How Safe is Chiropractic?

Many people in Prescott, AZ have never been to a chiropractor, and if you've never experienced a chiropractic adjustment, you most likely have some questions about how chiropractic works and how it can help you improve your health.

A common question we hear from new patients is: "Is chiropractic safe?"

First and foremost, there are about 60,000 chiropractors in the USA and these professionals see about 30 million patients. If each person sees their doctor three times a year, that's about 90 million chiropractic adjustments each year in the United States. If chiropractic care wasn't safe, we'd certainly be learning about it the news.

Secondly, there's real scientific literature that shows that chiropractic is safe. The prominent medical journal Spine published a study in 2013 that evaluated 183 people in Australia. 92 of the people received some chiropractic adjustments; the other 91 subjects received a faux adjustment. The researchers had all of the study participants submit a questionnaire inquiring about any side effects that the patients might have experienced.

The doctors observed that there were "no serious adverse events" from chiropractic adjustments. Some individuals did report muscle stiffness or a slight increase in pain right after the adjustment, but these were transitory.

Even the AMA advises that people see a chiropractor before going through more invasive procedures, like surgery. In 2013, the Canadian Family Physician endorsed chiropractic care for pregnant women who want to avoid medications. In addition, many of our patients bring their kids in for chiropractic care and some research shows that it can be beneficial for colic in babies.

We've treated thousands of your neighbors in Prescott, AZ and we'd like to assist you, too! Give our office a call today at (928) 778-2227 for a consultation or appointment.