Jennifer was nervous about chiropractic. She'd heard stories. "Is this going to hurt? Is it safe?" These are fair questions when you're considering care.
After a thorough assessment and clear explanation of what I'd found and what I'd do, she moved forward. Six weeks later, her pain was gone and she felt confident in her care. "I wish I'd done this sooner," she said.
Safety is earned through clear assessment, honest communication, and skilled technique. Let me show you what the evidence actually says.
The Short Answer: Yes, It's Safe
Research from the WHO, NIH, and major medical organizations consistently shows that chiropractic care is safe when performed by a licensed, qualified professional.
Here's what the evidence shows:
- Serious complications are rare: Major adverse events occur in roughly 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 10 million cases.
- Minor side effects are common but temporary: Mild soreness or stiffness occurs in about 10% of patients and typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
- Effectiveness is well-documented: For conditions like low back pain and neck pain, chiropractic care is as effective as or more effective than other common treatments.
- Long-term safety is good: Decades of research and millions of patients show chiropractic doesn't cause long-term harm.
Common Side Effects (Mild and Temporary)
If you receive an adjustment, you might experience:
- Mild soreness: Similar to post-workout soreness. Resolves on its own.
- Stiffness: Temporary, usually gone within a day.
- Mild headache: Rare, usually resolves quickly.
- Fatigue: Your nervous system is adapting. Rest helps.
These are normal and indicate your body is adapting. They're not signs something went wrong.
Who Should Be Extra Careful?
While chiropractic is safe for most people, certain conditions require special attention:
Conditions requiring adjusted technique or additional assessment:
- Severe osteoporosis (we use gentler methods)
- Recent fractures (need to be healed enough)
- Spinal cord compression or severe stenosis (might need imaging first)
- Certain cancers (coordinate with your oncologist)
- Severe inflammatory arthritis (might need modified approach)
- Anticoagulant use (need to be aware; still safe with proper technique)
Conditions that might contraindicate chiropractic:
- Unstable fracture
- Active infection of the spine
- Cauda equina syndrome (rare but serious nerve compression)
This is why the first visit is so important. I take a thorough history and do a complete exam. If chiropractic isn't right for you, I'll tell you and refer you to appropriate care.
Safety at Whole Heart Chiropractic
Beyond general safety, here's what I do specifically:
Comprehensive assessment: Before any adjustment, I take detailed history, do thorough exam, and sometimes order imaging.
Clear communication: I explain what I find, why I'm recommending treatment, and what you can expect.
Modification for your body: I adjust my technique based on your age, condition, comfort level, and any special considerations.
Ongoing assessment: If something isn't working or doesn't feel right, we adjust. Your feedback matters.
Professional credentials: I'm a licensed chiropractor in Missouri with advanced training in multiple techniques.
Serious Complications: How Rare Are They?
The one thing people worry about most: stroke from neck adjustments. Let me give you what the research actually shows.
What the latest research says:
A 2025 systematic review published in Stroke & Vascular Neurology examined cervical artery dissection (CAD) — the rare vascular event that could theoretically cause stroke. They analyzed all the studies comparing people who received chiropractic care with controls.
The finding: Cervical spinal manipulative therapy is not a significant risk factor for stroke.
Here's what's really important: One of the most insightful studies (Cassidy et al.) used careful methodology to separate cause from correlation. They found that when patients with new headaches or neck pain saw a chiropractor, there was an increased risk of dissection-related stroke. But here's the key: when those same patients saw a primary care doctor for the same symptoms, the risk was comparable. No difference.
Why? This is called "protopathic bias." People seek care — whether from a chiropractor or a doctor — because they have symptoms. Those symptoms might be early signs of cervical artery dissection. The dissection isn't caused by the care; it was already developing when the person sought help.
This means the real issue isn't what type of provider you see. It's proper assessment. Both chiropractors AND doctors need to recognize when new onset headache or neck symptoms warrant careful evaluation, imaging, or medical referral before diving into treatment.
What this means at Whole Heart:
- I take new or unusual symptoms seriously
- I assess thoroughly before treating
- If I suspect something beyond my scope, I refer you to your doctor or emergency care
- I don't rush into treatment for unexplained new symptoms
- Your safety is the priority, not the treatment
The research shows chiropractic care is safe. But that safety depends on proper assessment and knowing when to refer — something that matters whether you see me, your doctor, or any healthcare provider.
