Chiropractic adjustments involve applying a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint and can treat many types of ailments, including back pain, neck pain and headaches. These adjustments are non-invasive and don’t use medication, so they’re considered very safe. While chiropractic adjustments come with many benefits, it’s possible to experience mild side effects afterward. These side effects usually resolve themselves in a day or two and are typically nothing to worry about.
Here are some of the most common side effects of chiropractic adjustments.
Fatigue
A chiropractic adjustment can exhaust your body’s energy reserves, making you feel tired afterward. When you get home after getting an adjustment, it’s normal to be fatigued. That’s why your chiropractor may advise you to take it easy the rest of the day. If you try to do too much, you might exhaust yourself even more.
Toxic Release
If you’ve just received your first chiropractic adjustment, you may experience flu-like symptoms afterward. This is known as toxic release. While these symptoms might not be pleasant, they’re a sign that your body is responding to the chiropractic treatment. The adjustment is just getting rid of the toxic substances from your body. Therefore, don’t panic if you experience these symptoms. Just get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.
Headaches
Nobody likes getting headaches, but unfortunately, they can be one of the side effects of getting a chiropractic adjustment. After you get an adjustment, you may feel some discomfort in your forehead. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or putting ice on your head may give you some relief.
Nausea
A chiropractic adjustment requires you to lie on your stomach for an extended period of time. This can cause your stomach to churn and make you feel nauseous. To help yourself feel better, drink water, eat light and bland foods and avoid strenuous activities.
Scheduling an Appointment with a Chiropractor
If you’ve been experiencing back pain, neck aches, headaches or another ailment, you should set up an appointment with a chiropractor. Chiropractic care focuses on treating the root cause of a health condition instead of just masking the symptoms.
During your first appointment, a chiropractor in Woodbridge, NJ will obtain your medical history and ask you questions about your particular condition. Then, he or she may perform a chiropractic adjustment. After the adjustment, your chiropractor may suggest certain lifestyle changes you can make to improve your condition. For example, he or she may suggest improving your posture.
Thanks to Northeast Spine & Wellness Center for their insight into chiropractic care and common side effects of an adjustment.
