Caitlin Jensen’s Chiropractic Tragedy: A Life Changed Forever

In the summer of 2022, a young woman named Caitlin Jensen walked into a chiropractor’s office in Georgia, expecting a simple neck adjustment to ease her tension. The 28-year-old had just graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in chemistry and biology, her future bright with possibilities. But within minutes, her life took a heartbreaking turn. What happened to Caitlin that day serves as a stark reminder that even routine procedures can carry serious risks. This is the story of Caitlin Jensen’s chiropractic tragedy, a journey from hope to survival, and the challenges she continues to face.

A Promising Young Woman

Caitlin Jensen was full of dreams. After years of hard work, she’d earned her degree and was excited about starting a career in science, possibly researching environmental issues like microplastics in wastewater. She was healthy, active, and loved spending time with her family and her dogs. Like many young adults, she carried the stress of studying long hours at her desk, which left her neck stiff and her jaw tight. To relieve this discomfort, she decided to visit a chiropractor, a choice that seemed harmless at the time.

Caitlin’s mother, Darlene, later shared that her daughter almost canceled the appointment. She didn’t think she needed it, but Darlene encouraged her to go, not wanting her to skip out at the last minute. It was a decision no one could have known would change everything.

The Day Everything Changed

On June 16, 2022, Caitlin arrived at the chiropractor’s office in Savannah, Georgia, for what was supposed to be a quick visit. She’d been to this chiropractor before, mostly for minor adjustments to ease her neck stiffness. This time, the focus was on her neck again. The chiropractor performed a high-velocity neck adjustment, a common technique meant to improve joint movement. Caitlin had no reason to suspect anything would go wrong.

But just minutes after the adjustment, Caitlin started feeling unwell. She became dizzy, sweaty, and nauseous. Her speech slurred, and she began vomiting. The chiropractor’s office quickly realized something was seriously wrong and called 911. By the time Darlene got a call saying Caitlin was having a “reaction” to the treatment, her daughter was already in an ambulance, racing to the hospital.

A Shocking Diagnosis

At Memorial Hospital in Savannah, doctors worked urgently to figure out what was happening. Tests revealed a devastating truth: four arteries in Caitlin’s neck had been dissected. This means the inner walls of these blood vessels had torn, causing blood to pool and block the flow to her brain. This condition, called vertebral artery dissection, is rare but dangerous. It can lead to a stroke by cutting off the brain’s oxygen supply.

Caitlin’s condition worsened rapidly. She went into cardiac arrest, her heart stopping for over 10 minutes. Doctors fought to revive her, and though they succeeded, the damage was severe. The lack of blood flow triggered a stroke, which caused traumatic brain injury. Caitlin was rushed into surgery, where doctors repaired some of the torn arteries and placed a stent in one to keep it open. But the road ahead was uncertain.

The Immediate Aftermath

When Darlene arrived at the hospital, she was stunned by what she saw. Her vibrant, healthy daughter was now in critical condition in the neuro-intensive care unit (ICU). Caitlin couldn’t speak, walk, or even breathe on her own. She was conscious but could only communicate by blinking her eyes or slightly moving her left toes. Her right side showed no movement at all.

Darlene later said she had no idea Caitlin was having a stroke. “I thought maybe she was dizzy or had vertigo,” she recalled. The idea that a young, healthy woman could face such a life-threatening event from a chiropractor visit was unthinkable. Yet, doctors confirmed that the neck adjustment directly caused the artery dissections, leading to the stroke and cardiac arrest.

Understanding Vertebral Artery Dissection

To grasp what happened to Caitlin, it’s important to understand vertebral artery dissection. The vertebral arteries run through the neck and supply blood to the brain. A sudden, forceful movement—like a high-velocity neck adjustment—can sometimes tear the inner lining of these arteries. When this happens, blood can seep into the tear, creating a clot or blocking the vessel entirely. This cuts off blood flow to the brain, which can cause a stroke.

While this complication is rare, it’s not unheard of. Studies suggest that about 1 in 20,000 spinal manipulations may lead to vertebral artery dissection. The risk is small, but when it happens, the consequences can be catastrophic, as Caitlin’s case shows. Many people, including Caitlin and Darlene, aren’t warned about this risk before undergoing chiropractic adjustments.

A Long Road to Recovery

Caitlin’s fight didn’t end in the ICU. After weeks in the hospital, she was stable enough to move to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, a facility specializing in brain and spinal injuries. There, she began the slow, grueling process of rehabilitation. Darlene stayed by her side, sleeping in Caitlin’s room and helping with her care.

