Expert: J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C. - 8/29/2008

Question
Can spinal manipulation cause wrist pain?I went to a chiropractor three weeks ago with lower back pain and ended up with painfully sore wrists.

Answer
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Hello R.,

It would be highly unusual for spinal adjustments to cause wrist pain (unless the wrists were directly adjusted).  Chiropractic does not typically work like that.  As an analogy, it would be just as doubtful for an adjustment to cause a healthy patient to all of the sudden have asthma.  However, there are some side effects of chiropractic, though most are rare.  The most likely side effect related to your question would be a headache or some tenderness or soreness in the area of direct manipulation.  

Try to think back to the one to three days prior to your wrist pain.  The most likely cause is from extra computer work or paperwork a day or two before the pain.  If you are a laborer or work with your hands for a living, the pain may have come from work, or also a hobby or sport.  The most important thing is that the pain gets better and does not get worse.  If it does not get better, you should have your wrists evaluated.  And just as appropriate, you should address your concern for your wrist pain with your chiropractor because there may be a piece of the puzzle I did not connect from your email alone.

I hope this helps clear up and ease any concern you may have.  Best of luck!

Dr. J.R. Strecker, D.C.