Is It Normal to Feel Worse After Seeing a Chiropractor?

Oct 7, 2020

Is It Normal to Feel Worse After Seeing a Chiropractor

With so much technology, we are often used to instant gratification in current society. We can transfer money, talk to family, and find information in seconds. So it might be hard to accept that when you visit a Snellville chiropractor, you may not be relieved of all pain right away. You may feel doubtful that your adjustment worked when you leave feeling sore- but this is actually very normal! If you feel worse after the chiropractor, there’s no need to worry, and the good news is the discomfort will usually subside within 24 hours.

Reasons for Soreness After an Adjustment

At first, it may feel counterintuitive to learn that a chiropractic adjustment meant to relieve pain can lead to immediate discomfort. But when you understand the way the spine and body work, there are a few good reasons this happens.

Retracing

A chiropractic adjustment is the first step to help your body heal from something as serious as a car accident injury or misalignment, but it is merely kicking off the process. As a reaction to the gentle adjustment, you will experience temporary soreness and fatigue, in a phenomenon known as retracing. Retracting is a direct response to the removal of misalignments in the spine.

The reason for your pain before an adjustment is a spinal path that is blocked, crooked, or obstructed in some way. This leaves the nervous system hindered so that communication throughout your body is impacted negatively. By visiting a Snellville chiropractor, you are taking the right steps to revive that communication.

As the body returns to alignment, this is the process known as retracing. It may feel painful because it is responding to a number of stimuli at the same time; as nerve function is restored, toxins are released from the body, and body fluids begin to freely move across the body again. This can send your body into a short, temporary panic mode that manifests as soreness until the new state of health sets in.

Discomfort in the Muscles

In general, muscles are sensitive to physical manipulations and pressure- this is why they are often sore after a new workout. Muscles that have tensed in response to pain may be released during an adjustment, leaving them tender from the extra work they have been doing. This can lead to soreness.

This does not mean that your muscles are sore because of the gentle adjustment your chiropractor has performed- the force is applied in a calculated manner designed to allow this relaxation. Joint manipulation can also send signals to the muscles that lead to tenderness and pain, making this feeling a sign that your adjustment was successful.

Reflexes

During an adjustment, your muscles may be moved in a manner unfamiliar to them, causing sensations you are not used to. Muscles are particularly susceptible to reflexes that can be triggered by the hands-on approach, which may be triggered to reset muscle tone. This can lead to reflexes that calm the body, but in some cases, they may also cause soreness and tenderness.

Chiropractors often work not only on the bones and muscles but also on the surrounding soft tissues, including ligaments and tendons. If these tissues have been under strain or misaligned for a while, their sudden repositioning during an adjustment can lead to strain or minor injury. Ligaments and tendons might need time to adapt to their new, corrected positions. During this period, you might experience some discomfort or soreness as these tissues stretch and stabilize.

Ways to Handle Post-Adjustment Pain

It’s not uncommon to feel some discomfort after a chiropractic adjustment. While most people find that any post-adjustment soreness goes away within about 24 hours without needing any special intervention, there are effective ways to manage feeling worse after the chiropractor. Regular chiropractic care typically reduces the intensity of this soreness over time as your body gets used to the adjustments and corrects misalignments. Here are some strategies to help you handle any post-adjustment pain naturally.

Alternating Heat and Ice

Applying a heating pad and an ice pack in intervals can be very effective for soreness. The heat helps increase circulation, while the ice reduces inflammation in the area. Make sure to alternate between the two, applying each for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Always use a barrier, like a cloth, between the heat or ice pack and your skin to prevent irritation.

Gentle Stretching

Engaging in light stretching or gentle exercises recommended by your Snellville chiropractor can improve blood flow and accelerate recovery. Focus on slow, controlled movements to avoid straining your muscles. A low-impact activity like walking can help keep your body loose and promote circulation, supporting your body’s healing process.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water before and after your visit to the chiropractor is crucial, especially if it’s common for you to feel worse after chiropractor visits. Proper hydration helps cushion your muscles during the adjustment and can help prevent general muscle soreness. Plus, making it a habit to drink water regularly throughout the day will support overall muscle and joint health.

