Are Chiropractors Safe? What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever thought about seeing a chiropractor but hesitated because you weren’t sure how safe it is — you’re not alone. It’s a common question, especially for people new to chiropractic care.

At Adjusted For Life Chiropractic Health Centre, your trusted NW Calgary chiropractor, we understand that safety and science matter. Our approach is evidence-based, gentle, and focused on helping your body move and function better — whether it’s your spine, shoulders, knees, or any other joint that’s feeling off.

Let’s break down what makes chiropractic care safe, what the research says, and what to expect from an adjustment.

The Truth About Chiropractic Safety

Chiropractic care is one of the safest, non-invasive healthcare options for managing spine and joint-related pain. According to numerous studies and health organizations, including the Canadian Chiropractic Association and major medical journals, the risk of serious side effects from chiropractic adjustments is extremely low — far lower than many common treatments like pain medications or surgery.

Most patients feel relief, improved mobility, and reduced tension after treatment. Occasionally, there may be mild soreness (similar to post-exercise stiffness), but this usually resolves within 24-48 hours.

Why Chiropractic Care Is Safe

The foundation of chiropractic care is movement-based treatment — restoring proper motion to joints that aren’t moving as they should. These joint restrictions can develop from poor posture, repetitive movements, sports, or even long hours at a desk.

When a chiropractor performs an adjustment, it’s not about “cracking bones” — it’s about applying a precise, controlled force to help the joint move normally again.

At Adjusted For Life Chiropractic Health Centre, our practitioners are highly trained in anatomy, biomechanics, and neuromusculoskeletal function. We tailor every adjustment to your comfort level, age, and health history.

Before any treatment begins, we:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment (including movement and orthopedic testing)
• Review your health history and goals
• Explain every step, so you know exactly what we’re doing and why

This process ensures that each adjustment is both safe and specific to your needs.

Spinal Adjustments: Safe and Effective

Spinal adjustments are among the most researched chiropractic treatments. Studies show they can:

• Reduce low back pain, neck pain, and headaches
• Improve joint mobility and posture
• Decrease muscle tension and nerve irritation

At our NW Calgary chiropractic clinic, we use several techniques — from traditional manual adjustments to low-force instrument-assisted methods — ensuring you receive care that’s comfortable and appropriate for your condition.

For example, many of our patients with spine-related discomfort find relief through our chiropractic care programs, which are designed to restore proper motion while minimizing stress on the body.

Extremity Adjustments: Not Just for the Spine

Chiropractic care isn’t limited to the back or neck. Extremity adjustments — such as those for the shoulders, wrists, hips, knees, or ankles — are also safe and effective when performed by trained chiropractors.

These adjustments help:

• Improve joint alignment and range of motion
• Reduce muscle and ligament strain
• Prevent overcompensation injuries elsewhere in the body

At Adjusted for Life, we see many active Calgarians and weekend warriors who deal with overuse or mobility issues in the extremities.

Understanding the Myths

Despite what you might hear online, chiropractic adjustments don’t “pop bones back into place” — your joints were never out of place to begin with. The sound you sometimes hear is simply a gas release within the joint capsule, similar to cracking your knuckles.

Another common myth is that adjustments can cause injury. In reality, the forces used are precise and controlled, and chiropractors undergo years of clinical training to ensure safety. For comparison, the risk of serious adverse events from a chiropractic neck adjustment is estimated to be less than one in several million — significantly lower than many everyday activities.

Who Should Avoid Chiropractic Adjustments?

While chiropractic care is safe for most people, there are certain conditions where adjustments may not be recommended or may need to be modified.

Your chiropractor will always screen for these, but examples include:

• Severe osteoporosis
• Acute fractures
• Certain inflammatory or vascular conditions
• Recent surgery in the area being treated

If any of these apply, your chiropractor will adjust the treatment plan — often using gentle mobilization or soft tissue therapy instead.

Why Safety Starts with a Relationship

One of the best ways to ensure safe chiropractic care is through open communication. At Adjusted For Life Chiropractic Health Centre, we encourage patients to ask questions, share their concerns, and take an active role in their recovery.

Our goal is to help you move better, feel stronger, and stay active — all while keeping your care safe, comfortable, and evidence-based.

The Bottom Line

So, are chiropractors safe?

Yes — when you choose a qualified, evidence-based provider who takes the time to understand your unique needs. Chiropractic care is a natural, effective, and low-risk way to support your body’s movement and relieve pain — not just in your spine, but across your entire musculoskeletal system.