Joanna Kowalczyk was a 29-year-old mother. She was originally from Poland but had made her home in Newcastle upon Tyne in the United Kingdom. Joanna’s life changed suddenly after what began as a simple injury at the gym while she was training with a personal trainer.
The following day, she went to the emergency department to seek medical care. Doctors suggested that she undergo a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, to check for underlying problems. This test involves inserting a needle between the vertebrae in the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid for analysis.
However, Joanna chose not to have the procedure. Instead, she turned to other ways of seeking relief for her symptoms. This decision eventually led her toward chiropractic care.
During the inquest, it was revealed that Joanna Kowalczyk told the chiropractor she had recently discharged herself from the hospital. Despite this information, there was no review of her medical records.
Coroner Leila Benyounes later expressed her concern. She highlighted that chiropractors are not required to check a patient’s medical history before giving treatment. If the chiropractor had done so, they would have discovered that Joanna had a history of migraines and joint hypermobility. Both conditions could have affected how her treatment was planned and carried out.
Even so, Joanna Kowalczyk was diagnosed with cervical facet joint syndrome. The recommended plan was a series of chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulations.
Joanna agreed to follow the suggested treatment plan. She attended four chiropractic sessions at the clinic.
It was during one of these sessions that tragedy began to unfold. After a neck adjustment on the left side, Joanna started to feel dizzy. Soon after, Joanna Kowalczyk experienced worrying symptoms such as difficulty speaking, double vision, and vomiting.
Despite these warning signs, Joanna remained at the clinic for several hours. She was not immediately sent to a hospital, a delay that would later prove fatal.
When paramedics were finally called, they were told that headaches and nausea were common side effects of chiropractic treatment. Based on this, they initially assumed Joanna was experiencing a migraine.
The truth, however, was far more serious. The symptoms she showed matched those of a stroke. The inquest revealed that both the clinic staff and the paramedics did not realize that stroke symptoms can sometimes disappear temporarily before worsening again.
The following day, Joanna’s health took a drastic turn. She became critically unwell as her level of consciousness began to fall rapidly.
Paramedics were called again, and this time the situation was much worse. By the time she was being transported to the hospital, Joanna Kowalczyk was in such a critical condition that she required intubation and ventilation.
Sadly, Joanna Kowalczyk passed away on October 19, 2024.
The inquest found that Joanna had an undiagnosed connective tissue disorder. This condition made her more vulnerable to arterial dissections. These are rare but dangerous tears in the inner lining of an artery.
It is believed that her first arterial dissection may have happened due to her gym injury. Then, during chiropractic adjustments, a second arterial dissection occurred in the same place. This combination worsened her health and led to the tragic outcome.
Coroner Benyounes summarized the case by saying that Joanna’s death was the result of chiropractic treatment following a naturally occurring medical event, made worse by her undiagnosed condition.
After reviewing the case, the coroner issued an official verdict on Joanna’s death. A Prevention of Future Deaths report was also sent to the North East Ambulance Service and the General Chiropractic Council.
Concerns were raised about the chiropractor’s choice not to review Joanna’s medical history. The coroner emphasized that medical records should always be considered, especially when a patient has had recent hospital care or ongoing investigations.
She stated that chiropractors must be more cautious, and obtaining medical records should be standard practice before beginning treatment.
Joanna’s death left behind her family and loved ones. Her sister, Aleksandra, paid a moving tribute on the anniversary of her passing. She wrote that Joanna Kowalczyk would always be missed, describing her as the missing piece in their lives. Aleksandra’s words captured the deep grief felt by her family after such a sudden and preventable tragedy.
The case of Joanna Kowalczyk has highlighted the risks linked with chiropractic treatment when medical history is overlooked. It has raised questions about safety checks and whether current rules are enough to protect patients.
Joanna’s story shows how quickly health can decline when warning signs are missed. It also underlines the importance of reviewing a patient’s medical background before any treatment. Her death has become a tragic reminder of why safety procedures must be followed in healthcare.
The chiropractic treatment death of Joanna Kowalczyk is a deeply tragic case. A young mother’s life ended because of a combination of an undiagnosed condition, a previous injury, and treatment choices that were not fully informed by her medical history.
Her story is now part of an important discussion on medical safety, patient care, and the role of thorough checks before any form of treatment. For her family, though, it remains a heartbreaking loss that cannot be undone.