At first, Caitlin’s progress was minimal. She relied on a ventilator to breathe and a tracheostomy tube to keep her airway clear. Her vision was affected, with her eyes turning inward, making it hard for her to focus. She communicated by spelling out words with Darlene’s help, using blinks or nods to pick letters from the alphabet. Despite these challenges, Caitlin’s cognitive abilities seemed intact—she was still herself, trapped in a body that wouldn’t cooperate.

Small Victories, Big Challenges

Over time, Caitlin began to show signs of improvement. By August 2022, she could breathe without the ventilator, though she still needed the tracheostomy. She started moving her left arm and leg slightly, and her vision slowly got better. Darlene shared videos of these moments, like when Caitlin lifted her arm or took her first steps with a harness at the Shepherd Center. These small victories brought hope, but they also highlighted how far she had to go.

Caitlin faced daily struggles. She couldn’t swallow properly, which meant she needed a feeding tube. She battled infections like pneumonia, and her weakened muscles made even basic tasks impossible. Darlene described Caitlin’s determination, saying her daughter’s positive attitude kept her going. But there were tough days, too, when the reality of her condition hit hard.

Returning Home

In February 2023, after eight months of treatment, Caitlin was finally able to go home. This was a major milestone, but it came with new challenges. Her home had to be adapted for her needs, with ramps, an accessible shower, and space for therapy equipment. Thanks to a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $166,000, Caitlin’s family could afford these changes and ongoing care.

At home, Caitlin continued her therapy. She regained some movement in her head, arms, and legs, and even started saying simple words like “Mom” and “Bro.” She used a tablet to communicate, typing messages like, “It’s okay that I fell,” showing her resilience. Her vision improved, too, though it wasn’t fully restored. Darlene celebrated these steps forward while acknowledging the long journey ahead.

Raising Awareness

Caitlin’s story didn’t just affect her family—it sparked a broader conversation about chiropractic safety. Darlene became passionate about warning others. She was shocked to learn that many people had reached out with similar stories of injuries from neck adjustments. “I had no idea this could happen,” she said. “I want others to know the risks.”

Some experts argue that vertebral artery dissections can happen spontaneously or from everyday activities, like turning your head at a salon or sneezing forcefully. But in Caitlin’s case, medical professionals agreed the chiropractic adjustment was the cause. This has led to calls for better education about the risks and stricter guidelines for chiropractors performing neck manipulations.

The Emotional Toll

For Darlene, the past years have been a rollercoaster of emotions. She left her job to care for Caitlin, moving hours away from home to be at the Shepherd Center. She slept in Caitlin’s room, ready to help at a moment’s notice. The fear of “code blue” emergencies—when Caitlin’s condition suddenly worsened—lingered constantly.

Yet, Darlene found strength in Caitlin’s spirit. She described her daughter as determined and hopeful, even on the hardest days. Caitlin’s love for her dogs, especially her service dog Belle, brought moments of joy. Darlene also leaned on the support of strangers who donated to the GoFundMe and sent messages of encouragement.

What This Means for You

Caitlin Jensen’s chiropractic tragedy is a sobering reminder to ask questions before any medical procedure, no matter how routine it seems. If you’re considering a chiropractic adjustment, talk to your doctor about the risks, especially for neck manipulations. Look for a licensed chiropractor with a strong track record, and don’t hesitate to ask about their training and approach.

It’s also important to know the signs of a stroke, which can include sudden dizziness, slurred speech, nausea, or weakness on one side of the body. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms after a neck adjustment, seek emergency care immediately. Quick action can make a huge difference.

A Story of Resilience

Caitlin’s journey is far from over. She continues to work on her recovery, pushing through physical therapy and celebrating every milestone, no matter how small. Her story is one of loss but also of incredible strength. She’s faced unimaginable challenges yet remains determined to rebuild her life.

Darlene, too, has shown remarkable courage. She’s not only caring for her daughter but also advocating for change, hoping to spare others the pain her family has endured. Together, they’re a testament to the power of love and perseverance in the face of tragedy.

Join the Phacts Community

Caitlin Jensen’s chiropractic tragedy teaches us to stay informed and question what we assume is safe. At Phacts, we’re dedicated to bringing you stories like this—real, human experiences that shed light on important issues. Want to dive deeper into topics that matter? Subscribe to our newsletter at phactsblog.com for weekly updates packed with facts and insights. Follow us on social media to join the conversation, and share Caitlin’s story to spread awareness. Let’s learn together and make choices that keep us safe.

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