Myth Of Chiropractic-Caused Strokes Debunked By Medical Researchers

Main Category: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Article Date: 29 May 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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A recent billboard advertisement, carried on the side of a bus in Bridgeport, Conn., is the latest in a series of attacks on chiropractic that use scare tactics and misinformation to undermine the growth of the profession, according to the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA).

The advertisement, which asks "Injured by a chiropractor?" directs readers to a website run by an organization calling itself the "Chiropractic Stroke Victims Awareness Group." No information is available in the ad or at the website as to who finances the group.

WCA President Terry A. Rondberg, DC, noted that he wasn't surprised by the aggressive attack. "In recent years, chiropractic has made tremendous inroads into the American health care system. The increased popularity of a wellness approach that doesn't rely on drugs and surgery is very threatening to some elements of our society. They have a huge financial interest in eliminating chiropractic."

In 1990, the American Medical Association was found guilty in federal court of conspiring with other medical organizations in a "lengthy, systematic, successful and unlawful boycott" designed to eliminate chiropractic as a competitor. Many health care officials say that, although barred from many of the illegal practices formerly used, the drug and medical industry still engage in anti-chiropractic campaigns. The consensus is that many of the operations are being conducted using anonymous "front" organizations."

Contrary to the billboard's message, medical research has shown that chiropractic is extremely safe, particularly when compared to medical treatment. The incidence of stroke following chiropractic adjustments has been estimated at fewer than 1 to 3 incidents per million adjustments.

Medical researchers have admitted that chiropractic care carries far less of a stroke risk than medical treatment. "Indeed, most interventions by allopathic physicians have a higher complication rate than chiropractic interventions," said Philip Lee, MD, a co-investigator of a research survey presented at the American Heart Association's 19th International Joint Conference on Stroke and Cerebral Circulation.

The WCA has pledged to fight the anti-chiropractic campaign. "We will provide accurate, documented information about the safety of chiropractic, including medical evidence," Dr. Rondberg commented. "We respect everyone's right to have and voice their opinion about chiropractic, but freedom of speech does not sanction libelous and false advertising. It's time our opponents were forced to tell the truth."

The World Chiropractic Alliance is an international organization that promotes traditional, drug-free and non-invasive chiropractic to correct vertebral subluxations.

http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org

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