Chiropractic Malpractice

January 30, 2014

Although chiropractic malpractice may come in many forms, one of the more serious forms arises from a treatment called “cracking the neck”. This neck movement involves a sharp movement of the neck.

Chiropractic Malpractice Through Cracking The Neck

Some patients become dizzy,have blurred vision or a sense of the world going dark on them after these treatments.

There are not a lot of facts or data as to the effect of these treatments. There has been no well designed study of the practice. Likewise there is no central storage of data relating to the practice. As a result no firm conclusions can be reached.

These types of movements involving sudden thrusts do carry with them the chance of tearing the carotid or vertebral artery leading to the brain. Such a tear can cause a blood clot that travels to the brain causing a stroke.

A 2010 study, as reported in a Washington Post article of January 7, 2014, reports 33 deaths after spinal movements mostly due to a tear of an artery. This study suggests that there were many more such cases not reported. Call, or contact us for a free consult.

Although it is unclear as to whether these “thrusts” are in fact a cause of so-called “chiropractic stroke”, it is clear that many chiropractors do not warn patients of the risks.

Chiropractic Malpractice In Failure To Warn

This failure to warn may be a basis for a claim against the doctor. Failure to warn is part of providing a patient with the info to make an informed choice to either have the treatment or not to have it. Informed consent is addressed in greater detail elsewhere on this site on the page dealing with medical malpractice.

Chiropractic Treatment In General

Many people swear by chiropractors as health care providers. Others are a bit more skeptical. The insurance industry in large measure looks askance at this treatment. That is because it often is treatment that is open ended. The chiropractors will continue treating as long as there is some prospect of payment. Treatment goals seem to be of less import. This can present major issues in terms of getting personal injury cases settled that are heavy with chiropractic treatment.

Brien Roche

Brien A. Roche has been an attorney since 1976. Mr. Roche is admitted to practice in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. In addition to his busy law practice, Mr. Roche is also a published author of several books & articles relating to the practice of law.

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