The Bottom Line on Safety
Chiropractic is safe. Millions of patients benefit. Serious problems are extremely rare. Minor side effects are common but temporary and harmless.
What makes it safe:
- Finding a qualified, licensed chiropractor
- Being honest about your health history
- Clear communication with your provider
- Understanding your body might need time to adjust
Your Safety Questions
Q: Is it safe to get adjusted frequently?
A: Yes. Some people get adjusted weekly or regularly without issues.
Q: Is neck adjustment safe?
A: Yes, when done correctly by a trained chiropractor. But tell me if you're nervous — we can use gentler alternatives.
Q: Is it safe during pregnancy?
A: Yes. Prenatal chiropractic is safe, though I'll note I don't have specialized equipment and I'm not Webster-certified.
Q: Is it safe for teens?
A: Yes. I use age-appropriate, gentler techniques for younger patients. I refer children to specialists.
Q: Is it safe with arthritis?
A: Yes, with modified technique. Gentle adjustments and soft tissue work help without irritating arthritic joints.
Q: I'm on blood thinners. Is it safe?
A: Mostly yes, but I need to adjust my technique. Make sure I know about any medications.
Confident, Informed Care
You deserve to feel confident and informed about your care.
Ready to move forward? Schedule a consultation and let's address your concerns directly.
Marcus had been dealing with lower back pain for weeks. Nothing was working. When I assessed him, I found a specific segment in his lower back wasn't moving properly. The joints were restricted. That restriction was affecting how his muscles worked, which was creating pain.
I applied a precise adjustment to that segment, restoring its motion. Within 24 hours, he felt significantly better. That's because we addressed the actual mechanical problem.
The Basics: What Actually Happens
When a joint isn't moving the way it should — restricted motion, loss of function — it creates problems. Muscles tighten around it. Nerves can get irritated. Pain develops.
An adjustment is a specific, controlled movement applied to that joint to restore proper motion and function.
That "pop" or cracking sound you hear? It's called cavitation — a bubble forming and popping in the fluid inside the joint. It's harmless and completely normal. (Some adjustments are silent, and they work just as well.)
What Happens During an Adjustment
Before: A joint segment isn't moving optimally. Surrounding muscles tighten. Function is limited. Pain develops.
During: I apply a precise, controlled force in a specific direction to that joint. This restores motion.
After: The joint moves better. Muscles relax. Nerve irritation decreases. Function improves.
The adjustment itself takes seconds. But the effect — the restoration of motion and function — can be felt immediately or over the next 24 hours.
Different Adjustment Techniques
Not all adjustments are the same. I use several different approaches depending on what I find and what works best for your body:
High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust: The classic adjustment — quick, controlled force. Safe and effective. Most people find it relieving.
Diversified technique: A general adjustment method I can use on various spine and joint areas.
Activator method: A small handheld instrument instead of hands. Gentler approach that some patients prefer.
Drop table technique: A table that drops slightly when I apply force, using gravity to assist the adjustment. Very controlled and effective.
Logan basic and SOT: Specific gentle techniques for certain patterns of dysfunction.
Soft tissue techniques: Sometimes the issue is tight muscles pulling things out of function. I use trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and other techniques.
Cranial-sacral work: Gentle techniques addressing restrictions in the skull and sacrum.
At your first visit, we'll discuss what feels right to you. Some people love the traditional adjustment; others prefer gentler methods. There's no "right" answer — it's about what works for your body.
Why Adjustments Work
The evidence shows that restoring joint motion:
- Improves function: Joints that move better work better.
- Reduces muscle tension: When joints move properly, muscles don't have to compensate.
- Decreases pain: Pain often comes from restriction. Restore motion, pain decreases.
- Improves nerve function: Irritated nerves calm down when the mechanical restriction is relieved.
- Supports healing: Movement promotes healing. Restriction delays it.
Research supports this. Studies show that chiropractic adjustments are effective for neck pain, low back pain, and certain types of headaches. It's recognized by the FDA, NIH, and major medical organizations.
What You'll Feel During an Adjustment
This varies from person to person and visit to visit.
