27. April 2026

New Research: No Link Between Cervical Adjustments and Artery Dissection

One of the most persistent concerns patients raise about chiropractic neck adjustments is the question of cervical artery dissection — a rare but serious condition involving a tear in the lining of an artery in the neck. A 2024 peer-reviewed study directly addresses this concern with clear findings.

What the Research Found

A forensic review of nine malpractice cases in which cervical artery dissection was alleged to have been caused by cervical spine manipulation found no evidence of causation in any of the cases reviewed. The study concluded that current evidence does not support a causal relationship between cervical spine adjustments and cervical artery dissection.

Brown, S. (2024). Review of nine malpractice cases with allegations of causation of cervical artery dissection by cervical spine manipulation: No evidence for causation. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 108, 102783.

What This Means for Patients

Cervical chiropractic adjustments are among the most studied manual therapies in healthcare. Research consistently shows that serious adverse events are extremely rare, and the evidence does not support the claim that adjustments cause arterial injury. At Revival Chiropractic, Dr. Kamryn Sholly performs thorough neurological screening before all cervical adjustments and always uses techniques appropriate to each patient's specific presentation and comfort level.

If you have questions or concerns about neck adjustments, Dr. Kamryn welcomes that conversation at your visit. Informed, transparent care is a core part of how we practice.

For the full study: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Brown 2024