Informed Consent *
Doctors of Chiropractic who use manual therapy techniques are required to advise patients that there are or may be some risks associated with such treatment. In particular you should note: a) While rare, some patients may experience short term aggravation of symptoms, rib fractures or muscle and ligament strains or sprains as a result of manual therapy techniques; b) There are reported cases of stroke associated with many common neck movements including adjustments of the upper cervical spine. Present medical and scientific evidence does not establish a definite cause and effect relationship between upper cervical spine adjustment and the occurrence of stroke. Furthermore, the apparent association is noted very infrequently. However, you are being warned of this possible association because stroke sometimes causes serious neurological impairment and may on rare occasion result in injuries including paralysis. The possibly of such injuries resulting from upper cervical spinal adjustment is extremely remote; c) There is rare reported cases of disc injuries following cervical and lumbar spinal adjustments or chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic treatment, including spinal adjustments, has been the subject of government reports and multidisciplinary studies conducted over many years and has demonstrated to be effective treatment for many neck and back conditions involving pain, numbness, muscle spam, loss of mobility, headaches and other similar symptoms. Chiropractic care contributes to your overall well being. The risk of injuries or complications from chiropractic treatment is substantially lower than that associated with many medical or other treatments, medications, and procedures given for the same treatments. I acknowledge I have discussed, or have had the opportunity to discuss, with my chiropractor the nature and purpose of chiropractic treatment in general and my treatment in particular (including spinal adjustment) as well as the contents of this Consent. I consent to the chiropractic treatments offered or recommended to me by my chiropractor, including spinal adjustment. I intend this consent to apply to all my present and future chiropractic care.