Safety of chiropractic care

The safety of chiropractic care is a topic that has been studied and debated extensively. Chiropractic care is most popular for the use of the manipulation of the spine and musculoskeletal system to treat various conditions, particularly those related to the spine and nervous system. Here are some key points to consider regarding the safety of chiropractic care:

1. Overall Safety:

   • Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by trained and licensed professionals. Most patients experience no serious adverse events during chiropractic treatments.

2. Common Side Effects:

   • The most common side effects of chiropractic adjustments include temporary soreness, stiffness, and mild discomfort. These side effects are usually short-lived and resolve on their own within a day or two. This is typically most pronounced after your first adjustment, and is less prevalent as your body becomes accustomed to treatments of this nature.

3. Serious Adverse Events:

   • Serious adverse events, such as strokes, are rare but have been associated with cervical spine manipulation, particularly high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) techniques. Some studies have reported a potential link between cervical manipulation and certain vascular complications, but the risk appears to be very low, with estimates ranging from 1 in 100,000 to 1 in several million adjustments. For this reason, patient selection for this type of treatment is very important. While the risk is quite low, Dr. Pierce uses cervical spine manipulation sparingly. If there is any other method to reduce symptoms without manipulating the neck, it is her preference to explore those options first.

4. Screening and Informed Consent:

   • Chiropractors are trained to screen patients for contraindications and to obtain informed consent before performing any spinal manipulation. This helps minimize the risk of complications in patients with certain medical conditions or risk factors.

5. Regulation and Licensing:

   • Chiropractors are regulated and licensed healthcare professionals in many countries, including the United States and Canada. These regulatory bodies set standards for education, training, and practice to ensure patient safety.

6. Individual Variability:

   • Patient safety can also depend on individual factors such as the patient's health, the specific condition being treated, and the skill and experience of the chiropractor. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis or a history of spinal surgery, may have a higher risk of complications and should discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider.

7. Evidence-Based Practice:

   • Chiropractic care should ideally be based on evidence-based practices. This means that chiropractors should use treatments and techniques that have been shown to be effective through rigorous scientific research.

8. Informed Decision-Making:

   • Patients considering chiropractic care should have open and honest discussions with their chiropractor about the potential risks and benefits of treatment, as well as alternative treatment options.

Dr. Tara Pierce is a chiropractor based in Newport Beach who specializes in gentle chiropractic techniques and takes a holistic approach to patient care. She not only performs spinal adjustments but also provides advice on lifestyle modifications and encourages self-efficacy. This approach aligns with the broader concept of integrative or wellness-based chiropractic care, which aims to address not only the immediate musculoskeletal issues but also the overall well-being of the patient.

Dr. Tara's use of gentle chiropractic techniques can be appealing to patients who may be concerned about the potential discomfort associated with more forceful manipulations. These techniques aim to provide relief and improve mobility without causing undue stress or discomfort to the patient. Taking a holistic approach to patient care means considering not just the physical symptoms but also the patient's overall health and lifestyle factors that may contribute to their condition. This approach may involve discussing nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle factors that can impact a patient's well-being.

An important feature of Dr. Pierce’s approach to chiropractic care in her Newport Beach office is encouraging self-efficacy. This involves empowering patients to take an active role in their own health and wellness. This may include educating patients about their condition, providing self-care strategies, and offering guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Effective communication between the chiropractor and the patient is essential. Patients should feel comfortable discussing their concerns, asking questions, and actively participating in decisions about their care.