Study Finds No Added Risk of Rare Artery Tear from Chiropractic Neck Care

A recent large observational study has found that chiropractic neck adjustments do not increase the risk of a rare but serious artery injury. The research, conducted by a multidisciplinary team from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, and Duke University, examined medical records of thousands of patients who received cervical manipulation. The investigators focused on vertebral artery dissection, a condition that can lead to stroke, and compared its incidence among those who had chiropractic care with that in a matched control group.

The analysis, which controlled for age, sex, and pre‑existing cardiovascular risk factors, revealed no statistically significant difference in the rate of vertebral artery dissection between the two groups. While the study acknowledges limitations inherent to observational designs, its large sample size and rigorous matching strengthen the conclusion that routine neck adjustments performed by licensed chiropractors are unlikely to contribute to this vascular complication. The findings provide reassurance to patients and clinicians regarding the safety profile of chiropractic cervical manipulation.