Neil O’Connell, lecturer at Brunel University’s Centre for Research and Rehabilitation, advises physical therapists to warn their patients against cervical spinal manipulation whether from physical therapists, chiropractors or osteopaths.
Mr O'Connell argues that there is consistent evidence of an association between spinal manipulation and tears to the lining of the vertebral artery in the neck, which can cause stroke.
Countering Mr. O'Connell's argument is David Cassidy, a Canadian professor of epidemiology at the University of Toronto.
Professor Cassidy argues there is...
Mr. OConnell's full text position paper is here.
- "...high quality evidence showed that manipulation could clearly benefit patients with neck pain
- that there was no causal link between manipulation and stroke
- and that the treatment should remain as an option for therapists."
Professor Cassidy's full text position paper is here.
Mr. OConnell's British Medical Journal article is here. (subscription required)
Professor Cassidy's British Medical Journal article is here. (subscription required)
