In June 2022, 28 year old Caitlin Jensen walked into a chiropractor’s office in Savannah, Georgia, expecting nothing more than temporary relief from neck discomfort. Caitlin had recently graduated from Georgia Southern University with degrees in chemistry and biology and was looking forward to the next chapter of her life. What happened next would permanently alter her future.
Shortly after a routine neck adjustment, Caitlin suddenly became extremely ill. She complained of severe symptoms and was rushed by ambulance to the emergency room. Doctors quickly realized something was terribly wrong. Medical imaging revealed that four arteries in her neck had dissected, meaning the inner layers of the blood vessels had torn.
The arterial damage caused a massive disruption of blood flow to her brain. Caitlin suffered a cardiac arrest and a catastrophic stroke. Her heart stopped, and she remained without a pulse for more than ten minutes before doctors were able to revive her. Although she survived, the lack of oxygen caused extensive brain injury.
The aftermath was devastating. Caitlin was left mostly paralyzed and unable to speak. In the early stages of recovery, her only ways to communicate were through eye blinks, slight toe movements, or faint hand squeezes. Doctors described her condition as severe, with long term neurological impairment.
Emergency surgery was performed to repair the damaged arteries, including placing a stent to restore blood flow. After stabilizing, Caitlin began an intense and ongoing rehabilitation journey involving physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neurological care. Progress has been slow and limited, but her family continues to celebrate every small improvement.
As her medical needs grew, her family and community stepped in. A home was renovated to be fully wheelchair accessible so Caitlin could continue rehabilitation outside the hospital in a safer, supportive environment. Her mother has shared updates describing subtle improvements in awareness and responsiveness, while also acknowledging the immense challenges Caitlin faces every day.
Caitlin Jensen’s story has sparked widespread discussion about the rare but serious risks associated with high velocity neck manipulation. While such outcomes are uncommon, this case underscores the importance of informed decision making and awareness of potential complications when undergoing any medical or therapeutic procedure.
Today, Caitlin lives with permanent disabilities, her once bright and promising future reshaped in a single afternoon. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even routine treatments can carry risks, and that the consequences, when they occur, can be life changing.