How Likely is It That a Chiropractor Unintentionally Kill Someone?

Considering the rarity and the often-debated nature of such occurrences, the likelihood that a chiropractor unintentionally kills someone is very low. However, understanding the risks and safeguards in place can be vital for both patients and practitioners alike.

Chiropractor Risks According to Insurance Costs

Malpractice insurance serves as a key indicator of the risks associated with various medical and non-medical professions. According to data from insurance companies, the average premiums for different professions will tell you who faces a higher risk of problems. For instance, the premiums for professions like OB/Gyn and general surgeons are significantly higher due to their higher risk profiles. In contrast, chiropractors, while having some risk, typically pay markedly lower premiums.

Average Malpractice Insurance Premiums

OB/Gyn: $120,000 General Surgeon: $75,000 Internal Medicine: $20,000 Family Practice: $15,000 Chiropractors: $2,000-$4,000

The lower premiums reflect a lower likelihood of significant malpractice claims against chiropractors, highlighting the relative safety of chiropractic care.

Rare but Significant Risks

While the risk of severe complications from chiropractic care is rare, it is not entirely absent. Historically, there have been cases where chiropractors have unintentionally caused death or serious harm to patients. For instance, in the case of a former chiropractor who killed a patient who was also his best friend, the patient had an anomalous vertebral artery that was sheared open during an adjustment, leading to fatal bleeding.

Case Studies and Medical Literature

Researchers have compiled approximately 25 cases where chiropractors inadvertently killed their patients. It's important to note, however, that the number of unreported cases is harder to ascertain. These fatalities are often a result of rare anatomical conditions that increase the risk during adjustments.

The Role of Medical Research

The rarity of these incidents makes it challenging to establish a definitive causal link. In many cases, it has been difficult to prove or rule out the role of chiropractic care in these fatalities. The most recent and comprehensive study concluded that the risk of death from chiropractic adjustments is no greater than that from visiting a medical doctor. In fact, the estimated risk of a stroke due to chiropractic adjustments is between 1 in a million to 1 in 5 million, which is minuscule compared to other common risks.

Stroke Risks and Patient Predisposition

Although the mechanism behind strokes following neck manipulation is not fully understood, it is believed to be more prevalent in people with certain anatomical predispositions. However, there is no known test to determine if a patient is at risk. The estimated chance of a stroke occurring is so low that it is nearly impossible to prove or disprove its connection to chiropractic care through current research methods.

It is worth noting that the risk of death by lightning is far higher, estimated to be in the range of 1 in 1,000,000 per year. This stark comparison underscores the relative safety of chiropractic care.

Conclusion

While the risk of severe complications from chiropractic care is extremely low, it is not zero. The rarity of such incidents and the wide range of potential patient risks necessitate continued vigilance and the practice of good clinical procedures. Proper malpractice insurance is just one indicator of the risks and the measures in place to protect patients. Understanding the actual risks and taking steps to mitigate them can help ensure that the benefits of chiropractic care continue to outweigh the potential risks.