A Las Vegas mother's routine chiropractic visit turned into a life-threatening medical emergency when a neck adjustment tore an artery in her spine. Carissa Klundt, 41, ended up in intensive care and bedridden for weeks following what was supposed to be a standard treatment for back pain, according to People.

The incident occurred in November 2022 when Klundt, who had been receiving regular chiropractic care to address muscle tightness following breast implant removal surgery, was treated by a substitute practitioner who performed a neck adjustment.

"As soon as it happened, I knew something was wrong. You do hear a crack anyway when you get an adjustment but I knew something had gone wrong," Klundt explained. She immediately experienced neck pain and felt nauseated upon returning home, early warning signs of what would later be diagnosed as a serious vascular injury.

Terrifying symptoms emerge

Several weeks after the appointment, Klundt's condition deteriorated dramatically. She began experiencing visual disturbances and episodes of blacking out, prompting her husband to insist she seek emergency medical attention.

At the hospital, diagnostic imaging revealed Klundt had suffered a vertebral artery dissection (VAD) – a tear in the artery running alongside her spine. This potentially fatal condition can disrupt blood flow to the brain and lead to stroke. "I knew straight away that it was from the chiropractor," she recalled. "That's where the pain all started from."

Medical professionals immediately transferred Klundt to the intensive care unit at another hospital. Healthcare providers informed her of the severity of her condition, with one reportedly telling her, "They said I could've had a stroke. If I hadn't gone to hospital, I would've had a stroke." The close call left her family traumatized, with Klundt adding, "I could've so easily died."

Prolonged recovery journey

The former fitness and wellness advocate experienced a dramatic lifestyle change following the injury. For the first month, she remained largely confined to bed, requiring assistance with basic mobility and sleeping up to 17 hours daily.

"I was pretty much in bed. I was exhausted, sleeping for 17 hours a day. I needed help walking. I was in constant pain," Klundt explained, describing the debilitating effects of the vertebral artery tear. The injury forced her to relinquish her active lifestyle and professional fitness teaching.

Nearly three years after the incident, Klundt continues to deal with lasting impacts. Her previously active lifestyle has been permanently altered, with certain activities now considered too risky. "I'll never ski again, I'll never go on a rollercoaster. I'm not teaching classes anymore," she said, highlighting the permanent limitations imposed by the injury.

Raising awareness about risks

Klundt emphasizes that sharing her story isn't about placing blame but rather alerting others to potential dangers associated with certain chiropractic procedures, particularly neck manipulations.

The vertebral artery dissection she experienced represents a rare but recognized risk of neck adjustments. The Cleveland Clinic describes VAD as a tear in the artery that runs along the spine, which can compromise blood flow and lead to life-threatening complications. Medical literature has documented cases of this injury following cervical manipulation, though the overall incidence remains low.

"My life was really put on pause. I absolutely regret going to the chiropractor. It's not about blaming anyone, it's just about spreading more awareness," Klundt stated. She hopes her experience will help others recognize warning signs and understand the potentially serious consequences of this condition.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Know the potential risks of high-velocity adjustments. While chiropractic care can offer benefits to many, high-velocity neck manipulations can carry serious risks, including vertebral artery dissection. Patients should be informed and discuss risks with practitioners before undergoing neck adjustments.

2. Pay attention to warning signs after medical procedures. Klundt experienced nausea, vision changes, and blackouts shortly after her adjustment—symptoms that signaled a medical emergency. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking immediate care can be life-saving.

3. Avoid blaming the victim. Carissa Klundt could not have foreseen the severe outcome of a routine medical treatment. While someone may take all reasonable precautions, unforeseeable complications can still happen. Her story serves not as criticism but as a call for better awareness.

Why This Story Matters

This incident serves as a cautionary tale about hidden dangers in commonly accepted treatments. It demonstrates the need for greater transparency and informed consent in alternative medicine and chiropractic care. Klundt’s journey also highlights a broader public health conversation about patient rights and safety standards.

Conclusion

Carissa Klundt’s life was forever changed after a neck adjustment caused a vertebral artery tear, sending her into a spiral of pain and medical hardship. Initially seeking care for back pain following breast implant removal, she said the sessions helped until a substitute chiropractor’s intervention in November 2022. The injury left her bedridden, needing assistance, and robbed her of her once-active lifestyle. After a long recovery, Klundt continues to experience the lingering effects of the trauma. She shares her story not to assign blame but to warn others about the risks and symptoms of this potentially life-threatening condition.