If you’ve ever Googled “Are chiropractic adjustments safe?”, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a whirlwind of mixed opinions. And while the internet can be a helpful place, it’s also where myths tend to thrive—especially when it comes to your health.
At Limitless Chiropractic in Wellington, we’re here to bring clarity, confidence, and calm to the conversation. So let’s break it down: Are adjustments truly unsafe?
The Myth: “Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous”
It’s a tale that’s been circulated for decades—one that paints chiropractic care as risky, especially when it comes to spinal adjustments. Some believe it can cause strokes, nerve damage, or long-term issues. But how much of this fear is rooted in fact?
The Reality: Chiropractic Is Among the Safest Manual Therapies
According to a study published in Spine, the risk of a serious adverse event following a chiropractic neck adjustment is about 1 in 5.85 million. That’s statistically safer than taking common over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs, which account for thousands of hospitalisations annually due to gastrointestinal complications .
What’s even more reassuring? The New Zealand Ministry of Health recognises chiropractic as a regulated health profession, with standards that require extensive university-level education, clinical training, and continuing professional development.
Why the Confusion?
Let’s face it—there’s something about the sound of a “crack” that can make people nervous. But that sound? It’s not bones breaking. It’s just gas releasing from the joints—a completely normal and safe occurrence known as cavitation.
Additionally, outdated anecdotes or rare, isolated incidents (often misattributed) tend to get more airtime than the millions of safe, successful adjustments that happen every day across New Zealand and the world.
Let’s Talk Stroke Risk
The most persistent myth surrounds stroke after neck adjustments. However, extensive research (like the Cassidy study published in Spine Journal) found no increased risk of stroke after visiting a chiropractor compared to visiting a GP. In many cases, the patient was already experiencing a pre-stroke event, which led them to seek care—not the other way around .
Chiropractic Is Proactive, Not Reactive
Chiropractic care focuses on optimising the nervous system and supporting proper movement patterns, not just cracking your back. We assess, measure, and adjust based on what your body needs—always with safety and science front of mind.
At Limitless Chiropractic, every adjustment is precise, gentle, and tailored to the individual. We don’t do “one-size-fits-all”. We do movement, energy, and care—backed by evidence and delivered with heart.
What You Can Do: Ask, Explore, Experience
Still feeling unsure? That’s okay. Come talk to us. We’re happy to explain how adjustments work, show you the process, and help you make an informed decision.
Health isn’t about fear. It’s about freedom—freedom to move, to thrive, and to live without limits.
📚 References
- Cassidy JD, Boyle E, Côté P, et al. (2008). Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care: results of a population-based case-control and case-crossover study. Spine Journal, 33(4S), S176–S183.
- https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2008/02150/Risk_of_Vertebrobasilar_Stroke_and_Chiropractic.3.aspx
- Gouveia LO, Castanho P, Ferreira JJ. (2009). Safety of chiropractic interventions: a systematic review. Spine, 34(11), E405–E413.
- https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181a4e97d
- Church EW, Sieg EP, Zalatimo O, et al. (2016). The Safety of Chiropractic for Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Spine Journal, 16(5), 660–668.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2015.10.014
- Australian Chiropractic Association (2021). Safety of Chiropractic.
- https://www.chiro.org.au/patients/safety-of-chiropractic
- New Zealand Chiropractic Board (n.d.). What is a Chiropractor?
- https://www.chiropracticboard.org.nz
- Dabbs V, Lauretti WJ. (1995). A risk assessment of cervical manipulation vs. NSAIDs for the treatment of neck pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 18(8), 530–536.
Experience Limitless Movement Chiropractic Care in Wellington
If you’re in Wellington and looking for expert chiropractic care, we’re here to help. At Limitless Chiropractic, we focus on helping you move better, feel stronger, and live without limits. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more mobile you!
Ready to begin or continue your healing journey? Let’s work together to unlock your body’s natural potential for wellness.
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or call us at (04) 891 0911