As a patient, you have the right to be informed about the condition of your health and the recommended care and treatment plan to be provided so that you may make the decision whether or not to undergo chiropractic care after being advised of the known benefits, risks, and alternatives.
THE NATURE OF THE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT
Chiropractic is a science and art which concerns itself with the relationship between the spine (the structure) and the Central Nervous System (the function), as that relationship may affect the restoration and preservation of your health. Health is a state of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of sickness or disease.
One disturbance to the Central Nervous System is called a vertebral subluxation. This occurs when one or more of the 24 vertebra in the spinal column become misaligned and/ or do not move properly. This causes alteration of nerve function and interference. This may result in pain and dysfunction or may be entirely asymptomatic.
The Doctor will use her hands or a mechanical device upon your body in such a way as to move your joints. That may cause an audible "POP" or "CLICK" much as you have experienced when you "crack" your knuckles. You may feel or sense movement. Additionally, other procedures such as thermotherapy, cold therapy, kinesiology, or other rehabilitative measures may be included.
THE MATERIAL RISKS INHERENT IN CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT
As with any health care procedure, there are certain complications which may arise during a chiropractic adjustment. Rarely, those complications may include: fractures, disc injuries, dislocations or muscle strain, Homer's syndrome, diaphragmatic paralysis, cervical myelopathy and costovertebral strains and separations. Some types of manipulation of the neck have been associated with injuries to the arteries in the neck leading to or contributing to serious complications including stroke. Some patients will feel some stiffness and soreness following the first few days of treatment.
THE PROBABILITY OF THOSE RISKS OCCURRING
Fractures are rare occurrences and generally result from some underlying weakness of the bone, which we check for during your consultation, examination, and x-ray. The likelihood of these or other complications are generally described as "rare." If we encounter non-chiropractic or unusual findings, we will advise you of those findings and refer you to the appropriate health care professional.
Stroke has been the subject of tremendous disagreement within and without the profession, with one prominent authority saying that there is at most, a one-in-a-million chance of such an outcome. Since even that remote amount of risk should be avoided, we employ tests in our examination which are designed to identify if you may be susceptible to that kind of injury. The other complication are generally described as "rare."
ANCILLARY TREATMENT
In addition to chiropractic adjustments (manipulation), you may receive supportive therapies which will further assist in the management of your condition. While the risk of complication is low, there is a possibility of side effects such as burns, soreness, skin irritation, etc. Some of the additional treatments which may be used include heat therapy, cold therapy, massage therapy, and kinesiology.
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS
Other treatment options for your condition include self administered, Over-the-Counter analgesics and rest, medical care with prescription drugs such as anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants, and pain medications, hospitalization, and/or surgery.
RISKS INHERENT OF OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS
Overuse of Over-the-Counter medications may produce undesirable side effects. If complete rest is impractical, premature return to work and household chores may aggravate the condition and extend the recovery time. The probability of such complications arising is dependent upon the patient's general health, severity of the patient's discomfort, the patient's personal tolerance of pain and self-discipline in not abusing the medication. Professional literature describes highly undesirable effects from long term use of Over-the-Counter medications.
Prescription muscle relaxants and pain-killers can also produce undesirable effects and dependence. The risk of such complications arising is dependent upon the patient's general health, severity of the patient's discomfort, the patient's personal tolerance of pain, self-discipline in not abusing the medication, and being under the supervision of a medical professional. Such medications generally entail very significant risks, some with rather high probabilities.
Hospitalization in conjunction with other care bears the additional risks of exposure to communicable disease, iatrogenic (doctor induced) mishap, and expense.
The risk inherent in surgery includes adverse reaction to anesthesia, iatrogenic (doctor induced) mishap, all the of hospitalization and an extended convalescent period. The probability of those risks occurring varies according to many factors.
THE RISKS OF REMAINING UNTREATED
Remaining untreated allows the formation of adhesions and reduces mobility which sets up a pain reaction further reducing mobility. Over time, this process may complicate treatment, making it more difficult and less effective the longer it is postponed. The probability that non-treatment will complicate a later rehabilitation is very high.
