I just ran across this story. It is not politics but something we should know. As we age, joints hurt. Bones thin and become brittle. I wondered why an 80-year-old was going to a chiropractor anyway.
While this is a rare event, it is something one should be cognizant about. While going to a chiropractor is not an invasive medical procedure one’s bones can snap and cause harm — Especially at this man’s age.
Family of elderly man who broke neck during chiropractor visit wants “unlawful killing” verdict | Fox News
The family of a retired bank manager who suffered a broken neck during chiropractic treatment in England is urging the coroner to consider a verdict of unlawful killing in the case, while the chiropractor declared the incident “rare and unusual. “Chiropractor Arleen Scholten, 40, had been treating 80-year-old John Lawler at Chiropractic 1st in York on August 2017 when he became like a “ragdoll,” unresponsive, and not able to feel his arms.
Lawler was taken to York Hospital before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary, where he died the next day. A police investigation into his death ruled out any criminal charges, according to the BBC.
Joan Lawler, John’s husband, says they visited Scholten after he complained about pain in his back and legs and they booked a series of appointments following an initial assessment with Scholten.
Lawler says the first two appointments went well before they returned for a third on Aug. 11.
“She said his shoulders and back were out of line and by gentle manipulation, she could make his life much happier,” Lawler told the outlet. “She started on the shoulders and went around his body… Then the table dropped and he shouted ‘You’re hurting me. You are hurting me. I can’t feel my arms.'”
Lawler says Scholten got John on a chair, but he wasn’t moving or speaking. She performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on him until paramedics arrived.
Both legal teams argue whether Lawler would have survived if Scholten didn’t move him immediately after the injury.
Paul Spencer, the legal team representing Scholten, said there was a “significant and detailed” investigation after his death which had already “obtained expert reports,” according to the BBC. [More]
As someone with a bionic back that is painfully degrading, I have a Herrington Rod on my spine, I have contemplated going to a chiropractor. While the story gives me pause, like with anything else, it all depends on competence in medicine, not risk/reward.