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So you went to the chiropractor, expecting instant relief, but now you're feeling a bit sore? Don't worry, this is actually a pretty common experience! Chiropractic adjustments aim to realign your spine. This can involve stretching muscles that haven't been used to moving in that way for a while. Think about it like starting a new exercise routine - a little soreness is to be expected as your muscles adapt to the new demands.
The adjustments can also cause slight shifts in your vertebrae. The surrounding tissues, including ligaments and tendons, might need some time to adjust to this new positioning. This can lead to some temporary achiness.
In addition to the stretching of the muscles, tendons and ligaments causing a temporary soreness, the adjustments can stimulate increased blood flow to the treated area. This localized inflammation is a normal part of the body's healing process, but it can also lead to temporary aches and stiffness.
Soreness after a chiropractic adjustment is normal and temporary. Muscle and joint pain shouldn't last more than a few days. But if the pain is severe, persistent, or worsens over time, it's always best to talk to your chiropractor. They can assess your situation and determine if there's anything to be concerned about.
Despite the initial side effects, the benefits of chiropractic adjustment are felt almost immediately after the treatment. It is recommended to seek chiropractic care frequently to improve your health and reduce your symptoms over the long term. After each session, your chiropractor will recommend aftercare maintenance to maximize the benefits of your adjustment and prevent any unwanted pain.
Here are some aftercare tips to keep in mind after a session:
Following a chiropractic adjustment, you should pay close attention to your body and its needs. Feeling soreness and some swelling is normal but if you feel unusual numbness or tingling, you should contact your chiropractor. If you feel tired, then your body needs rest in order to heal. Keep moving but do not do anything strenuous. Know your body and give it what it needs.
Chiropractic adjustments trigger a release of toxins as the joints, muscles and bones are manipulated. It is best for you to drink plenty of water to help flush these toxins from your system and allow your body to heal. Avoiding sugary drinks and alcohol is beneficial as well since sugar is known to contribute to inflammation and alcohol dehydrates the body.
Stretching before a chiropractic visit can warm up your muscles, making them more pliable and receptive to the adjustments. Stretching can loosen tight muscles and improve your overall range of motion. This can make it easier for your chiropractor to assess your spine and joints and potentially lead to a more precise adjustment.
Chiropractic adjustments aim to improve your spinal alignment. Stretching after the visit helps your body maintain this improved alignment by keeping the muscles loose and flexible. Stretching helps flush out lactic acid buildup and improve blood flow, which can reduce post-adjustment aches and stiffness.
Avoid aggressive stretching before or after your appointment. Light, dynamic stretches are ideal for preparing your muscles and promoting recovery. Don't push yourself beyond your comfort zone. If you experience any pain during stretching, ease off or stop completely.
Chiropractors often provide recommendations of stretches and exercises for you as part of your care plan. It is important to be diligent with these exercises as they will help maintain the benefits of the adjustment for as long as possible. The best rule of thumb is to follow your chiropractor’s instructions in order to enjoy the full benefits of your adjustment. If you need to, ask your chiropractor if they have exercises in mind or any practices you might follow if your goal is to heal an injury or reduce pain.
For the first 24-48 hours, apply a cold compress wrapped in a thin towel for 15-20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between. Placing an ice pack on a particularly sore area can help to reduce swelling and relieve pain. After 48 hours, you can consider switching to heat therapy using a heating pad on low for 15-20 minutes at a time. A warm shower or gentle heat press can help to alleviate muscle pain and increase blood flow to promote healing.
Restrictive clothing can put unwanted pressure on your adjusted joints and muscles, especially if you're experiencing some post-adjustment soreness. Tight clothing can compress blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the adjusted area. This can slow down healing and potentially prolong any aches or stiffness you might be experiencing. It can exacerbate discomfort and hinder the healing process.
Strenuous activity can put stress on your joints and muscles, potentially undoing the work your chiropractor just did. The short break allows your body time to "settle in" to the new alignment. Intense exercise can strain muscles and ligaments that are already adapting to the adjustments. This can increase your risk of injuries like muscle tears or joint sprains.
After hydration and stretching, rest is the most important step you can take after chiropractic care. Your body is processing a lot of changes and may need more than a few minutes to get back to normal. Resting will help your body heal and adjust to the changes made during the adjustment. Listen to your body and give it the rest that it needs.
If you have lingering pain, numbness or tingling after the 24-48 hour period, you should contact your chiropractor for advice. He or she might bring you back in for x-rays or recommend you go for emergency treatment if the problem is severe.
For more information on how to relieve temporary pain after your chiropractic visit, give us a call or contact Unruh Spine Center online.
