Many people prefer chiropractic care to address a wide range of health conditions and improve overall well-being. This non-invasive treatment option offers a drug-free approach with long-lasting results. When visiting the chiropractor, people might experience various reactions after receiving chiropractic adjustments and other treatment techniques. These reactions can differ widely from person to person, ranging from a sense of immediate relief and exhilaration to feelings of achiness or soreness. If you are sore after the chiropractor, there are many explanations and even ways to prevent soreness going forward. Let’s explore soreness after chiropractor visits in greater detail.
Potential Reactions After a Chiropractic Adjustment
The most common reaction to chiropractic adjustments is mild discomfort in the spinal joints or muscles, typically occurring within a few hours after the adjustment and resolving within 24 hours. The soreness experienced after a chiropractic adjustment is similar to what you might feel after engaging in physical activity that targets specific muscles. Soreness after the chiropractor is typically a sign that the body is adjusting to the changes made during the adjustment. Here are some other potential reactions you may experience after a chiropractic adjustment.
Immediate Relief
This reaction is often one of the most sought-after outcomes of chiropractic care, especially for people dealing with acute pain or discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pressure on nerves, reduce muscle tension, and promote proper alignment, leading to immediate relief for many people.
Increased Mobility
Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper joint function and mobility, which can lead to noticeable improvements in range of motion and flexibility. This can be particularly beneficial for people with conditions like arthritis or chronic back pain.
Fatigue
Manipulating the spine and muscles during a chiropractic adjustment can be physically demanding for the body. As a result, some people may feel tired or fatigued afterward. This reaction is usually temporary, and getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated will help you bounce back faster.
Relaxation
The relief of tension and stress in the body during a chiropractic adjustment can induce feelings of deep relaxation in some people. This may be attributed to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones, which can create a sense of greater well-being.
Emotional Release
Tension and stress can be stored not only in the muscles but also in the nervous system. During a chiropractic adjustment, some people may experience an emotional release as tension is removed. This can manifest as feelings of sadness, relief, or even euphoria.
Improved Sleep
Better spinal alignment and reduced muscle tension can have a positive impact on sleep quality for many patients. Improved circulation and reduced discomfort can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Why You Might Feel Soreness After Spinal Adjustments
soreness after a spinal adjustment at the chiropractor is not an uncommon experience and can occur for a variety of reasons. Neck adjustments target specific areas of tension and misalignment in the cervical spine. During the adjustment, muscles that have been tight or contracted may suddenly relax, which can lead to soreness as the muscles adapt to their new, more relaxed state.
The manipulation of the cervical spine during an adjustment can sometimes cause a mild inflammatory response in the area. This inflammation is a natural part of the body’s healing process, though it can manifest as soreness in the hours or days following a chiropractic adjustment. Similarly, chiropractic adjustments to the vertebrae in the upper, middle, and lower back can result in soreness and other experiences afterward. Manipulating the spine and muscles during a back adjustment can be physically demanding for the body, causing you to feel tired or fatigued afterward.
How You May Feel After Adjustments to Other Joints
Adjustments to joints other than the neck and back, such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles, can also cause various reactions and sensations. Here’s how you may feel after adjustments to these joints:
- Immediate Relief: Similar to adjustments in the neck and back, adjustments to other joints can often provide immediate relief from pain or discomfort.
- Increased Mobility: Adjustments to joints can help restore proper alignment and function, leading to improved range of motion and flexibility. You may notice that the joint feels less stiff and moves more freely after an adjustment.
- Improved Function: In addition to reducing pain and discomfort, adjustments to joints can improve their overall function. You may notice that the joint feels stronger and more stable after the adjustment, making it easier to perform daily activities and exercises.
- Referred Sensations: Sometimes, adjustments to one joint can lead to sensations in other areas of the body. This is known as referred sensation and is thought to occur due to the interconnectedness of the body’s nervous system. For example, an adjustment to the hip may result in sensations or improvements in the leg or lower back.
3 Ways to Reduce or Prevent Soreness
To reduce or prevent soreness after a chiropractor visit, you can:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins released during the adjustment and keeps your muscles and joints lubricated, which reduces the risk of soreness.
- Apply ice or heat: Using an ice pack or a heating pad on the treated area can help alleviate soreness and inflammation. Ice is particularly effective in the first 24 hours after treatment, while heat can provide additional relief after that period.
- Follow post-adjustment care instructions: Your Conyers chiropractor may recommend specific stretches, exercises, or lifestyle adjustments to support the benefits of the adjustment and minimize soreness. Following these instructions diligently can help minimize soreness and promote overall healing.
Trust AICA Conyers for Chiropractic Care
Whether you need treatment for car accident injuries or are looking for a Conyers chiropractor to see regularly, our team at AICA Orthopedics is here to help. Our Conyers chiropractors work alongside physical therapists, orthopedic doctors, and other specialists to provide you with comprehensive care. At AICA Orthopedics, we provide you with a personalized treatment plan to address your specific concerns and ensure you have a smooth experience from start to finish.