What Side Effects May Occur? 

Serious side effects from spinal manipulation are rare. Strokes have been reported following manipulation of the neck, presumably as a result of damage to one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. However, the incidence of adverse events from manipulation of the neck region is estimated to be 1 in 1 million procedures, according to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Likewise, the Agency pegs the risk of a serious side effect from manipulation of the lower back at 1 case in 100 million manipulations. 

Minor side effects of spinal manipulation have not been systematically analyzed. The adverse reactions reported by one study, such as headache, radiating discomfort, and fatigue following manipulation, were not clearly shown to be a result of the treatment. 

See Also: Safety and Precautions