Changes to the law now require all chiropractors to warn people of material risks. Chiropractic treatment is recognised as an effective and safe method of care for many conditions. However, as with all medical treatments, there are risks involved with chiropractic care, including but is not limited to: • Your condition becoming worse • Disc injuries, rib fracture, sprains/strains (1 in 139,000 cases in the neck and 1 in 62,000 cases in the low back) (1) • Stroke or stroke like symptoms (1 in 5.85 million cases in neck adjustments) (2) Put in context, chiropractic has been shown to be 250 times safer than anti-inflammatory drugs (3) and safer than driving a car (4). Some people may experience some mild soreness for 24 – 48 hours after their adjustments, especially when their body is unwinding. This is a normal sign of change, as may occur after exercise or stretching. Clinical experience consistently demonstrates unexpected improvement in people’s life. One study indicated that 23% of people experience improvement in some other aspect of their health (5). And from those individuals who experience such improvements: • 26% experienced improvements in their respiratory system; • 25% in their digestive system; • 14% circulatory system/heart; • 14%: eyes/vision. REFERENCES (1) Dvorak study in Principles and Practice of Chiropractic, Haldeman, 2nd Ed. (2) Arterial Dissections Following Cervical Manipulation: The Chiropractic Experience. Haldeman S et al. Canadian Medical Association Journal, Vol 165, No 7, 905-906, 2001. (3) A Risk Assessment of Cervical Manipulation vs. NSAID’s for the Treatment of Neck Pain. Dabbs V, Lauretti W. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1995; 18(8);530-6 (4) What are the Risks of Chiropractic Neck Adjustments. Lauretti W. JACA 1999; 36(9);42-47. a. Leboeuf-Yde C, Axen I, Ahlefeldt G, Lidefelt P, Rosenbaum A, Thurnherr T. The types of improved nonmusculoskeletal Side effects of chiropractic treatment: a prospective study. Leboeuf-Yde C. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1997 Oct;20(8):511-5 (5) Frequency and characteristics of side effects of spinal manipulative therapy. Senstad O et al. Spine. 1997 Feb 15;22(4):435-40; discussion 440-1. (6) Symptoms reported after chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1999;22:559-64.

Whilst Hijama (Wet Cupping) Therapy is a traditional technique that has been used for many centuries and has no major side effects, there may be some minor side effects that you should know about and understand. Recipients of Hijama Therapy should understand and accept that there will be marks that will last for at least a few days, with a possibility of a couple of weeks to fade away. Circular discolorations may appear where the cups were applied. Though the discolouration may look like ‘bruises’, they are not. The discolouration is caused by suction (negative pressure), resulting in increased circulation and vasodilation (a widening of the blood vessels). Hijama Therapy may involve minimal discomfort due to the method of application of several light skin cuts to the outer epidermis of the patient (similar to paper cuts). It is possible that for some clients this may result in tiny scarring, depending on the individual. You may also experience slight light-headedness post cupping therapy; this is similar to the sensation one feels after having had blood taken by a doctor as cupping therapy encourages blood flow to the cupped region (hyperaemia). There is also a possibility of fainting with certain people.

Information gained from this form will ensure you are provided with the best possible service. This information is kept confidential and will not be passed on without the client's consent. It may be necessary to discuss your condition and/or treatment with your health practitioner.