I don't think it's an old wives tale. It has happened but not that often I suspect. But it has happened. Even the chiropractor I saw said the same thing.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chi...DSECTION=risks

The type of adjustment you post about is more than likely totally different. Not questioning that as I do not know. But a person has to be very careful as far as neck adjustments. I never had a neck adjustment for that reason when I did see a decent chiropractor. I didn't want anybody fooling with my neck. I do not see a chiropractor at all nowadays.