A young woman from Gateshead, near Newcastle, lost her life after a chiropractor failed to review her medical history. The inquest revealed that she had underlying health conditions that made her particularly vulnerable.
A Gym Injury Was the Beginning
It all started in September 2021, when 29-year-old Jovana Kovalčik felt an unusual “crack” in her neck during a gym workout. The pain persisted, and instead of accepting hospital treatment, she decided to seek help from a chiropractor a few weeks later.
Risk Factors Were Clearly Documented
During the inquest, it was revealed that Jovana suffered from a connective tissue disorder, a condition that made her more prone to injuries involving blood vessels and joints. She also struggled with migraines and joint hypermobility — all of which were clearly recorded in her medical records.
A Fatal Consequence
Unfortunately, her chiropractor did not review her medical history before performing a neck manipulation. The procedure caused an acute arterial dissection, which led to severe complications and ultimately resulted in the young woman’s death.
A Lesson for the Future
Experts emphasize that this tragic case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reviewing a patient’s full medical history before performing any kind of treatment. They also stress that alternative therapies should never replace emergency medical care when there is a potential risk to life.