Headache, neck manipulation and stroke: the atlanto ‐axial triad

Discussion of neck manipulation generates controversy and raises many questions. To date, the prevailing medical opinion is that upper neck manipulation is unsafe. Many case reports associating neck manipulation with stroke provide good reason not to recommend or submit to upper neck manipulation. Headache is one of the most common conditions treated by manipulating the upper cervical spine where vertebral and internal carotid arteries are most susceptible to injury that may curtail flow of blood to the brain. Physicians and lay persons who have questions about the benefits and dangers of neck manipulation may find this article helpful in evaluating relevant literature that may be confusing or flawed by confirmation bias and misinformation.
Source: Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies - Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Tags: Perspective Source Type: research