A routine chiropractic neck adjustment transformed Carissa Klundt’s life into a nightmare of constant pain and being bedridden. The 41-year-old Las Vegas mother of 3 claimed to have had an artery torn by the chiropractor. A CT scan later revealed she experienced a vertebral artery dissection during what should have been a standard treatment session.
There are serious risks associated with chiropractic neck injury and high-velocity cervical manipulations, which Klundt’s story demonstrates. While rare, these tragedies also highlight the necessity for robust review of practitioners and ensuring individuals understand the risks involved.
The Incident That Changed Everything
Klundt regularly visited her chiropractor to address back pain following breast implant removal surgery. After the surgery, she struggled with back pain, saying her muscles had tightened significantly after the procedure, causing considerable discomfort. The chiropractic sessions initially provided relief until November 2022.
On the tragic day of her chiropractic injury, a substitute practitioner worked on her. This fateful encounter would lead to her life-changing neck injury. “As soon as it happened, I knew something was wrong,” Klundt explained. She immediately felt sharp neck pain and nausea upon returning home. Weeks after Klundt states she was hallucinating and passing out.
Understanding Vertebral Artery Dissection
Vertebral artery dissection occurs when tears form in the blood vessel walls running along the spine. This chiropractic neck injury can disrupt blood flow to the brain and potentially cause life-threatening complications. This condition is one of the most serious risks associated with someone adjusting your neck.
The vertebral arteries supply crucial blood flow to the brain and spinal cord. When dissection occurs, blood builds up between arterial wall layers, potentially forming clots that can travel to the brain. This also explains why vertebral artery dissection accounts for up to 25% of strokes in patients under 45 years old.
Read More: Doctor Demonstrates How to ‘Instantly’ Give Headache Relief, and People Can’t Believe It Works
Delayed Recognition and Emergency Diagnosis
Klundt initially dismissed her symptoms as a strained muscle. However, her condition became worse over the following weeks after the incident. She began developing episodes of hallucinations and blackouts. Her husband then urged her to seek immediate medical attention.
A CT scan at the emergency room revealed the devastating diagnosis that she had sustained a vertebral artery dissection. Doctors immediately transferred Klundt to another hospital’s intensive care unit. Doctors warned that without prompt treatment, she could have suffered a potentially fatal stroke.
The Statistical Reality of Chiropractic Neck Injury
Research reveals concerning statistics about chiropractic neck injury risks. Studies indicate that approximately 11% of arterial dissections occur following chiropractic visits. The risk of artery dissections and strokes increases 3 to 12 times after neck manipulation compared to any other activities.
Some research suggests 1 in 20,000 spinal manipulations results in vertebral artery dissection, which can cause strokes. While this appears relatively rare, the devastating consequences make these statistics significant for patients considering treatment. About 16 in 1,000 manipulations result in immediate adverse effects like fainting or dizziness.
Read More: Can You Use Yoga To Help Treat Scoliosis?
High-Velocity Manipulation Dangers
High-velocity thrust manipulations pose particular risks to the arteries in your neck. These techniques involve sudden, forceful movements designed to restore joint mobility. However, the vertebral arteries’ position makes them vulnerable to injury during such a procedure.
A segment of the neck artery proves especially susceptible to bending forces during a chiropractor’s neck adjustments. This vulnerability stems from the artery’s path through the neck bones, where sudden movements can cause serious damage or death. The artery can tear on the inside when chiropractors make quick twisting motions. This happens because the blood vessel has to bend and stretch as it passes through the small holes in your neck bones.
Long-Term Consequences and Recovery Challenges
Klundt remained bedridden for the first month, sleeping 17 hours daily and requiring assistance with basic activities. The constant pain severely limited her mobility and independence. Nearly three years later, Klundt continues experiencing lasting effects from her injury.
The former fitness instructor can no longer participate in activities like skiing or teaching exercise classes. Her active lifestyle has been permanently altered, with ongoing fear of symptoms coming back.
Read More: What You Need to Know About Your L4-L5 Spinal Segment
Risk Factors and Patient Vulnerability
Some people face higher risks when getting neck adjustments. Those with connective tissue disorders or genetic conditions are more vulnerable to artery damage. Young and middle-aged adults also face greater danger from these treatments. Even everyday activities like coughing can sometimes cause similar injuries in at-risk individuals.
Safety Measures and Prevention Strategies
Healthcare providers emphasize the importance of thorough patient screening before neck adjustments are carried out. Risk assessment protocols can help identify individuals with higher vulnerability to having complications during treatment.
Chiropractors should maintain open communication with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care. Proper informed consent processes must include discussion of potential risks, including stroke and arterial dissection. Patients deserve complete information about both benefits and dangers before consenting to treatment.
Moving Forward with Awareness
Klundt’s experience underscores the critical importance of patient education regarding chiropractic neck injury risks. She advocates for increased awareness about vertebral artery dissection symptoms and their life-threatening potential. Her goal involves helping others recognize warning signs and seek prompt medical attention.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
Read More: Is Cracking Your Neck Harmless or a Hidden Danger?
