Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 8/8/2008

Question
Hello,
Today I went to the chiropractor for adjustment because of some pain in my lower back. During the adjustment he asked me if I ever had any head aches. I said once in a while. He adjusted my neck then. A few min after I left the office I started feeling dizzy and a little nauseous. I have had adjustments before, but this time it was more intense. Is it a normal reaction or does it mean something didn't go right? I would appreciate your input.


Answer
Dear Marina,

Dizziness after a neck adjustment is not common, but does happen. This is usually just and indication of increased neurological input which may affect balance, inner ear function, or proprioception (your body's awareness in space).  Some patients are more susceptible than others concerning hyper-stimulation of the brain, this is sometimes termed as "high Gain", especially if the adjustment was given at the top joints of the spine.  When dizziness occurs it should be transient and only last for a few seconds to a few minutes tops.  Just ask the chiropractor to be more gentle with his manipulations in the future.  I wouldn't worry about this unless the dizziness is progressive or lasting.

On the other hand, I would be worried about a chiropractor who is adjusting your neck just because you said you have headaches...this is not an indication to arbitrarily adjust the spine.  The headaches should be investigated first with a history of occurrence and associated symptomatology, and that should be coupled with your other medical history and a physical examination of the neck to include functional orthopedic and neurological testing.  The headaches you complain of could be related to hormonal changes, dietary intake, a vascular problem, or a host of other issues that are not related to the joints or musculature of the neck.  This should have been explored first!! I would have additionally taken x-rays of the neck to include the base of the skull to make sure that there were not contraindications for neck manipulation, some patients should not be adjusted.  

Realize that investigation and diagnosis is the first priority for all physicians, regardless of training or education variance, treatment is always secondary...even in the emergency room.  If this was not done, I would encourage you to find a more thorough chiropractic physician for future care.  If the dizziness is worsening, continuous or recurrent, it should be followed up on with an additional examination of the neck, inner ear, vasculature in the neck and brain function.  This would be the most comprehensive way to ascertain what the problem is.

Hope this helps Marina.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net