How to Determine the Risks of Chiropractic Care

Any type of medical care comes with inherent risks. The type of chiropractic treatment you'll require will determine the risks you might face. Chiropractic treatments which focus on manipulating and realigning the spinal column are used to treat back pain, neck pain and headaches. Relieving pressure from the nerves of the neck and back is thought to help the body heal itself better.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Diagnosis from your medical doctor or your chiropractor and a plan of treatment

Instructions

Determine the Risks of Chiropractic Care

1. Ask your doctor and/or chiropractor to diagnose what is causing your pain or lack of mobility. Ask what the treatment plan is going to be once he is able to determine a diagnosis.

2. Check out specific conditions and risks associated with these treatments by visiting the Web site of the American Chiropractic Association (see Resources below).

3. Visit the Healthgrades Web site to learn more about chiropractic treatments and the risks associated with them (see Resources below). Find out if you would be safer with a more conservative approach.

4. Get a second opinion. Make sure this second chiropractor or orthopedic doctor understands that you are concerned about the risk factor of your condition and its treatment. Ask to hear the 'worst-case scenario.'

5. Pursue chiropractic care only if you have determined that the rewards are likely to outweigh the risks.

6. Choose an experienced and highly respected chiropractor to minimize health risks, since human error and misdiagnosis can lead to injury.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that there are 3 basic treatments generally available for relieving your back pain: chiropractic adjustment, drugs and surgery. Chiropractic care is the least invasive of these options. Therefore, it is perceived by many to be the one with the lowest risks.

• The cost of receiving chiropractic care will be inexpensive to moderately expensive for each visit. The total costs will be determined by the extent of your insurance coverage and the necessity for long-term treatment.

• Be cautious about vague treatment plans or an unclear diagnosis. Your risks will go up in proportion to the uncertainty of your chiropractor. The more precise your chiropractor can be about the source of pain or injury, the less risky the treatments are apt to be.

• If you experience any worsening of symptoms or any new symptoms, like shortness of breath, swelling in your extremities or chest pain, contact your medical doctor immediately.

• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners are licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider and keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.