Chiropractic Treatment Claims

Have you suffered personal injury after undergoing negligent chiropractic treatment? You could be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

What does chiropractic treatment involve?

Chiropractic treatment is a form of alternative or complementary medicine which usually focuses on manipulating the area around a patient’s spine. Practitioners believe that by adjusting these bones, muscles, or joints, the body’s nervous system can run more efficiently and allow for natural healing.

What do chiropractors claim they can treat?

Although chiropractors usually focus on treating conditions relating to the spine, such as lower back and neck pain, some also offer therapy for ailments such as asthma and irritable bowel syndrome.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence states chiropractic could be an effective form of treatment for dealing with chronic back pain. However, there is no reliable scientific research which suggests it could help with other conditions.

How dangerous is chiropractic?

Although chiropractic is available on the NHS, the majority of patients normally receive their treatment through private clinics. Some studies suggest there could be several serious health risks related to this therapy. Those interested in this treatment should always seek advice from a qualified medical professional before visiting a chiropractor.

In the UK, all chiropractors must register with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) before they are allowed to practise this form of alternative medicine. The organisation will only accept qualified individuals who agree to follow their terms and conditions. In the event of clinical negligence – or other misconduct – patients can complain to the GCC, who then must investigate the issue.

Although it is regulated, the NHS states chiropractic carries a number of health risks. According to their website, approximately 50% of patients describe adverse effects following spinal manipulation. In the majority of cases, these will result in mild headaches, stiffness, soreness, fatigue, or temporarily worsened pain.

Although these are often relatively minor and usually heal within a few days, more serious cases have been reported. These include:

• Strokes – possibly caused when an artery running along the spine becomes overstretched and tears, leading to damage and blocking the flow of blood to the brain;
• Paralysis – which can be caused by a spinal injury; and
• Comas – potentially caused by a build-up of blood between the skull and brain.

These cases are fortunately quite rare. However, if anyone is interested in chiropractic, or has any questions regarding this treatment, he or she should seek advice from a qualified medical professional.