Are Side Effects After a Chiropractic Adjustment Normal?

If you, or someone you know, has just had a chiropractic adjustment, there are some side effects you might experience. Common adverse effects of chiropractic adjustments are tingling sensations and soreness in the muscles. For most people, these symptoms will go away within a few hours.

However, if you have any sharp pains, it's likely due to nerve compression. If this is the case, then wait a day and see how your body reacts before continuing on with your treatment plan.

For more information on what side effects to expect after a chiropractic adjustment and how to minimize them, read this article!

What Are The Side Effects Of a Chiropractic Adjustment?

There are some common side effects after a chiropractic adjustment you should know about and these include:

Temporary Worsening Of Conditions

One of the most common side effects of a chiropractic adjustment is that there may be a temporary worsening of preexisting conditions. This includes high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes.

Dizziness Or Fainting

Post-adjustment dizziness or fainting can occur when your body reacts to the change in position. According to one study, this happens to less than 5% of people who undergo an adjustment.

Muscle Soreness

Some chiropractic patients experience muscle soreness after a neck or back adjustment. Again, this is usually just temporary and will go away on its own after a few days.

Flu-Like Symptoms

It is not unusual for a person to experience flu-like symptoms after receiving a chiropractic adjustment. This typically lasts only one day and could be the result of your nervous system rebalancing or releasing toxins in response to the change in pressure on your spine — while vertebrae are moved back into their proper position.

Less Common Side Effects

Less common side effects include headaches, neck pain, fatigue, and muscle spasms. If you experience any of these symptoms during or after an adjustment, contact your doctor right away as they could be signs of more serious issues like stroke or nerve damage.

How To Minimize The Side Effects Of a Chiropractic Adjustment?

There are a few different ways to minimize side effects from a chiropractic adjustment.

Take Care Of Yourself

This step is essential for all types of treatment — including when seeing a chiropractor. Your adjustments will be more effective if you are taking the right steps before your first chiropractic visit. Keep your spine as healthy as possible by doing things like staying hydrated, eating well, wearing shoes with good support, and not lifting heavy objects.

Stay Active

Exercising regularly is key for everyone! Even for those suffering from a specific health condition. Moving helps prevent sedentarism and its consequences. From stiff joints to heart disease and depression, even really light exercise after an adjustment will help flush out toxins released during your consultation.

Take Supplements

Taking supplements is one way to minimize the side effects of a chiropractic adjustment. Vitamin D and calcium can help your body adjust to the change in position after an adjustment. You should make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D, especially if you live in a place with long winters or if you don’t spend much time outside. 

Vitamin D is important for bone health, so it’s worth taking supplements along with eating foods rich in calcium.

How To Prepare For Chiropractic Adjustments?

Being prepared for your chiropractic adjustment will help minimize any side effects and maximize all the benefits.

During your consultation, make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. Your doctor will indicate or help you position yourself better for the adjustment. Don’t wear any jewelry or clothing that could interfere with the treatment such as ties, belts, or long pendants.

You may also want to bring any medical records related to your condition so that your doctor can review them before performing an adjustment. If possible, do some research about what to expect from your adjustment beforehand. This will help you prepare and know what to expect afterward.

Once you are ready for the chiropractor to begin spinal manipulation, they will apply gentle pressure over a joint and then move it around in small circles until they feel resistance has been released. 

The doctor will then repeat this process on other joints until satisfied that all have been adjusted sufficiently. Once again, it’s important to remain still throughout this procedure and try not to tense up.

Afterward, wait while resting comfortably for a couple of minutes before resuming daily activities so that proper blood flow can return to your body’s organs and muscles.

Wrapping Up

It may take time to see the full benefits of chiropractic treatment, but most patients can expect to feel better after just one adjustment. If you feel bad after a chiropractic adjustment and the side effects you are experiencing make you feel anxious, just know that most of them are normal and a sign that your treatment was effective.

No matter your reason for visiting a chiropractor, you'll likely be happy with the outcome. With so many benefits and so little risk, it’s hard to argue against seeing a chiropractor.

If you are ready to give chiropractic care a try, we are waiting for you in our Los Gatos chiropractic center.

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