Neurologist here. Getting chiropractic neck adjustments.
I used to go occasionally in college when my neck felt stiff from studying at weird angles. Then during residency you see your first 20-something having a massive stroke from a vertebral artery dissection because someone gave their neck a high-velocity twist.
People treat routine neck manipulation like harmless wellness maintenance, but tearing the inner lining of an artery in your neck is a real risk when you forcefully wrench it. Once you watch a completely healthy person come in with a devastating brainstem stroke over minor tension that could have been resolved with a hot shower and some gentle physical therapy, you never let anyone touch your cervical spine again.
I used to go occasionally in college when my neck felt stiff from studying at weird angles. Then during residency you see your first 20-something having a massive stroke from a vertebral artery dissection because someone gave their neck a high-velocity twist.
People treat routine neck manipulation like harmless wellness maintenance, but tearing the inner lining of an artery in your neck is a real risk when you forcefully wrench it. Once you watch a completely healthy person come in with a devastating brainstem stroke over minor tension that could have been resolved with a hot shower and some gentle physical therapy, you never let anyone touch your cervical spine again.