A 29-year-old woman tragically passed away after a chiropractic neck
Joanna Kowalczyk, a 29-year-old mother originally from Poland but living in Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K., suffered a neck injury while training with a personal trainer.
The following day, she sought medical attention at the emergency department, where doctors recommended a lumbar puncture—also known as a spinal tap—to help diagnose any underlying conditions.
This procedure involves inserting a needle between two lumbar vertebrae to extract cerebrospinal fluid for testing, according to the Mayo Clinic.
However, Kowalczyk declined the procedure and instead decided to explore alternative treatments for her symptoms.
During an inquest, it was revealed that she had opted for chiropractic care after informing the chiropractor that she had previously discharged herself from the hospital.
Coroner Leila Benyounes expressed concerns over the fact that chiropractors are not required to review patient medical records before proceeding with treatment.
Joanna Kowalczyk tragically died after visiting a chiropractor.Facebook
Had the chiropractor checked her medical history, they would have found that she had a history of migraines and joint hypermobility issues—conditions that could have influenced her treatment plan.
Despite this, she was diagnosed with cervical facet joint syndrome and advised to undergo a series of chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulations.
Agreeing to the treatment, Kowalczyk attended four chiropractic sessions at the clinic.
Joanna Kowalczyk decided to try chiropractic therapy.Facebook
During one of these sessions, after a chiropractic adjustment was performed on the left side of her neck, she began to feel dizzy.
Soon after, she started experiencing alarming symptoms, including difficulty speaking, double vision, and vomiting. Despite these warning signs, she remained at the clinic for several hours instead of being taken to a hospital immediately.
When paramedics arrived, they were informed that headaches and nausea were common side effects of chiropractic adjustments. As a result, they initially believed she was suffering from a migraine.
However, the symptoms Kowalczyk displayed were actually consistent with a stroke. The inquest later determined that both the chiropractic clinic and the responding paramedics did not recognize that stroke symptoms could temporarily subside before worsening.
The next day, her condition took a drastic turn for the worse. The inquest revealed that she had become critically ill, with her level of consciousness deteriorating rapidly.
Paramedics were called again, but by the time she was being transported to the hospital, her health had declined so severely that she required intubation and ventilation.
Tragically, Kowalczyk passed away on October 19.
The inquest revealed that she had an undiagnosed connective tissue disorder, which made her more vulnerable to arterial dissections—rare but potentially fatal tears in the lining of an artery, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It is believed that she suffered an arterial dissection due to her initial gym injury. When she underwent the chiropractic adjustments, a second arterial dissection occurred in the same location, worsening her condition.
Joanna Kowalczyk died on October 19.Facebook
Coroner Benyounes summarized the case, stating: "Joanna Kowalczyk died due to a combination of the consequences of chiropractic treatment following a naturally occurring medical event, on a background of an undiagnosed medical condition."
Following the findings, the coroner issued a formal verdict on the cause of death and sent a Prevention of Future Deaths report to the North East Ambulance Service and the General Chiropractic Council.
She also noted concerns about the chiropractor's decision not to review Kowalczyk’s medical history before proceeding with treatment, writing: "The evidence on behalf of the treating chiropractor was that he did not consider it necessary to request GP records or hospital records, before assessment or treatment despite being informed about the Deceased's recent hospital attendance, investigation which was recommended, and her discharge against medical advice."
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of reviewing patient medical records, adding: "I am concerned that consideration to obtaining medical records should always be given before assessment, particularly where recent medical treatment or investigations has been undertaken."
Kowalczyk is survived by her sister Aleksandra, who shared a heartfelt tribute on the anniversary of her passing, writing: "I think we will miss you forever Like the stars miss the sun in the morning sky, Our missing piece."