When you get an adjustment, your vertebrae are being moved slightly. Your muscles have to adapt to the movement of the bone, so they may end up lengthening or shortening slightly, which can lead to soreness. The soreness is related to the movement of the bones and not to the pressure utilized by the chiropractor.
It's not uncommon for patients to leave a chiropractic visit feeling sore or sometimes may even feel worse than when they came in. If this has happened to you, don't panic! This is one of the normal potential side effects of visiting the chiropractor.
Some people experience side effects for no more than a few days after their visit to a chiropractor. Generally, the soreness shouldn't last more than 24 hours. Use an ice pack or a heating towel to help decrease pain from soreness. If your soreness persists for more than a day or two, you should consult your doctor.
It May Get Worse Before it Gets Better
Visiting the chiropractor for a new pain often means instant relief during your adjustment. But it's not unusual to notice soreness a few hours after your appointment, and it may be even worse than the pain that had you calling the chiropractor in the first place!
The short answer is, when you visit a chiropractic clinic, your symptoms may get worse before they get better. While this may sound counterintuitive, this is not a bad thing! In fact, it might mean the treatment is doing its job.
Chiropractic Adjustments Help Reduce Inflammatory Agents
When the spine and other joints are properly aligned, and your nerves function as they should, your body's biomechanics return to normal. This stops the production of neuropeptides, which can help reduce inflammation.
Move, But Don't Exercise Vigorously
A walk, a light swim, or a light bike ride could all be good ways to move. You don't want to overdo it, though. Avoiding vigorous exercise (especially weight lifting in compromising positions) is a good idea. Speak to your chiropractor for guidelines on this.
When you are just starting a new treatment plan, it's common to have adjustments multiple times a week. As your body begins to heal, that number could drop to just once a week. And if you are pain-free and simply want to maintain your lifestyle, you might only need to get an adjustment once or twice a month.
Bones tend to mend rather quickly if they have a good blood supply: 5-6 weeks. Ligament and tendons take a little longer: 6-8 weeks. Discs and cartilage take the longest: 3 months or more.
Changing your posture, changing your spine's ability to move, changing your muscle health and structure take time. Months in fact. All muscles have memory and your body wants to go back to its old patterns instead of creating new healthy ones. That is why adjustments need to be repeated again and again.
Medical doctors have limited knowledge of anything related to the musculoskeletal system & Chiropractors have limited knowledge regarding pharmaceuticals. If you were to visit a medical doctor suffering back pain, strains, sprains and more you will most likely be instructed to take painkillers.
If you don't drink enough water after a chiropractic adjustment, your ligaments can lose elasticity and strength due to dehydration. This can leave you sore or worse. So, it's imperative to drink water after an adjustment and to, of course, always stay hydrated.
When you get an adjustment, your vertebrae are being moved slightly. Your muscles have to adapt to the movement of the bone, so they may end up lengthening or shortening slightly, which can lead to soreness. The soreness is related to the movement of the bones and not to the pressure utilized by the chiropractor.
An adjustment may provide some comfort. However, if the issue is recurring or not responding well (or fast) enough, a visit to your doctor may be indicated. There could be more serious or underlying conditions causing your back pain.
Chiropractic Care Is Not Recommended If You Have Any of the Following Conditions: If the source of your condition is anatomical, such as a tumor, fracture or herniated disc, chiropractic care is not medically recommended. Be sure to alert your doctor if you have any of these conditions: At increased risk for stroke.
Those who seek adjustment to boost performance may find their adjustments last a month or more—or even a year. Your chiropractor will adjust your treatment plan as you progress. A typical plan might last three to six weeks, followed by a reevaluation.
Gait and Posture Assessment
Chiropractors understand the natural gait and posture and will assess these areas when determining where to adjust. A basic assessment of your gait and posture will provide insights into the musculoskeletal system and its capability to adjust to different strains and stressors.
Either way, the best way to sleep after a chiropractic adjustment is on your back. This helps keep your spine in its neutral position, which is best for the spine in general.
Generally, chiropractors recommend a massage before any chiropractic adjustments in order to relieve tight muscles for a more effective joint adjustment. Those who just started chiropractic adjustments may also consider massage first before the therapy to reduce any discomfort while the adjustments are being done.
Eat properly, drink lots of good water, rest well and sleep well. Exercise and stretching can be a part of a healthy lifestyle. (I do not recommend stretching during time of acute pain) While none of these activities can replace an adjustment, they can help you need fewer adjustment and get well faster.
A regular visit to a chiropractic office can help ease that pain and teach people better habits. Other common reasons include back adjustments, preventive care, pain relief, and spinal correction.
The long-term effects of chiropractic care bring about real restoration to your body functions and true correction of any issues or problems. It will provide relief from multiple ailments and most pains, but it is a long-term and permanent solution rather than a quick fix and short, temporary relief.