Let's talk about the big one: the fear that chiropractic care can cause a stroke. You're not alone if you've heard this—it's a persistent myth that creates a lot of anxiety. The concern over a stroke from chiropractic neck adjustments is completely understandable, and you deserve a clear, honest answer. At Lazar Spinal Care, we want to set the record straight. We're here to walk you through the science, explain the facts, and show you how our gentle, precise approach is designed with your absolute safety as our top priority.
Concerns about chiropractic care and stroke revolve around a rare type of stroke called vertebral artery dissection (VAD). The theory is that certain neck manipulation techniques might cause a tear in the artery’s wall. However, recent, high-quality research has found no evidence that chiropractic adjustments increase the risk of stroke when compared to other everyday activities.
Multiple studies, including extensive reviews in medical journals, have shown that people who suffer VAD are just as likely to have visited a primary care physician as a chiropractor before the event. This means that the underlying condition—not the chiropractic care—is the likely cause. In fact, many patients first recognize symptoms of a dissection (like headache or neck pain) and seek care, which is why their visit coincides with their diagnosis.
To get to the heart of this issue, we need to talk about a specific condition called cervical artery dissection, or CAD. In simple terms, a CAD is a tear in the inner lining of an artery in your neck. The concern is that a forceful neck manipulation could potentially cause such a tear. However, what the research increasingly shows is that these dissections are often already in progress due to an underlying weakness in the artery wall. The person then experiences symptoms like neck pain or a headache and seeks care from a doctor or chiropractor, making the treatment appear to be the cause when it was simply a stop along the way. A thorough initial assessment is key to identifying any potential risks before care begins.
When a tear occurs in the artery wall, it creates a small flap. Blood can seep between the layers of the artery wall, which can lead to two problems. First, the blood can clot. If that clot breaks free, it can travel to the brain and block blood flow, causing a stroke. Second, the blood pooling in the artery wall can cause it to bulge inward, narrowing the artery and restricting blood flow to the brain. While this sounds alarming, it's important to remember that this is an extremely rare event, and it is not definitively linked to a specific type of care, but rather to the pre-existing condition of the artery itself.
It's true that some medical organizations have issued warnings about chiropractic care. For instance, the Canadian Stroke Consortium, a group of neurologists, has cautioned that neck adjustments could be a potential cause of stroke. These warnings are often based on older studies and case reports that observed a correlation—not a proven causation—between a chiropractic visit and a subsequent stroke. It’s a classic "chicken or the egg" scenario: did the adjustment cause the problem, or did the person seek help for symptoms of a problem that was already happening? This is why the distinction is so important and why modern research has focused on clarifying this relationship, finding no significant link.
This ongoing debate highlights the critical importance of the techniques used. Outdated, aggressive twisting and popping manipulations are very different from the precise, gentle, and non-invasive methods employed in modern chiropractic care. At Lazar Spinal Care, we use advanced approaches like Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3), which focuses on restoring balance to the body without any forceful manipulation of the neck. Our commitment is to provide the safest, most effective care possible, grounded in a deep understanding of the body's structure and function, ensuring your path to wellness is a secure one.
The warnings from some neurologists often stem from a generalized view of "neck manipulation" that doesn't account for the vast differences between chiropractic techniques. These cautionary statements are valuable because they encourage both patients and practitioners to be vigilant. However, they can also create a blanket of fear over a wide range of safe and beneficial therapies. The key takeaway isn't to avoid chiropractic care, but to choose a provider who utilizes modern, evidence-based, and gentle techniques and prioritizes a comprehensive patient evaluation before any adjustment is ever performed.
When you look at the numbers, you might see some that seem concerning at first glance. For example, one study noted that stroke patients under 45 were five times more likely to have seen a chiropractor within a week of their stroke. But again, this points back to the likelihood that they were seeking care for the early symptoms of the stroke, like neck pain. Other data suggests that the risk of a stroke from neck manipulation is incredibly low, with estimates ranging from 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 strokes. The most robust, high-quality studies have concluded that patients are just as likely to have visited their primary care physician as a chiropractor before a stroke, indicating that the visit itself is not the cause.
