This paper presents a series of case studies chronicling iatrogenic musculo-skeletal symtpoms resulting from errors in upper cervical chiropractic adjustment. In four cases, a variety of circumstances brought about the use of incorrect adjusting vectors on routine visits. The adjusting errors were related within a short time to the production of symptoms including headache, dizziness, and pain in the neck, low back, leg and foot. When the adjusting errors were discovered, and the proper adjustments given, the symptoms were abolished. One additional case is related in which cervical manipulation produced symptoms that were reversed with the use of vectored upper cervical adjustment.
Recording and reporting what happens after errant adjusting could potentially aid research in determining the effects of the vertebral subluxation. The role of belief and intent in the patient/doctor interaction and the potential for iatrogenesis in upper cervical adjusting is also discussed.
Author Keywords: chiropractic, chiropractic adjustment, iatrogenic
This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher.
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