Chiropractic Safety at Adjusting to Health

Safe, evidence-based Chiropractic care is our highest priority.


If you are considering Chiropractic, you deserve to know:


Is it safe?

What are the risks?

How does it compare to other options?

What do we do to protect you?



Let’s walk through it clearly.

The First Visit Safety Protocols

Your safety starts before any adjustment takes place.

On your first visit, we follow a strict assessment process:


1. Comprehensive Health History


We review:


Current symptoms

Past injuries and surgeries

Medications

Neurological symptoms

Red flags for serious conditions


If your case is not appropriate for Chiropractic care, we will tell you.


2. Orthopaedic & Neurological Testing


We assess:


Reflexes

Muscle strength

Sensation

Range of motion

Joint function


This helps determine whether your condition is suitable for conservative care.


3. Clear Case Acceptance


You are only accepted for care if:


  • Your condition is appropriate for Chiropractic management
  • There are no red flags requiring medical referral
  • The risks are clearly explained
  • We do not guess. We test first.


4. Informed Consent


Before care begins:


  • Risks are explained
  • Alternatives are discussed
  • You are free to ask questions
  • No rushing or pressure.

Is Chiropractic Safe?


Research consistently shows that Chiropractic care is a low-risk healthcare option when delivered by qualified professionals.


In Australia, Chiropractors:


  • Complete a 5-year university degree
  • Are registered with AHPRA
  • Must meet strict continuing professional development requirements


That places Chiropractic in the same regulatory framework as GPs, dentists and physiotherapists.



What About Stroke Risk?


This a common question or concern patients have.


Large population studies have found that:


  • The risk of serious complications following neck manipulation is extremely low
  • The risk of stroke after visiting a Chiropractor is similar to the risk after visiting a GP
  • The risk of having a stroke due to Chiropractic is approximately 20,000 times lower than surgery


A major study from New Zealand’s government accident compensation system found no evidence of a causal link between chiropractic care and stroke.


Importantly:


Many people experiencing early symptoms of a vertebral artery dissection (neck pain, headache) seek care before a stroke occurs. This creates association, not causation.


We screen carefully for warning signs before any neck adjustment.



Chiropractic vs Neck Surgery


When comparing treatment options, risk matters.


Neck surgery carries:


  • Infection risk
  • Nerve injury risk
  • Anaesthesia complications
  • Small but real mortality risk


Chiropractic care is considered conservative treatment that often leads to better results.


For cases of neck and back pain, international guidelines recommend trying conservative care before surgery.


This includes:


  • Manual therapy
  • Education
  • Chiropractic care


Surgery is usually reserved for:


  • Progressive weakness or atrophy
  • Severe structural instability
  • Unsuccessful outcomes with Chiropractic care

Conservative Care First


Clinical guidelines worldwide commonly recommend trialling conservative care before invasive and irreversible procedures are performed for many spinal conditions. Surgery cannot be un-done, ensure you get the right advise.


Conservative care means:


  • Non-surgical
  • Non-invasive
  • Low risk
  • Focused on function


That’s where Chiropractic fits.

If at any point we believe you require imaging, medical co-management or referral, we will arrange it.

Your health comes first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Safety


Is neck adjustment dangerous?


Serious complications are extremely rare. Thorough screening is performed before any neck adjustment.


Can Chiropractic cause stroke?


Current large-scale research does not show a causal relationship. We screen for risk factors before treatment.


Is Chiropractic safe for older adults?


Yes, techniques are modified based on age, bone density and health history.


Is Chiropractic safe during pregnancy?


When appropriately assessed and delivered by trained professionals, pregnancy care is considered safe.


What if I don’t want my neck adjusted?


That is completely fine. There are alternative techniques available at Adjusting to Health.

Why Chiropractic Feels Different to Other Therapies


Chiropractic care differs greatly from massage, physiotherapy or mobilisation technique because:


  • It uses rapid movement to stimulate neurological pathways
  • Slow movement does not produce the same effect
  • Speed, not force, drives neurological response

(Henderson, 2012)


This explains why:

  • Chiropractic often works when other therapies haven’t
  • Improvements can extend beyond pain to sleep, energy, and mood
  • Outcomes improve with appropriate frequency and dose

(Haas et al., 2014)


The Bottom Line

Chiropractors do not “crack bones”.

We restore movement, improve joint function, influence nervous system processing, support long-term recovery, adaptability and resilience. The sound is incidental, the science is not.


References


Haavik, H. and Murphy, B. (2012). The role of spinal manipulation in sensorimotor integration. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(8), pp.611–618.


Haas, M. et al. (2014). Dose-response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic low back pain. The Spine Journal, 14(7), pp.1106–1116.


Henderson, C.N. (2012). The basis of spinal manipulation: Chiropractic perspective of indications. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 22(5), pp.632–642.


Liebenson, C. (1996). Rehabilitation of the Spine: A Practitioner’s Manual. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.


Niazi, I.K. et al. (2024). Neuroplastic responses to chiropractic care: A randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 14, 1159.