Are Chiropractors Helping - or Hurting - Canadians? W-FIVE Investigates, Nov. 15 on CTV

- W-FIVE also explores how Canadian farmers were duped by a pigeon breeding business that resulted in them losing millions -

Toronto, ON (November 10, 2008) - Chiropractors across Canada perform thousands of neck manipulations every year for those suffering from neck and back pain. Yet some patients claim that, following visits to the chiropractor, their quest to relieve tension backfired horribly, resulting in devastating injuries, strokes, paralysis and even death. On Saturday, November 15 at 7 p.m. ET on CTV (visit CTV.ca to confirm local listings), W-FIVE investigates the controversial debate, argued by medical doctors, chiropractors, patients and lawyers, over the safety and science behind chiropractic therapy.

During the investigation, W-FIVE reporter Paula Todd interviews several patients who have had major strokes after receiving neck manipulations from chiropractors. Sandra Nette is one such patient, who suffered a stroke and now lives with what doctors call "locked-in syndrome." She can see, hear and think clearly, yet she is almost completely paralyzed, not even able to swallow by herself.

Some Canadian neurologists say strokes following neck manipulation are becoming all too common. Edmonton neurologist Dr. Brad Stewart, believes this type of practice is unnecessary and dangerous because it can tear an artery in the neck, which in turn can cause a stroke.

Chiropractors argue that people's necks are sturdy structures and patients rely on chiropractic therapy to relieve tension and live pain-free lives. Some experts even go so far as to say that having a stroke after receiving a neck manipulation is a completely random event, citing research that indicates some people may be prone to having strokes.

Arguing over a cause-effect relationship, however, doesn't help the people who believe that their lives were ruined by the chiropractic therapy that they received. In Alberta, dozens of patients have launched a major class action lawsuit claiming tens of millions of dollars in compensation for injuries they allege resulted from chiropractic treatment.

In the second half of Saturday's episode, reporter Victor Malarek investigates a multi million dollar pigeon breeding business that more than a thousand farmers bought into, leaving many in financial ruin.

With an ongoing commitment to covering tough, relevant stories in all their shades of grey, W-FIVE is now in its 43rd season of investigative journalism. Hosted by CTV NATIONAL NEWS' Lloyd Robertson and Sandie Rinaldo, the award-winning series is the most-watched current affairs program in Canada. Malcolm Fox is Executive Producer and Anton Koschany is Senior Producer of W-FIVE, a presentation of CTV News. Robert Hurst is President of CTV News and Current Affairs.

CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, offers a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming. It has the number-one national newscast, CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LLOYD ROBERTSON, and is the number-one choice for prime-time viewing. CTVglobemedia Inc. is Canada's premier multi-media company which owns CTV Inc. and The Globe and Mail. CTV Inc. also owns radio stations across the country, and leading national specialty channels. Other CTVglobemedia investments include an interest in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and in Dome Productions, a North American leader in the provision of mobile high definition production facilities. More information about CTV may be found on the company website at www.ctv.ca.