Common experiences:
- Pressure and stretching sensation
- Relief during or immediately after
- A pop or crack sound
- Relaxation afterward
- Improved movement right away
Sometimes:
- Mild discomfort during (different from pain — more like intense pressure)
- Mild soreness after, similar to post-workout soreness
- Temporary fatigue as your body adjusts
What shouldn't happen:
- Sharp pain during the adjustment
- Increased pain lasting hours afterward
- Feeling worse than before
If you're experiencing sharp pain or concerning symptoms, tell me immediately. I'll adjust my technique or reassess.
The Adjustment in Context
Here's important: the adjustment is one part of the picture, not the whole solution.
Yes, it restores motion and can provide immediate relief. But to keep that improvement and prevent the problem from returning, you also need:
- Strengthening to support the adjusted area
- Movement and stretching to maintain mobility
- Postural awareness to avoid recreating the problem
- Lifestyle adjustments to address what caused the dysfunction
That's why I spend time educating you about what happened, what you can do at home, and how to prevent recurrence.
Your Adjustment Questions
Q: Will the adjustment hurt?
A: It shouldn't. Tell me if something feels wrong.
Q: Why do I feel some relief right away but then it comes back?
A: Your body is still adapting. Some conditions take multiple sessions to fully resolve. We'll create a plan based on your situation.
Q: Is it okay to get adjusted regularly?
A: Yes. Some people benefit from regular adjustments as maintenance. It's your choice based on your body and goals.
Q: I'm nervous about the cracking sound. Is it safe?
A: Completely safe. The sound is just cavitation in the joint fluid. Silent adjustments work just as well.
Q: Can I adjust myself?
A: No. The motion needs to be precise, and self-adjusting can cause injury. Let me do it.
Experience Better Movement
Understanding how your body works is the first step to feeling better.
Ready to restore your motion and function? Schedule your adjustment today.
Opening: A Patient Story
Sarah came in with neck pain that had been nagging her for months. She'd seen her doctor, who said "it's just tension." She'd tried stretching at home. Nothing stuck.
During her exam, I found something specific: a segment in her neck wasn't moving the way it should. That restriction was affecting how her muscles worked. Once we identified the tissue problem and addressed it, her pain started improving within days.
That's what chiropractic is about — finding what's actually restricted and helping your body move better.
Understanding the Basics
Chiropractic is a hands-on healthcare approach focused on diagnosing and treating movement dysfunction, particularly in the spine and joints. We assess how your body moves, identify where motion is restricted or dysfunction exists, and use specific techniques to help restore that motion and function.
Here's the key: we're looking at tissue and function, not just pain. Pain is often a signal that something isn't moving right. Fix the movement, and the pain often improves.
What Chiropractors Actually Do
Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in the musculoskeletal system — your bones, joints, nerves, muscles, and ligaments. We assess how your body moves and functions, identify restrictions or dysfunction, and use hands-on techniques to address them.
Our toolkit includes:
- Joint adjustments — specific movements applied to joints that aren't moving optimally
- Soft tissue work — releasing tight muscles and fascial restrictions
- Stretching and mobility work — improving range of motion
- Strengthening and exercise — supporting long-term function
- Movement education — teaching you how to move and position yourself better
- Lifestyle guidance — addressing what's contributing to the problem
The most well-known technique is the joint adjustment, which involves applying a specific, controlled force to restore motion. But chiropractic is much more than that. It's a comprehensive approach to helping your body function better.
What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
People come to me with all kinds of issues:
- Low back pain and dysfunction
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Sciatica and leg pain
- Shoulder and arm pain
- Sports injuries and repetitive strain
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Postural dysfunction
- Movement restrictions
- Pain without clear cause
But here's what matters: chiropractic isn't just about treating pain. It's about understanding why the problem started and addressing the root cause — the tissue dysfunction — so you don't keep having the same issue.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
Short answer: yes. When performed by a licensed, qualified chiropractor, chiropractic care is safe and effective for many conditions.
Research from the WHO, NIH, and major medical organizations supports this. Serious complications are extremely rare (roughly 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 10 million cases). Most people experience minor, temporary effects like mild soreness, similar to post-workout soreness.
Some conditions do require special care or modification — severe osteoporosis, active fractures, certain infections. That's why a thorough exam matters. I need to understand your full situation to make sure chiropractic is appropriate and safe for you.
At Whole Heart, safety is non-negotiable. I assess thoroughly, explain clearly, and adjust my approach based on your body and comfort level.
How Is Chiropractic Different From Other Treatments?
You might wonder: chiropractic, physical therapy, massage, medical care — what's the difference?
