Chiropractic treatment is a natural, non-invasive, and effective way to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve range of motion and flexibility. When a patient seeks regular adjustments, they can prevent future injuries and enjoy improved health and wellness. Patients who are new to chiropractic care may experience some side effects after an adjustment, which can cause mild soreness. Fortunately, these side effects do not last for very long and are the body’s way of adjusting to treatment. 

Side Effects and Reactions Following a Chiropractic Adjustment

After an adjustment, many patients have reported a reduction in pain and discomfort. Others may experience some mild soreness or aches and pains in the spinal muscles and joints. This feeling is somewhat similar to muscle soreness after a workout. When this happens, it’s usually within the first two to three hours after treatment. For the majority of patients, this does not last longer than twenty-four hours. Rest and an ice pack can usually reduce symptoms such as muscle soreness, after an adjustment. 

What Happens To The Body After a Chiropractic Adjustment?

It’s not uncommon for a patient to experience mild discomfort after chiropractic treatment, especially after the first three adjustments. An adjustment restores healthy alignment to the spine. After treatment, the body adjusts to this new normal. If a patient has had a misaligned spine for several weeks, months, or even years, it can take time for their body to adjust to the healthier alignment. Fortunately, many reactions after treatment are the body’s natural way of healing. 

What is Toxic Release and Why Does It Happen? 

After a spinal adjustment, the toxins that were stored in the body are released. This is a positive result since these harmful toxins are being flushed out of the body. Toxic release can impact how a patient feels for a few days after an adjustment. Some patients may experience flu or cold-like symptoms. Fortunately, these symptoms do not last for long. 

Symptoms of toxic release can include:

• Increased fatigue
• Tightness in the muscles 
• Night sweats
• Gastrointestinal distress 
• Dizziness 
• Fever 
• Nausea 

Since misalignments or spinal subluxations have the most severe impact on nerves that run along the spine, the nervous system is often the most heavily affected. When a blockage in the nervous system is cleared it can cause a massive flow of physical and mental energy to run through the body, which can require an adjustment period. 

Is it Risky to Crack Your Neck?

Cracking your neck should not be painful and it should never be forced. If your neck is swollen or very stiff, you must seek chiropractic treatment right away, to avoid worsening pain and discomfort and causing complications. 

Cracking your neck forcibly or constantly can be bad for you. In the neck, there’s an abundance of blood vessels that can be damaged. These vessels transport blood away and to the brain. Constant and forceful neck cracking increases the risk of stroke when these blood vessels are damaged. If you’re experiencing ongoing neck pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion, schedule an appointment with a chiropractor at Advantage Chiropractic as soon as possible. 

Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?

When performed by a licensed chiropractor, spinal adjustments are safe and effective. When you meet with a chiropractor, be open and specific about your symptoms, medical history, and pain level. This will help your chiropractor identify the cause of your pain and discomfort and provide the most effective treatment. 

At Advantage Chiropractic, we understand that while our patients may be diagnosed with many of the same conditions, each patient responds differently to a treatment. Because of this, we create personalized treatment plans for every patient that are designed to help them meet their unique wellness goals. 

Schedule an Appointment at Advantage Chiropractic Today

Finding chiropractors that are familiar with the most current approaches and techniques can be challenging. At Advantage Chiropractic, you’ll find experienced, knowledgeable chiropractors that stay up-to-date with the latest changes and newest techniques in chiropractic treatment. We use a wide range of techniques and provide gentle, effective, and natural treatment that focuses on addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms, not simply masking them. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, sustained an injury, or want to learn more about preventative care, contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us help you achieve your health and wellness goals.