California Mom Suffered 3 Strokes, Left Permanently Disabled After Chiropractic Adjustment

A Ventura woman has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the potential dangers of chiropractic adjustments after she suffered three strokes that left her permanently disabled. Thirty-eight-year-old Jaycie Conley has voiced her experiences to highlight the risks associated with neck manipulations by chiropractors, stemming from a devastating incident that began in December 2021.

At the age of 33, Conley found herself battling relentless headaches, which she initially attributed to the stress and exhaustion of caring for her six-month-old son. “I remember thinking I had slept awkwardly and had simply kinked my neck. After a few days of worsening pain, I decided to consult a chiropractor I had previously visited,” she recounted.

Following her neck adjustment at the chiropractor’s office, Conley experienced alarming symptoms. Just hours after the treatment, she began feeling nauseous and noticed her eyes crossing uncontrollably. Concerned, she contacted her chiropractor, who urged her to return for a follow-up adjustment. “She said, ‘I’d rather see you than not,’ which gave me the impression that I was okay. She attributed my symptoms to a ‘weird reaction’ and continually reassured me to consult a doctor if my condition did not improve,” Conley remembered.

Worsening symptoms prompted Conley to seek assistance at the emergency room, where she was diagnosed with a bilateral vertebral artery dissection (VAD). This life-threatening condition occurs when the artery adjacent to the spine suffers a tear, potentially leading to strokes. While in the hospital, Conley experienced two mini-strokes, known as Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), which serve as critical warning signs for more severe strokes.

As her condition escalated, Conley endured a third stroke, resulting in a five-day stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Medical professionals informed her that the severe neck adjustment she had received likely contributed to the tear in her artery due to the manipulation’s velocity. “I was utterly shocked that a visit to the chiropractor could result in such a catastrophic outcome,” she expressed. “At 33, one doesn’t expect to experience anything resembling a life-threatening ordeal or to be reliant on others for basic needs.”

The ordeal took a significant toll on her mental health as well, with Conley reflecting on the fear that plagued her: “I was terrified that I might not be around for my child. I struggled to lift him or care for him as a mother should, which added immense pressure on our family dynamics.” Ultimately, Conley faced lasting disabilities, including weakness on one side of her body and difficulties with speech.

Now, at 38, she is determined to inform others about the potential perils associated with chiropractic treatments. “It is crucial that individuals ensure their chiropractor thoroughly explains any risks before undergoing treatment,” Conley advised. She raised concerns about the waivers typically signed by patients, claiming they can lack clarity regarding the associated dangers. “Chiropractors are trained to recognise stroke risks, yet the way these waivers are presented often falls short of providing truly informed consent,” she said.

Conley expressed feelings of anger and disappointment towards her former chiropractor for not adequately addressing the possibility of a stroke when she first reported her symptoms. Her journey has led her to become an advocate for caution among those considering chiropractic care. “If have a headache and are recently postpartum, do not hesitate to visit a hospital,” she urged, offering a vital message of awareness about the severity of such symptoms.

In sharing her experience, Conley hopes to empower others with knowledge she wishes she had before her incident. She remains committed to ensuring that her story serves as a reminder for the importance of prioritising health and safety in chiropractic treatments.