Death of the Dogma of Critical Injury New research lays ‘The Great Stroke Hoax’ to rest T here are few discussions in chiropractic that invoke more passion – and occasion- ally fear and panic – than the controversial topic of “Chiropractors Cause Strokes.” While most in the profession obviously recognize, and openly admit, Dr. Stephen J. Silk is the chairman of the board of the Chiropractic Awareness Cou- ncil (CAC)-Ontario. Dr. Silk received his BSc in kinesiology from the University of Waterloo prior to earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College West in 1991. He and his wife, Dr. Raelynn Cancel, run a family wellness practice in his hometown of Wiarton, Ontario. that strokes can occur to anyone at any time, chiropractors should rest assured that the application of a proper chiropractic adjustment to the cervical spine doesn’t increase the likelihood of a stroke happening. In fact, those who actively pursue the science behind this issue will tell you that the supposed “material risk” is baseless. And, recent research can now confirm it; “The Great Stroke Hoax” is dead. As chiropractors, we should not shy away from this issue, cowering from the accusa- tions of those who wish to hold us back. While allegations of the “risk” of chiropractic have been freely made for over 50 years – and have been especially amplified over the past 20 – our detractors have never put up anything more than seemingly “temporally related” anecdotes as their “evidence” to support their position. There has never been anything remotely resembling high quality research to back up their claims. Oddly, those making such lurid statements have not been challenged to back them up! Instead, we acquiesced to their condemnations, and began warning our patients – and potential patients – that we might injure or even kill them by adjusting their necks. As a profession, sadly, we acknowledged, accepted and promoted this “risk” without question. Even worse, some within our educational system began to promulgate this fallacy to a whole new generation of chiropractors, creating fear about providing, perhaps, the most essential service we offer. This insidious weakening of spirit may be our ultimate downfall! The application of a proper chiropractic adjustment to the cervical spine doesn't increase the likelihood of a stroke happening. The purpose, then, of this article is twofold: to create open dialogue on this topic, and to let you know about two research papers – one published, one about to be published – which when added to previous works, will serve to put the nail in the coffin of the “Stroke Hoax.” ADJUSTING THE UPPER CERVICAL SPINE It is my firm belief that if 100 DCs were randomly polled, the vast majority would agree that there is “magic” in upper cervical care. However, if patients – not to mention practi- tioners – are frightened of cervical adjustments, then my worst fears may come true: rather than standing up and fighting for what is right, we will wither from within, and slowly fade away. The chiropractic pioneers are rolling in their graves. Let me be clear at this point: “acting conservatively” is a mainstay in chiropractic, and should continue to be a cornerstone in our patient interactions. Over the years, thorough nerve system analyses, and spinal workups, have led me to find a few “red flags” that required significant technique considerations or, in some cases, medical referral. But almost 20 years of clinical experience allows me to recognize that these “challenging patients” are the minority, and while special care should be afforded them, they should be also be recognized for what they are: rarities. 16 • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | DECEMBER 2007 www.canadianchiropractor.ca Stephen J. Silk, DC feature
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