I had been going to The Joint Chiropractic for routine treatment for back pain, and unfortunately my experience resulted in what I believe was a preventable injury.
I am 6'8", so I understand that my height can make certain medical equipment more challenging to use. During one appointment, I was instructed to lie face down on one of their chiropractic drop tables. I trusted that the table and positioning were appropriate for someone my size.
During the adjustment, the chiropractor used the drop mechanism on the upper section of the table while applying significant downward pressure to my upper back/chest area. Because I was not properly aligned on the table, part of my chest remained supported instead of being positioned correctly over the drop section. When the chiropractor applied force and activated the table, I immediately lost all the air from my lungs and gasped in severe, audible pain.
What upset me almost as much as the incident itself was the response afterward. Rather than stopping to fully evaluate what had happened or documenting the event, the chiropractor essentially brushed it off. To my knowledge, no incident report was completed, and there was little concern shown despite my obvious distress.
After the appointment, I experienced chest and rib pain that lasted for months and affected my daily activities. Several nurses I work with at a nursing home believed my symptoms were consistent with a rib sprain, although I understand they were not providing a formal medical diagnosis. Regardless of the exact injury, I know that I was in significant pain for an extended period following this appointment.
I was never offered a refund, compensation, or any meaningful follow-up regarding what occurred.
If you're a very tall person like I am, I encourage you to be especially cautious with chiropractic drop tables. Make sure you are properly positioned before any adjustment is performed, and don't hesitate to speak up if the table doesn't feel like it fits your body correctly. While others may have positive experiences, mine was painful and disappointing, and I hope sharing it helps someone else avoid a similar situation. read more