A 29-year-old mother, Joanna Kowalczyk, tragically died after receiving chiropractic treatment in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. The inquest into her death revealed a series of events that raise serious concerns about the regulation of chiropractic practices and the potential dangers of neck manipulation in individuals with undiagnosed conditions.
Kowalczyk initially suffered a neck injury during a physical therapy session. She visited the emergency department the following day, where a lumbar puncture was recommended to diagnose the issue. However, she declined the procedure and instead opted for chiropractic care. She informed the chiropractor of her recent hospital visit and discharge against medical advice.
Crucially, the inquest highlighted that the chiropractor did not request Kowalczyk’s medical records, which would have revealed a history of migraines and joint hypermobility. The chiropractor diagnosed her with cervical facet joint syndrome and proceeded with neck adjustments and manipulation. During one session, following a neck adjustment, Kowalczyk experienced dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking, and vomiting. Despite these symptoms, which were consistent with a stroke, she remained at the clinic for several hours before receiving paramedic attention. The paramedics, informed that such symptoms were common after chiropractic treatment, initially attributed her condition to a migraine. The inquest noted that both the clinic and the paramedics failed to recognize that stroke symptoms can be transient.
Kowalczyk’s condition worsened the following day, leading to another call for paramedics. She ultimately died on October 19th. The inquest determined that Kowalczyk had an undiagnosed connective tissue disorder that predisposed her to arterial dissection—a potentially life-threatening tear in the artery lining. It’s believed she suffered at least two arterial dissections: one during her initial gym injury and another during the chiropractic treatment.
Coroner Leila Benyounes delivered a verdict of death due to a combination of the chiropractic treatment’s consequences, a naturally occurring medical event, and her undiagnosed condition. She issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report to the North East Ambulance Service and the General Chiropractic Council, expressing concern that chiropractors aren’t mandated to review patient medical records before treatment, even when informed of recent medical history. The coroner emphasized the importance of obtaining medical records before assessment, especially when patients have undergone recent medical treatment or investigations.
Kowalczyk’s sister, Aleksandra, shared a heartfelt tribute on the anniversary of her death, highlighting the profound loss felt by her family. The tragedy underscores the need for greater awareness of potential risks associated with chiropractic manipulation and the crucial role of thorough medical history review in ensuring patient safety.