Chiropractic focuses on joint motion and function. We address the mechanical restriction and help your joints move better.
Physical therapy builds strength and retrains movement patterns, often after the acute problem is addressed.
Massage releases muscle tension and supports circulation but doesn't address joint restriction.
Medical care diagnoses serious conditions and manages symptoms through medication or surgery.
The best approach? Often it's integrative. I frequently collaborate with physical therapists — they strengthen what I mobilize. I keep your doctor informed so you get coordinated care. Sometimes you need both chiropractic and PT. Sometimes you need medical evaluation first.
At Whole Heart, I work alongside your other providers. Your health is bigger than what happens in my office.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment will include:
- Consultation (20 minutes): I'll ask about your health history, what brought you in, any previous injuries, and your goals.
- Exam (25 minutes): I'll assess your posture, movement, and where motion is restricted. I'll do orthopedic and neurological tests based on what I find.
- Imaging (if needed): Sometimes X-rays or other imaging help me see what's happening. Not always necessary, but sometimes important.
- Explanation: I'll tell you exactly what I found, why you're experiencing symptoms, and what I recommend.
- First treatment (15 minutes): Many patients receive their first treatment that day, though not always.
The whole visit is about getting clarity — understanding what's happening in your body and whether chiropractic is right for you.
Chiropractic at Whole Heart
Here's what makes our approach different:
- Tissue-focused: We identify what tissue is causing the problem and treat that specifically.
- Collaborative: I work with your PT, your doctor, your other providers. You're not bouncing between providers with conflicting advice.
- Patient education: You understand what's happening and why. You're not a passive recipient — you're a partner in your care.
- Equity-centered: I meet you where you are. Your health is not a measure of your worth. You deserve care that respects you.
- Community-focused: I'm invested in Springfield and the people here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does chiropractic hurt?
A: Treatment shouldn't hurt. You might feel pressure or intense sensation, but sharp pain is not normal. Tell me immediately if something hurts.
Q: How long does an adjustment take?
A: The actual adjustment is quick — usually 10-15 seconds. Your full appointment is 45-60 minutes.
Q: Will I have to come forever?
A: No. We establish a treatment plan based on your condition. Some people need a few visits, others benefit from ongoing care. It's your choice.
Q: Is chiropractic real medicine?
A: Chiropractic is recognized by major medical organizations and I'm a licensed healthcare professional. But it's one approach among many. The best care is often coordinated with your doctor and other providers.
Ready to Understand Your Body Better?
You deserve to understand what's happening in your body and have a clear plan for feeling better.
Schedule a consultation. Let's figure out what's causing your problem and how we can help.
Call 417-538-6420 or book online www.wholeheartchiro.com
I recently asked my social media followers: "What's the most unhinged condition a healthcare provider has blamed on your weight?" The responses broke my heart and lit a fire under me all at once.
The Stories That Keep Me Up at Night
- A dislocated wrist in someone with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. EDS literally affects connective tissue, but sure, blame the weight.
- Mono. Mononucleosis. A viral infection. Blamed on body size.
- Sinus infections. "Here are some antibiotics and you should lose 50 pounds." For. A. Sinus. Infection.
- Pneumonia misdiagnosed as a blood clot "because fat people get clots." Except it was actually pneumonia, which could have been fatal if not properly treated.
- Mental health conditions: Depression, schizophrenia - apparently these brain chemistry disorders are caused by adipose tissue now.
- Genetic conditions: Factor 5 blood clotting disease, fibromyalgia, POTS - all blamed on weight instead of being properly managed.
- And my personal favorite: An infected spider bite that could apparently be "cured with gastric bypass surgery." I cannot make this up.
This Isn't Just Bad Medicine - It's Dangerous Medicine
Here's what happens when we blame everything on weight:
- Actual conditions go undiagnosed while patients are sent away to "lose weight and come back"
- Medical trauma deepens as patients learn their pain isn't worth investigating
- People avoid healthcare entirely rather than face more weight stigma
- We miss opportunities to provide actual, helpful care
What's Really Happening Here
When I see providers blaming broken bones on weight, I'm not seeing malicious intent. I'm seeing:
- Learned bias from a medical system that taught us "obesity causes everything"
- Cognitive shortcuts that feel easier than doing thorough clinical work
- Unconscious prejudice that makes us see fat bodies as inherently problematic
- Lack of training in weight-neutral assessment techniques
The Shift That Changes Everything
In my practice, I stopped asking "How might their weight be involved?" and started asking:
- "What does their clinical presentation tell me?"
