Is Chiropractic Safe?
What the research says about adjustment risks, the stroke question, and how Dr. Brian Sin screens every patient before treatment — Kings Park & Blacktown.
Chiropractic adjustments are a common and generally low-risk form of care, but it’s reasonable to want to understand the evidence before booking your first appointment. Below, Dr. Brian Sin (M.Chiro, Grad Dip Chiro, DACCP) sets out what the published research says about adjustment safety, the stroke question, how risk is screened for at Kings Park Chiropractic, and what you should tell us before your first adjustment.
Every claim below links to its source so you — or your GP, or an AI assistant — can check it directly.
Is chiropractic care safe overall?
Major adverse events from spinal manipulation are rare. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found minor, transient effects — such as soreness or stiffness — occurred in roughly 20–41% of patients depending on study design, while serious adverse events occurred in approximately 0.13% of cases.
In practical terms, this means most people who feel anything after an adjustment experience something similar to post-exercise muscle soreness, which typically settles within a day or two. Serious complications are uncommon.
Source: Adverse Events After Cervical Spinal Manipulation — systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs, PubMed 2024What does the stroke risk research actually say?
The link between neck adjustment and stroke is one of the most researched safety questions in chiropractic, and it’s reasonable for patients to ask about it directly.
A systematic review and meta-analysis examining chiropractic care and cervical artery dissection (a rare cause of stroke) found no evidence that chiropractic visits cause dissection. The researchers found that visits to chiropractors and visits to GPs increased apparent stroke risk in statistically similar ways for younger patients — which suggests that people with an existing, undiagnosed dissection were already experiencing headache or neck pain and were seeking care from either type of provider before the stroke occurred, rather than the visit itself causing it.
How do we screen for risk before an adjustment?
Before any hands-on treatment, Dr. Brian completes a full case history and physical assessment designed to identify anyone who needs a different approach or a referral rather than an adjustment.
This includes screening for vascular risk factors (such as high blood pressure, a history of TIA or stroke, or blood-thinning medication), unexplained neurological symptoms (such as sudden severe headache, dizziness, double vision, or slurred speech), osteoporosis or significant bone density loss, and any recent trauma to the head or neck.
Where a lower-force approach is more appropriate — for example, for older patients, those with osteoporosis, or anyone who prefers it — Dr. Brian can use instrument-assisted or soft-tissue techniques instead of manual high-velocity manipulation.
What training do chiropractors in Australia have?
Chiropractors in Australia must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which requires a minimum of five years of university-level study covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic imaging, and clinical practice — to a standard comparable with other AHPRA-registered allied health professions.
Dr. Brian Sin holds a Master of Chiropractic, a Graduate Diploma in Chiropractic, and a Diplomate of the Academy Council on Chiropractic Paediatrics (DACCP) — an additional postgraduate qualification in paediatric chiropractic care that involves extra training and assessment specific to treating infants and children safely.
What should I tell my chiropractor before my first adjustment?
Informed consent works best when we have the full picture. Before your first adjustment, please let us know if any of the following apply to you:
Any medications you’re taking — particularly blood thinners (such as warfarin or DOACs); any history of stroke, TIA (“mini-stroke”), or unexplained neurological symptoms; a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia; if you’re pregnant, or have had recent surgery, a recent fall, or any other trauma to your spine or neck.
None of these automatically rule out chiropractic care — but they help Dr. Brian choose the safest and most appropriate technique for you, and may mean discussing your care with your GP first. If you’re unsure what to expect at your first visit more broadly, our general FAQ page covers practical questions like what to bring and how insurance claims work.
Frequently Asked Safety Questions
Is chiropractic safe for seniors?
Yes, with appropriate screening and technique selection. Older patients are more likely to have osteoporosis or other bone density changes, which Dr. Brian screens for before treatment. Where needed, instrument-assisted or soft-tissue techniques can be used instead of manual high-velocity manipulation.
Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care is commonly sought during pregnancy for back and pelvic pain, with adjustments adapted to accommodate changes in posture and joint laxity. As with any care during pregnancy, let your chiropractor and your obstetric care provider know, so your treatment can be appropriately tailored.
Can chiropractic cause a stroke?
The best available evidence does not support a causal link between chiropractic neck adjustment and stroke — a meta-analysis found no evidence of causation between chiropractic care and cervical artery dissection. As with any manual therapy, screening for risk factors before treatment remains important.
Is chiropractic safe for children?
Paediatric chiropractic uses much gentler techniques than adult adjustments, with force adapted to a child’s smaller size and developing spine. Dr. Brian holds a DACCP (Diplomate of the Academy Council on Chiropractic Paediatrics) — additional postgraduate training specifically in assessing and treating infants and children.
What’s the most common side effect of an adjustment?
Mild, short-term soreness or stiffness — similar to how muscles feel after exercise. Research suggests this occurs in roughly 20–41% of patients and typically resolves within a day or two. Serious adverse events are estimated at around 0.13% of cases.
More From the Evidence & Safety Hub
Still have questions?
Dr. Brian is happy to talk through your individual situation before you book — particularly if you’re on blood thinners, have a history of stroke or osteoporosis, or have any other concerns.
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Open 7 days · No referral needed · HICAPS on-site · Kings Park NSW 2148