients aged 66–99 with neck pain. For patients who saw a chiropractic physician, the adjusted probability of any type of stroke was lower than those who saw a primary care physician at days 1 through 24 following office visit, but higher at days 25–30, but these temporal associations are of doubtful clinical significance.” I personally feel there is a low risk but it can be considered extremely low.

3. Varying effectiveness

Chiropractic care isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While many people find relief from conditions like low back pain and sciatica through chiropractic treatments, others may not experience the same benefits. The outcome can vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated. Specifically the longer you have had the problem in general the slower it heals (in my experience). Also the older you are, the slower you heal, and if you aggravate the problem during treatment (e.g. sitting makes it worse and you have to drive and sit 40,000 miles a year) obviously you are not going to respond as fast or favourably to treatment. Remember your chiropractor does not actually heal you or take pain out of your spine (that would be amazing though). Rather they turbo charge the healing process through adjusting the spine and promoting healthy nerve and blood flow (in my opinion).

4. Time commitment

Chiropractic treatment often requires multiple sessions over an extended period. This can be time-consuming and may not fit into everyone’s busy schedules. It’s not just a quick fix – it’s more of a marathon than a sprint and not everyone can commit to the treatment plan.

5. Cost considerations

Depending on your location and insurance coverage, chiropractic care can be expensive. Many health insurance plans only cover a limited number of visits, which means you might need to pay out of pocket for ongoing treatment.

7. Lack of scientific consensus

While many studies support the effectiveness of chiropractic care for certain conditions, there’s still debate in the medical community about its overall efficacy and safety. That said there is clearly  enough research to support Chiropractic as the NHS website now says “Chiropractic can mainly help with pain in muscles and joints, such as: back pain, Neck pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, and pain from osteoarthritis”. The Bronfort research in 2010 really helped clarify the research about Chiropractic. I feel as a consequence of that clarification of research we now have doctors, nurses, and GP’s, and even a surgeon as patients at Wollaston Spinal Health.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Wow, that’s quite a list of disadvantages!” But hold on a minute. Remember, we’re looking at the whole picture here. Let’s balance things out by considering some of the potential benefits:

1. Natural pain relief

Chiropractic care offers a drug-free approach to pain management. For those wary of medication side effects or looking for more natural treatments, this can be a significant advantage.

2. Improved mobility and function

Many patients report increased range of motion and better overall function after chiropractic treatment. Imagine being able to touch your toes again or turn your head without wincing!

3. Personalised care

Chiropractors often take a holistic approach, considering your lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits alongside your physical symptoms. This personalised care can lead to better overall health outcomes.

4. Potential to avoid surgery

In some cases, chiropractic treatment may help patients avoid more invasive procedures like surgery. For many, this is a huge plus.

5. Complementary care

Chiropractic treatment can work well alongside other forms of healthcare, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of your overall treatment plan.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the risks. It’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive when considering any new treatment, especially one involving your spine. But here’s the thing: while the risks of chiropractic care are real, they’re also quite rare.

To put things in perspective, let’s compare the risks of chiropractic care to something we do every day – driving a car. We all know that car accidents can happen, and they can be serious. But does that stop us from driving? For most of us, the answer is no. We weigh the risks against the benefits and make an informed decision.

The same principle applies to chiropractic care. The potential benefits – relief from low back pain, improved mobility, natural treatment for sciatica – often outweigh the small risks involved for many patients. Plus, qualified chiropractors are trained to assess whether treatment is appropriate for each individual patient, further minimising risks.

But don’t just take my word for it. Numerous studies have shown that chiropractic care can be effective for treating certain conditions, particularly low back pain. A 2017 systematic review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that spinal manipulative therapy was associated with statistically significant improvements in pain and function for acute low back pain. 

That being said, it’s crucial to approach chiropractic care (or any healthcare decision) with your eyes wide open. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice:

1. Do your research: Look for a licensed, qualified, experienced chiropractor with good reviews and recommendations.

2. Discuss your medical history: Be upfront about any pre-existing conditions, medications, or concerns you have.

3. Ask questions: Don’t be shy about asking your chiropractor to explain their treatment plan and any potential risks.

4. Listen to your body: If something doesn’t feel right during or after treatment, speak up.

5. Consider alternatives: Chiropractic care isn’t the only option for treating musculoskeletal issues. Sometimes your Chiropractor will refer you away to another health professional. Sometimes dues to risk factors (e.g. history of stroke) and sometimes because they may require imaging (such as an MRI scan) or even just feel you will be better served somewhere else.

6. Consult your GP: It’s always a good idea to discuss any new treatment with your regular doctor, especially if you have ongoing health concerns.

Remember, your health is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding the right balance and the treatments that work best for you. Chiropractic care might be a part of that journey, or it might not – and that’s okay.

We’ve looked at the potential disadvantages of chiropractic care, including temporary discomfort, rare but serious complications, varying effectiveness, time commitment, cost considerations, and potential lack of scientific consensus. We’ve also touched on the benefits, like natural pain relief, improved mobility, and personalised care.

The key takeaway? While chiropractic care does come with some risks and potential drawbacks, for many people, the benefits outweigh these concerns. It’s all about making an informed decision based on your individual circumstances and health needs. Also remember your Chiropractor will examine you and perform a consultation. If he feels chiropractic is too high risk for you they will not treat you and will refer you for other treatment.

So, what do you think? Are you considering giving chiropractic care a try, or are you still on the fence?

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to healthcare. If you are consider a Consultation to see if Chiropractic can help you.

Whether you’re dealing with persistent low back pain, battling sciatica, or just curious about alternative treatments for inflammation, it’s worth having a chat with the team at Wollaston Spinal Health. After all, your health is in your hands – or in this case, maybe in a chiropractor’s hands!

In the end, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your healthcare choices. So, do your research, ask questions, and listen to your body. Your future self (and your spine) will thank you for it!