Listen to Your Body

If you’re feeling worse after chiropractic adjustment, it might be beneficial to rest and allow your body time to heal. Avoid strenuous activities that could aggravate the soreness. Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help reduce muscle tension and promote a sense of well-being.

Talk to Your Chiropractor

While mild discomfort is common and typically resolves quickly, persistent or severe pain should not be ignored. If you went to the chiropractor and now your pain is worse, let your Snellville chiropractor know. They can assess your situation and recommend additional treatments or adjustments to your care plan to minimize feeling worse after the chiropractor.

What to Expect During Your First Chiropractic Adjustment

Experiencing a chiropractic adjustment for the first time can be a new and somewhat surprising experience. However, knowing what to expect can help ease any nerves and help make the process more comfortable. By understanding what to expect during your first chiropractic adjustment, you can approach your visit with confidence and ease. This process is designed to not only address your immediate pain but also to promote long-term health and well-being.

Here’s what typically happens during a first visit to a chiropractor:

Initial Consultation

Your chiropractor will start by taking a comprehensive health history. This may include questions about your current symptoms, medical conditions, past injuries, and lifestyle factors that could affect your spinal health. Be prepared to discuss what brings you to the chiropractor, including any specific pain points, when they began, and what activities or positions aggravate or relieve the pain.

Physical Examination

Your chiropractor will then examine your posture, range of motion, and overall physical condition. They may ask you to perform certain movements to assess your mobility and identify areas of discomfort. During this time, your chiropractor may also manually examine your spine and other relevant areas, feeling for misalignments, muscle spasms, or other abnormalities. If you have a history of feeling worse after chiropractor visits, be sure to let them know.

Diagnostic Tests

If necessary, your chiropractor may recommend X-rays or other imaging tests to get a clearer picture of your spinal health and identify any underlying issues or injuries that need to be addressed.

Treatment Plan

Once the examination and any necessary tests are complete, your chiropractor will explain their findings. They will help you learn more about the underlying cause of your symptoms and how chiropractic care can help. Your chiropractor will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan may include a series of chiropractic adjustments and other therapies designed to relieve pain, improve function, and address the root cause of your issues.

The Chiropractic Adjustment

You will be positioned on a specialized chiropractic table designed for adjustments. Your chiropractor will explain the specific techniques they will use and what you might feel during the adjustment. The chiropractor will use their hands or a small instrument to apply controlled, sudden force to specific joints in your spine. You might hear a popping or cracking sound, which is the release of gas bubbles from the joints, a common and harmless occurrence. The actual adjustment typically takes only a few minutes, although the entire visit, including the consultation and examination, may last 30 to 60 minutes.

Post-Adjustment Advice

After the adjustment, your chiropractor may provide advice on what to do immediately following the session. This could include gentle exercises, stretches, or specific postures to help support the adjustment. You might feel immediate relief, a sense of relaxation, or mild soreness, like what you might feel after a workout. This soreness is typically temporary and subsides within 24 hours.

Follow-Up Appointments

Depending on your treatment plan, your chiropractor will recommend a schedule for follow-up visits. Regular adjustments may be needed initially to address your condition effectively. During your next visits, your chiropractor will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary to ensure you are achieving the desired results.

The Importance of Quality Chiropractors in Managing Discomfort

When seeking chiropractic care, the quality of your chiropractor plays a crucial role in ensuring a positive experience and effective treatment. While mild soreness after an adjustment is normal and expected as your body adjusts to changes, experiencing intense or worsening pain is not typical and may indicate underlying issues. If you consistently feel worse after chiropractor appointments, it may be time to look for a different chiropractor, as it could be related to less than ideal adjusting techniques.

A qualified chiropractor has the training and expertise to perform precise adjustments tailored to your specific needs. They understand the biomechanics of the spine and can apply techniques that minimize discomfort while promoting optimal alignment and function. Plus, an experienced chiropractor knows how to avoid overadjustment, which can lead to excessive soreness or feeling worse after chiropractor visits. They will always prioritize gentle, effective treatments that support your body’s natural healing processes.

At AICA Snellville, our chiropractors take a gentle and natural approach to your adjustments, always seeking to help reduce pain as much as possible. If you are at all nervous about visiting a Snellville chiropractor, our team will walk you through the process and answer any questions so that you feel prepared for what will happen both during and after your adjustment. Contact us today to get started!

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