A U.K. based Polish born 29 year old mother died after receiving a neck adjustment treatment from a chiropractor in Newcastle upon Tyne. Her unexpected death came on the heels of an emergency room visit which she had attended days before after receiving an injury at a gym.
The hospital advised Joanna Kowalczyk she needed a lumbar puncture which she declined because she chose alternative treatment options. She went to chiropractic treatment after leaving the hospital voluntarily but withheld details of her medical background.
An official inquiry found the chiropractor assessed her condition as cervical facet joint syndrome then suggested neck manipulation treatment. Kowalczyk underwent four treatment sessions while struggling with undetected migraines and joint hypermobility.
One neck adjustment to the left side produced symptoms that included dizziness along with double vision and nausea. The staff repeatedly told her to obtain emergency treatment during the hours she remained at the facility.
The paramedics thought her symptoms stemmed from a migraine but did not recognize stroke symptoms might vanish over short periods. The following day Kowalczyk’s condition worsened enough to leave her in a state where she was barely remaining conscious.
While doctors rushed her to the hospital she needed emergency breathing support through intubation during transport. On October 19 she passed away after intense medical attempts to save her life which left her young child motherless and her family mourning.
During her autopsy medical experts found out about her hidden connective tissue disorder that left her arteries vulnerable to tearing. Gym injuries combined with chiropractic care events caused arterial dissections which resulted in her death.
Coroner Leila Benyounes determined that mortality occurred because chiropractic treatment made a natural medical event worse. Her findings revealed chiropractors did not require mandatory checks of medical records prior to treatment.
Regulators received a Prevention of Future Deaths report that recommended more robust protocols. Paramedic teams skipped vital stroke indicators which postponed necessary emergency treatment.
Kowalczyk’s sister, Aleksandra, shared a heartfelt tribute: Your absence will be a part of us eternally… Our missing piece.” The incident has produced nationwide demands to upgrade chiropractic treatment standards.
The investigation found Kowalczyk experienced two arterial dissections with the first resulting from a gym incident and the second during chiropractic treatment which dictated her eventual outcome. Every medical intervention which should have helped her, became deadly due to her silent condition which remained unnoticed.
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