We help a large number of people in our clinic in Aylesbury and Milton Keynes every day to overcome health challenges. Despite this a common worry that seems to stop people from seeking care is whether chiropractic care is safe.
Chiropractic care is safe
When you are exploring options for managing pain or to optimise your health, safety is paramount. The good news is that chiropractic care, has a strong safety profile.
Some mild, short-term side effects (such as temporary soreness) are relatively common; however, serious adverse events are rare.
A large 2023 study, examining nearly one million chiropractic appointments found a severe adverse event rate of approximately 1 in 476,000, and reported no cases of stroke or cauda equina syndrome (Chu, 2023).
How we prioritise your safety
At our clinics, your safety always comes first. Before any chiropractic adjustments or care begin, we carry out a thorough assessment for all new clients, as well as for those who have not visited us for some time.
This initial assessment includes detailed orthopaedic and neurological examinations, along with several objective health measures. These help us build a complete picture of your musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular health before deciding on the most appropriate care.
Key assessments we perform:
- Blood pressure (BP) measures the force of blood pushing against the artery walls and is recorded as systolic over diastolic (mmHg). Measuring BP in both arms (bilateral blood pressure) is important, as a difference of more than 10–15 mmHg may indicate underlying vascular concerns. Good circulation plays an important role in muscle function, balance, and overall mobility, which is why this measurement is particularly relevant to chiropractic care.
- Weight distribution: Assessing how your weight is distributed helps us identify imbalances that may affect posture, movement patterns, gait, and balance. These asymmetries can place extra strain on joints and muscles over time.
- Grip strength is a simple yet valuable indicator of overall muscle strength and functional ability. It can also provide insight into neurological and general health.
Together, these assessments allow us to gain a comprehensive understanding of how your body is functioning. X-rays are only taken when clinically indicated, to assess spinal integrity or identify any structural concerns.
What happens next?
Once your assessment is complete, you will be booked in for a follow-up appointment known as a report of findings. During this visit, your chiropractor will explain the results of your examination, discuss how chiropractic care may help you, and answer any questions you may have. If you are happy to proceed, your first adjustment can then take place.
Why not everything in one visit?
You may be wondering why this process is not completed in a single appointment. Before beginning any care, we take time to carefully analyse all findings to ensure your care is both appropriate and safe. This approach allows us to provide care that is tailored specifically to your needs, rather than rushing decisions.
Our goal is for everyone who visits our clinics to feel confident, informed, and safe knowing they are receiving the highest standard of care.
Paris Georgiadis (MChiro)