Your safety is the number one priority, and being an informed patient is a huge part of that. While the risk of a serious event is extremely low with gentle chiropractic care, it’s always wise to listen to your body. The American Academy of Neurology advises that if you experience new or worsening head or neck pain after any kind of neck manipulation, you should see a doctor immediately. This isn't to cause alarm, but to empower you. Feeling mild soreness or stiffness after an adjustment can be normal, similar to how you might feel after a workout. However, any severe, sharp, or unusual symptoms are worth paying attention to and getting checked out right away.
This is why our process for new patients at Lazar Spinal Care is so detailed. We begin with a comprehensive NeuroBioStructural Analysis, including advanced diagnostics, to get a complete picture of your health before we even consider a treatment plan. This ensures we understand your unique physiology and can provide care that is both safe and effective. Knowing what to watch for is part of a strong patient-doctor partnership, and we are committed to making sure you feel confident and cared for every step of the way. If something ever feels "off," we want you to tell us immediately.
You may have heard people in some wellness circles talk about feeling unwell after a treatment, sometimes attributing it to the body releasing toxins. While your body is indeed an amazing self-healing system, it's crucial not to dismiss serious symptoms as a "healing crisis." According to a report in ScienceDirect, symptoms like severe dizziness, nausea, intense headaches, sweating, or fatigue following a spinal manipulation could potentially be signs of a minor stroke. It is vital to differentiate between mild, temporary soreness and the sudden onset of severe or neurological symptoms. Never hesitate to seek emergency medical care if you experience anything that feels unusual or alarming after any type of treatment.
Knowing the signs of a stroke can help you act quickly for yourself or someone else. These symptoms often appear suddenly. According to medical experts, the most common signs of a stroke include a sudden onset of weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body; slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding others; sudden trouble with balance or coordination; and vision problems in one or both eyes. A sudden, severe headache that feels different from any you've had before can also be a warning sign. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward getting the immediate medical help that is so critical in a stroke situation.
To make the signs of a stroke easy to remember, healthcare organizations promote the F.A.S.T. acronym. It’s a simple and effective tool that can help you quickly identify a potential stroke and take the right action. Here’s what it stands for:
At Lazar Spinal Care, your well-being is always front and center. Our team uses The Lazar Method, a gentle, precise chiropractic approach that never relies on forceful twisting or cracking of the neck. Instead, we focus on tailored assessments, state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, and a patient-centered philosophy.
Our practice is rooted in the latest evidence and ethical standards, ensuring that you receive safe, effective care—whether you’re seeking relief from pain, improved function, or ongoing preventative support.
Much of the anxiety surrounding chiropractic care comes from the idea of forceful neck adjustments. The good news is that not all chiropractic care is the same. At Lazar Spinal Care, we use gentle, precise techniques that don’t involve any of the traditional twisting, popping, or cracking you might be picturing. Our approach is built on the understanding that true healing comes from careful, targeted corrections that work with your body’s natural alignment, not against it. This method minimizes any potential risks while maximizing the benefits for your nervous system and overall health, ensuring your experience is both comfortable and effective.
Our practice specializes in upper cervical chiropractic care, which focuses on the critical relationship between the top two bones in your neck—the atlas and axis—and your brainstem. When this area is misaligned, it can interfere with the vital messages sent between your brain and the rest of your body. We use the Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) technique, a highly specific and gentle method that corrects this misalignment without any forceful manipulation. By restoring balance at the top of the spine, we allow your body to heal itself from the inside out, addressing the root cause of your health concerns safely and precisely.
We never guess when it comes to your health. Before any adjustment is made, we conduct a comprehensive NeuroBioStructural Analysis to get a complete picture of your spinal health. This includes advanced diagnostic tools like PostureIQ™ imaging and Insight™ neurological scans, which show us exactly where the problem lies. This data-driven approach allows us to create a highly personalized care plan and deliver precise adjustments tailored to your unique anatomy. By using these state-of-the-art techniques, we ensure that your care is not only safe but also incredibly effective from your very first visit.
