In this post, we are going to explore the normal reactions that patients have after a chiropractic adjustment and answer the question: “Why am I sore after a chiropractic adjustment?”
Adjustments Can Seem A Bit Scary At First
Let’s be honest. I’m a chiropractor and from the outside, adjustments can look a bit “rough.” YouTube shows some pretty crazy techniques, but these are not the norm. If you’ve ever been adjusted you will quickly realize that most adjustments are anything but scary.
Chiropractors are the most skilled manipulators of spinal joints and most of us have performed hours upon hours of adjustments. If done properly and with proper technique, an adjustment should be gentle and not scary at all.
When a patient is seeking treatment in the first place, they are typically inflamed and already in pain. Most have been putting off seeking treatment for weeks or months. My job is to restore motion to failing joints by using force to manipulate the involved joint.
Sometimes that hurts. No matter how good the chiropractor is, there is some discomfort and it’s normal. Just remember, the longer you wait, the harder it is to treat and the more likely you are to be sore after an adjustment.
Learn more about chiropractic adjustments…
What Makes Me Sore After An Adjustment?
Not everyone is sore. Many spring up from the table with instant relief and feel great right after. Others are harboring a fair amount of inflammation and muscle spasms and experience soreness for hours to days following treatment.
While the joint mobility has been restored and the subluxation corrected, it will take some time for the surrounding tissues to respond. Inflammation must reduce and muscle spasm has to relax. These are complex processes and in some cases, it may take 2 to 3 days before the full effect of the adjustment is realized.
In more severe cases, additional adjustments may be needed and a treatment plan may be required.
There are a few things you can do following an adjustment to reduce your soreness. Check out my post: What To Do Following A Chiropractic Adjustment to learn more.
What Can I Do If I Am Sore After The Chiropractor?
In most cases, if you are sore, swelling is the culprit. Using ice in the affected area for 20 minutes can help reduce swelling. Occasionally anti-inflammatory supplements, creams, or even medications may be recommended. If you are sore and unsure what to do, call your chiropractor. We see this all of the time and can give you the appropriate recommendation to get you feeling well fast!
While soreness is expected, severe pain is not. If your pain is increasingly sharper or is intensifying, it may be the sign of a more severe, underlying condition. In these circumstances, it’s time to seek care in an Urgent Care or Emergency Department setting.
Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, gentle, and effective method of restoring health and reducing the pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries. While soreness following an adjustment is common, the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary soreness associated with treatment.