A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a procedure where trained chiropractors use their hands or a small device to apply controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The purpose is to improve the motion of your spine and the body’s ability to function by restoring alignment and balance.
Is It Normal to Feel Sore After Chiropractic Adjustment?
A common reaction to chiropractic adjustments is an aching or sore feeling in the spine, joints, or muscles. This typically occurs within 24 hours of the adjustment. Your previous injuries and past traumas can affect the time healing takes.
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In addition to soreness, some people experience bruising depending on the intensity of the adjustment and a person’s sensitivity to bruising. This is also normal and tends to be minimal.
Consider doing some gentle stretching to alleviate muscle soreness. Rest, if you’re able, and, if necessary, alternate between ice and heat on the afflicted areas to reduce inflammation and help increase the blood flow to your muscles.
How Long Should I Be Sore After 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.
Do You Need to Drink More Water after Chiropractor Visits?
While it’s not specifically associated with chiropractic visits, proper hydration affects your blood volume and circulation, which can help reduce recovery times. Up to 75% of American people are dehydrated. Eventually, a continual lack of proper hydration can be detrimental to your overall health.
If you are experiencing joint pain, you should try drinking more water. A lack of hydration is a known factor of joint pain and back pain. Dehydration can cause less support in your spinal cushioning, and dehydrated muscles are also less flexible, which can contribute to soreness.
Why Do I Feel So Tired After the Chiropractor?
Occasionally, some people may experience headaches, fatigue, or pain in the areas of the body that were treated. If they happen, these minor side effects typically occur within several days of a chiropractic adjustment.
There is also the theory that your adjustment frees the body of toxins. It is assumed you are fatigued because your body has been fighting off the chemicals from this toxic release. Adjustments can result in a “popping” noise, an audible release of gas known as joint cavitation. It is a similar thing as “cracking” your knuckles. It releases oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which releases pressure on the joints. Joint cavitation (the big pop sound) isn’t an indicator of whether the adjustment was successful because the goal is to realign vertebrae, not to release gasses from the joint.
Make Your Appointment at Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness
Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness has been helping our Long Island patients find relief and optimal health for more than 10 years. Whether you’re seeking help with back problems, pain relief, or just want to maintain and improve your general health and wellness, our team can help. Contact us here or call our Medford office at (516) 447-2299.