Tempe Chiropractor

Mar 2, 2009 7:53 pm US/Eastern Group Claims Chiropractry Gave Them Strokes Two women have launched a billboard campaign, warning about risks associated with chiropractry. Both suffered from strokes, and believe their treatments led to their conditions. “At 26, I was told I’d never walk or talk probably again. They inserted a feeding tube,” said Britt Harwe. Today she has recovered remarkably but still cannot eat solid food. Another stroke patient, Janet Levy, bears a scar on the back of her head. “It ended up that a clot went to my cerebellum, so I had to have emergency brain surgery,” she explained. They are among hundreds nationwide who claim chiropractors caused them to have a stroke. Victims say when a chiropractor manipulates the cervical spine, it can tear the arteries inside, and that can cause a blood clot which may travel to the brain. The condition could lead to a VBA stroke. “Linda and I decided to do the billboards and advertising just to build awareness that this is a way that you can have a stroke,” Harwe said. The women formed a support group that posted these provocative billboards across the tri-state, generating controversy and concern and among chiropractors. “I think it may be misleading,” chiropractor Michael Minardo said. A recent study found the risk of VBA stroke is the same whether you see a physician or a chiropractor for neck pain. “When you look at a greater population of people, and what precipitated stroke, it can be going to the beauty …