Upper Trunk Brachial Plexus Palsy Following Chiropractic Manipulation

INTRODUCTION: Upper trunk brachial plexus palsy can result from high-energy trauma and has never been reported following spinal manipulation. BACKGROUND: The case is presented of a patient who developed an acute brachial plexus upper trunk palsy following spinal manipulative therapy. DISCUSSION: Discussion is made on the incidence of complications following manipulation and recommendations to prospectively capture all serious complications. CONCLUDING REMARKS: Risks exist with spinal manipulative therapy. Neurological injury can occur. Risk assessment and re-examination should occur at every visit. Large rigorous prospective studies are required to identify the true incidence of serious complications resulting from manipulative therapy and the benefit:risk ratio.