- "What are the actual contributing factors here?"
- "How can I provide the same quality care I'd give anyone?"
- "What does this patient need to feel better right now?
This isn't about ignoring health factors. It's about being a better clinician.
What Patients Actually Need From Us
- Based on hundreds of conversations with patients who've experienced weight stigma in healthcare:
- They want us to listen to their actual symptoms, investigate their concerns thoroughly, provide treatment for their current condition, and treat them with the same respect we'd show anyone.
- They don't want weight loss lectures when they came in for strep throat, assumptions about their lifestyle based on their appearance, to be blamed for conditions that have nothing to do with weight, or to leave our office feeling worse about themselves.
The Bottom Line
Every time we blame an unrelated condition on weight, we're practicing bad medicine. We're also perpetuating a system that has failed our larger-bodied patients for decades.
As healthcare providers, we can do better. We must do better.
If you're a provider who wants to learn how to have these conversations without causing harm, I've created 5 specific scripts that help you provide excellent care without weight stigma. Get them here
What's the most frustrating example of weight blame you've encountered? Share in the comments - sometimes we need to see these patterns to believe how widespread they are.
From the age of 14, I knew I was going to be a chiropractor. I loved the concept of healing through touch and was always the kid who was hugging my friends or rubbing someone’s shoulders after a tough day. My future seemed clear: I envisioned myself helping people alleviate their pains and improve their lives without prescribing medicine or performing surgery. But alongside this vision of my professional future, there was another, more personal expectation I believed I needed to meet
—I thought I had to be thin..
As a teen, I was deeply influenced by makeover movies (think Never Been Kissed, She’s All That, The Princess Diaries), where the leading lady undergoes a dramatic physical transformation, usually from fat to thin, ugly to beautiful, or overlooked to admired. I don’t remember thinking I’d be fat my entire life. When I pictured myself as an adult, I was always thin. I was the transformed girl I saw in the movies.
These stories shaped my understanding of personal value and success. This dream of a future thin self was intertwined with my professional aspirations, convincing me that my ability to be a good chiropractor was linked to my ability to become thin. I internalized the idea that to be listened to and respected, I needed to “follow my own advice,” and fit into a physical mold.
The belief that doctors, particularly those at the top of the healthcare hierarchy, need to be thin is pervasive. Looking back, I realized that I had never seen a fat doctor, though there were plenty of higher-weight nurses and assistants. I questioned: Do doctors know something about staying thin that others don’t, or is the medical field riddled with bias that discriminates against higher-weight individuals? It has become increasingly clear that anti-fat bias is ingrained within the system.
Throughout my education, the shadow of this bias was always lurking. From the jokes about fat bodies to the warnings that fatness “caused” all types of diseases, it was hard not to see myself in the joke or feel the pressure to change my body. I spent much of my 20s and 30s trying to find the future me.
However, this "one-day" frame of mind is harmful. It suggests that true happiness and success are just out of reach, contingent upon meeting a specific body weight or image. It discourages individuals from living in the moment and appreciating their current selves. It can delay happiness and make one feel like a failure even when successful in other areas.
Over the years, I've come to recognize the destructiveness of these beliefs. The truth is, being a good chiropractor—or any kind of doctor—has nothing to do with one’s body size. It's about skill, empathy, dedication, and the ability to care for patients effectively. I've learned that the bias within the healthcare system is what needs to change, not the bodies of those who work within it.
The journey to unlearn these biases has not been easy, but it has been worthwhile. It involves challenging long-held societal beliefs and advocating for a more inclusive perspective that values professionals for their skills and compassion, not their body size. This shift in perspective is crucial not only for the well-being of healthcare professionals but also for the patients who benefit from a diverse range of doctors.
Let's begin to dismantle the harmful stereotypes in healthcare and affirm that good doctors come in all sizes. Our ability to care, to empathize, and to heal is not measured by the scales but by the heart and the hands that perform the healing.
The term "Fat" is used as a neutral descriptor, which has been co-opted by the Fat community and does not carry any negative connotations. It is used interchangeably with the term "higher-weight individual".
The words “ov*rweight” and “ob*se” are always censored because they are harmful and stigmatizing terms that incorrectly pathologize and medicalize bodies based solely on their size.