Finding the right chiropractor is the most important step you can take to ensure your safety and achieve your health goals. A qualified practitioner will always prioritize your well-being, listen to your concerns, and communicate openly about their methods. Look for a chiropractor who invests in modern diagnostic technology and focuses on creating a customized care plan rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Your comfort and trust are essential, so don't hesitate to ask questions about their experience, techniques, and what you can expect during treatment. A great chiropractor will welcome your questions and make you feel like a partner in your own health journey.
A safe and effective treatment plan should always begin with a thorough initial consultation and diagnostic assessment. Your chiropractor should explain their findings clearly and outline a plan that is specific to your condition and goals. Be wary of any practitioner who promises a quick fix or pressures you into a long-term plan without a clear reason. As some studies note, patients sometimes seek care for symptoms like neck pain that are early signs of an underlying issue. A responsible chiropractor will conduct a detailed health history and examination to screen for any red flags before beginning care, ensuring that treatment is appropriate for you.
Chiropractic care is about so much more than “just” backs and necks. When your spine is aligned and your nervous system functions optimally, your body’s natural ability to heal itself is given the best possible chance. Our patients report benefits like reduced pain, better mobility, improved posture, and a deeper sense of wellness.
Don’t let myths or outdated information hold you back from living your healthiest life. If you’re curious about chiropractic care and want to experience The Lazar Method difference for yourself, schedule your personalized assessment at Lazar Spinal Care today. Our professional, caring team is here to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and develop a path to a healthier you—safely.
Give us a call or book your appointment online—your spine (and peace of mind) will thank you!
What makes the chiropractic care at Lazar Spinal Care different from traditional adjustments? That's a great question, and it gets to the heart of what we do. Many people picture chiropractic care as involving forceful twisting, popping, or cracking of the neck. Our approach is completely different. We specialize in upper cervical care using a gentle and precise technique called Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3). This method focuses on restoring your body's balance with light, specific corrections at the top of the neck, without any of the aggressive manipulation that causes concern.
How can I tell the difference between normal post-adjustment soreness and a potential stroke symptom? It's smart to be in tune with your body. After an adjustment, it's possible to feel some mild soreness or stiffness, much like you would after trying a new exercise. This is your body adapting to a new, healthier alignment. In contrast, the warning signs of a stroke are sudden and severe. Think of the F.A.S.T. acronym: sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty. A sudden, intense headache unlike any you've had before is also a red flag. If you ever experience anything that feels sharp, severe, or neurological, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
If the research shows chiropractic care is safe, why do some doctors still warn against it? This is a point of confusion for many people. Often, these warnings are based on older studies or a generalized view of "neck manipulation" that doesn't account for the vast differences between techniques. The most current, high-quality research shows that a person is just as likely to have visited their family doctor as a chiropractor before a stroke. This suggests that they were seeking help for the early symptoms, like neck pain, that were caused by a developing issue, not by the visit itself.
What does my first appointment look like to ensure care is right for me? We never guess when it comes to your health. Your first visit is all about gathering information. We conduct a comprehensive NeuroBioStructural Analysis, which includes advanced diagnostics like PostureIQ™ imaging and Insight™ neurological scans. This gives us a detailed map of your spinal health and nervous system function. This data-driven process allows us to understand the root cause of your issues and determine if our approach is the right fit for you before any care begins.
Is it true that a neck adjustment can tear an artery? The concern revolves around a rare event called a cervical artery dissection, which is a tear in a neck artery. While this is a serious condition, the most recent evidence indicates that these tears are often spontaneous, resulting from an underlying weakness in the artery wall. The neck pain and headaches caused by the tear are what prompt a person to seek care from a chiropractor or a medical doctor. Our gentle methods and thorough initial assessment are specifically designed to provide safe care and screen for any potential risk factors.