NZ-specific risk guide

Risks of chiropractic care in New Zealand

Covers spinal adjustment, manual therapy and related musculoskeletal treatment by NZ Chiropractic Board-registered chiropractors.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-27 · how we source risk data

Who is qualified to perform this in NZ

All NZ chiropractors must be registered with the NZ Chiropractic Board.

Risks

Risks are categorised by frequency reported in NZ + Australasian surgical college guidance. None of this is a substitute for an individual clinical assessment by a registered practitioner.

Post-treatment soreness

Common

What: Mild soreness or stiffness for 24-48 hours after adjustment.

How risk is reduced: Discussed pre-treatment; rest and gentle movement.

Headache after cervical adjustment

Common

What: Usually mild and short-lived.

How risk is reduced: Practitioner uses appropriate force; discuss any neck-related symptoms.

Worsening symptoms

Uncommon

What: A small subset of patients report worsening pain — see your chiropractor or GP if persistent.

How risk is reduced: Stop treatment and seek medical review.

Disc herniation

Rare

What: Rare complication of forceful manipulation.

How risk is reduced: Avoid high-velocity manipulation if you have known disc disease.

Vertebral artery dissection (cervical manipulation)

Very rare

What: Serious but documented in international literature. Risk is reduced with appropriate patient screening.

How risk is reduced: Discuss any pre-existing neck conditions; avoid forceful cervical manipulation if you have cardiovascular risk factors or symptoms suggesting vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

Pre-procedure checklist

  1. Confirm registration on the NZ Chiropractic Board register.
  2. Discuss your symptoms, medical history and any red-flag symptoms.
  3. For ACC-related care, bring your ACC45.
  4. Ask about the chiropractor's training, approach and any guarantees (be cautious of guarantees).

Red flags — stop and get a second opinion if you see these

  • Practitioners claiming to "cure" conditions outside their scope.
  • Long pre-purchased treatment packages without clinical justification.

Call your clinic if you notice

  • · Symptoms significantly worse after treatment
  • · New numbness, weakness or tingling
  • · Bowel or bladder changes
  • · Headache that is severe or different from your usual headaches

When to call 111 / go to ED

Sudden severe headache, vision changes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness on one side of the body — call 111 immediately (possible stroke).

Sources we reference

This page draws on NZ + Australasian surgical college guidance and NZ regulator publications. Full list:

See all sources we cite across the site.

Next steps

Browse chiropractic care clinics →

Filter by location, funding accepted and specialty.

 Browse common questions →

Plain-language answers to 200+ NZ medical questions.

This page is general guidance about the kinds of risks documented for chiropractic care in New Zealand and Australia. It is not a substitute for an in-person clinical assessment. Risk profiles depend on the specific procedure, your individual health, the surgeon\'s experience and the facility. Always discuss your specific situation with a registered practitioner before consenting to any procedure.

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