Serious adverse events after spinal manipulation: a systematic review of the Korean literature

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to summarise adverse effects after spinal manipulation reported in the South Korean literature. The Korean literature was searched for relevant articles. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. They reported a total of 18 cases. In most instances, the patient made a full recovery. The implicated treatment was frequently a spinal manipulation technique that is an integral part of traditional Korean medicine. It is concluded that adverse effects after spinal manipulation are not specific to chiropractic but occur with most types of spinal manipulation. Incidence figures can, however, not be derived from the data available to date.

Chiropractic: better data and single standards, please

“…Other experts are not convinced, 5 and point to severe complications after neck manipulations, including close to 50 documented deaths. 6,7 How can we tell who is correct? Clearly we need evidence, not opinion.…”

“…Most chiropractors also insist that chiropractic treatments are entirely safe. Other experts are not convinced, 5 and point to severe complications after neck manipulations, including close to 50 documented deaths 6,7 . How can we tell who is correct?…”

Is Spinal Manipulation Effective for Pain? An Overview of Systematic Reviews

“…However, it has been suggested that subluxations lack biological plausibility [3,4]. Safety and cost‐effectiveness of SM have also been questioned [5–8]. Despite unproven safety, debatable effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness, SM is still widely used for a wide range of pain related conditions (among others).…”

Spinal Manipulations for Cervicogenic Headaches: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

“…However, SM has repeatedly been criticized for not being biologically plausible 5,6 . The effectiveness, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of SM have also been questioned 7‐10 . Thus, it seems crucial to be certain about its benefits for patients suffering from CGH.…”