A routine appointment designed to ease the tension following surgery. What followed was anything but standard- a single, swift neck crack changed her reality from recuperation to terror, unraveling a health emergency no one expects but everyone needs to know about. Her tale is not simply one of individual trauma; it's an argument for prudence, vigilance, and reassessing what we think is safe in the alternative medicine world.Carissa Klundt had a right to believe her chiropractor. Like millions of Americans who have turned to spinal adjustments after surgery left her with tense, sore muscles, seeking relief from chronic pain. For weeks, her sessions were comforting though fleeting. But then, on one typical visit in late 2022, something went horribly wrong. A quick crack in her neck didn't just sound different; it felt off. Within days, she was experiencing stars, blacking out, and struggling with pain that would not abate. What ensued was a stunning diagnosis: a ruptured vertebral artery, a life-threatening condition most people equate with trauma—not therapy.Klundt's tale is not a single nightmare; it's a stark warning that even everyday wellness therapies can pose perils. The more popular chiropractic care remains on the rise globally, the more one needs to ask: What do you need to know before your first appointment?Carissa Klundt, 41, had a breast implant removal surgery, a grueling procedure that left her with ongoing muscle stiffness and aching. Hoping to find relief, she started chiropractic care. Her first three sessions were without incident, but on her fourth, a fill-in chiropractor cracked her neck as part of an adjustment. The result? An instant, shooting pain that didn't quite register as the usual post-adjustment stiffness.By the time she arrived home, Klundt was nauseated and queasy. Things worsened over the next few days: visual disturbance, spells of dizziness, and total blackouts. Concerned, her husband asked her to go to the ER. A CT scan detected a vertebral artery dissection (VAD), a rare but dangerous tear in the spinal artery that can cut off blood supply to the brain.If she had not gotten immediate treatment, physicians said, she might have had a stroke—or worse.A vertebral artery dissection happens when a tear in the inner layer of one of the arteries that feed the brain develops. The Cleveland Clinic says VADs are rare but potentially fatal. They can cause blood clots, decrease oxygen to the brain, and induce strokes—even in relatively young, healthy adults.What's so deadly about VADs is the way they can sneak up on you. Early symptoms can mimic benign complaints such as migraines or pulled muscles: neck pain, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. In Klundt's case, the warning signs were present—but easy to shrug off until they became life-threatening.Chiropractic treatment consists of joint manipulation of the spine and other joints to enhance alignment, alleviate pain, and promote body function. Adjustments in the neck, in particular, include high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to the cervical spine to normalize mobility and remove pressure.When properly done, these manipulations are safe. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that serious complications to spinal adjustments happen in 1 out of 1 million visits. Still, not all practitioners do things the same way, and patient anatomy or underlying conditions may raise the risk.Although most patients have described improvement of neck and back pain following chiropractic care, the medical society is still polarized regarding neck manipulations specifically. Certain neurologists and vascular experts contend that sudden movements close to the cervical spine risk arterial tears, particularly if not preceded by proper screening of the patient.Chiropractic treatment has a role to play in pain control, but cervical manipulation is to be employed cautiously, particularly in patients with a history of vascular fragility, connective tissue diseases, or recent surgery. For Klundt, the consequences of that one visit have remade her life. A once-fit fitness buff and wellness coach, she now stays away from rollercoasters, skiing, and vigorous exercise. Fatigue persists. So does fear.I was sleeping 17 hours a day, I needed assistance just walking around. It was as if my entire life had come to a standstill.Three years on, she still has lingering symptoms and lives with the knowledge that a further vascular event would be catastrophic. Her message is not one of finger-pointing—it's one of knowledge.What You Should Know Before Your First Chiropractic VisitIf you’re considering chiropractic care—especially for neck-related concerns—it’s essential to have a thorough discussion with your provider beforehand. Start by sharing your complete medical history, including any past surgeries, vascular conditions, or neurological symptoms, as these could influence the safety of spinal adjustments. Inquire about alternative, low-force techniques such as instrument-assisted adjustments or soft tissue therapy, which may offer a gentler approach. It's also crucial to check that your chiropractor is licensed and has formal training in the procedures they plan on using. Finally, learn the signs of vertebral artery dissection (VAD) and stroke—such as severe headache, abrupt change in vision, speech difficulty, or numbness—and call your doctor immediately if any occur following a visit to the chiropractor.Carissa Klundt's experience is a humbling reminder that well-intentioned care can be risky. Her story is not intended to frighten but to enlighten—emphasizing the need for informed consent, patient activism, and prudence when it comes to spinal manipulation."I really regret seeing the chiropractor," she says. "But more than anything, I want people to be aware. It can happen. And it's not just a sore neck—it can be life-altering."As alternative therapies become more mainstream, it's incumbent upon us—patients, providers, and journalists—to shine a light on both their promise and their pitfalls. Because sometimes, what begins as a journey to wellness can go off the rails in agony.