What Can Go Wrong at the Chiropractor? The Facts

What can go wrong with a chiropractor?

This is a common question people ask before starting chiropractic care, especially after a car accident. If your neck, back, or shoulders are already hurting, it makes sense to want clear, honest information before anyone adjusts your spine. While chiropractic care is widely considered safe when performed by a licensed professional, there are potential risks. Understanding them helps you protect your health and choose the right chiropractor for your situation.

At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, we focus on safe, evidence-based care for auto injury patients. Every adjustment is tailored to your condition, and every decision is made with patient safety as the priority.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

For most people, chiropractic care is very safe. Millions of adjustments are performed worldwide each year, and the most common side effects are mild and temporary. You may experience light soreness, stiffness, or fatigue after an appointment. This usually lasts less than a day and happens because your body is adapting to new alignment and improved joint motion.

Serious complications are rare, and most occur only when the chiropractor uses aggressive techniques or fails to properly screen the patient. This is why high quality clinics perform detailed evaluations before any adjustment begins.

What Can Go Wrong with a Chiropractor?

Although the risks are low, they do exist. Here are the issues most people are concerned about.

Temporary Muscle Soreness

This is the most common effect and not considered a complication, but it is worth mentioning. It feels similar to the soreness that follows a new workout routine and fades quickly.

Aggravated Disc Problems

If someone already has a bulging or herniated disc, a forceful or inappropriate adjustment can make symptoms worse. This is why our Tri-Cities clinic uses imaging when needed and matches each adjustment to the specific condition of the patient.

Nerve Irritation

Occasionally, a joint can move in a way that irritates nearby nerves. This can cause tingling or numbness. Licensed chiropractors use controlled, low-force adjustments to avoid this.

Extremely Rare Artery Injury

The risk of vertebral artery injury is extremely low. Proper evaluation reduces this risk even further. At Auto Accident Chiropractic, our doctors are trained to identify any sign that a patient may need modified techniques.

How Auto Accident Chiropractic Keeps Patients Safe

Patient safety depends on thorough evaluation, communication, and proper technique. Our Tri-Cities chiropractors use a careful and structured process designed to prevent complications.

Our safety measures include:

• A full health history review

• Orthopedic and neurological testing

• X-rays when medically appropriate

• Low-force chiropractic adjustments

• Instrument assisted techniques for sensitive cases

• Soft tissue therapy to reduce tension before alignment

• Customized treatment plans for auto injury recovery

We explain each step of your care before beginning treatment. Our goal is to provide comfort, confidence, and clear expectations during every visit.

Who Should Be Cautious with Chiropractic Treatment?

Chiropractic care is not the best option for everyone. Some conditions require modification or referral to another healthcare provider.

You should always inform your chiropractor if you have:

• Severe osteoporosis

• A spinal tumor

• Bone or joint infection

• Severe inflammatory arthritis

• A history of stroke or vascular disease

If chiropractic care is not appropriate for your situation, we will direct you to safer alternatives. We never risk a patient’s health.

Why Choosing the Right Chiropractor Matters

Complications rarely occur when treatment is performed by a highly trained, licensed professional. The biggest factors in your safety are the skill and judgment of your provider. At Auto Accident Chiropractic, our team specializes in treating auto injury patients and understands the unique challenges of whiplash, back pain, nerve issues, and soft tissue trauma.

Patients throughout Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland choose our clinic when they need an auto injury clinic, a chiropractor for whiplash, a no cost chiropractor after an accident, or a personal injury chiropractor who communicates clearly and treats patients with care.

What You Should Expect After a Safe Adjustment

Most patients report feeling:

• Improved range of motion

• Less pain

• Better posture

• Reduced muscle tightness

Mild soreness may occur but should fade within a day. Staying hydrated, using ice, and light stretching can help your body adjust.

If something ever feels unusual, you should contact your provider. Communication allows us to adjust your treatment plan immediately.

Final Thoughts

Chiropractic care is considered safe for most people, and serious complications are rare. The key is choosing a chiropractor who evaluates your condition thoroughly and uses gentle, modern techniques. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, we are committed to providing safe, effective treatment for patients who are recovering from auto accidents.

If your neck or back pain is affecting your daily life, you deserve care that puts your safety first.

Schedule your appointment today with Auto Accident Chiropractic, the trusted personal injury chiropractor serving Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland.

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