Chiropractic adjustment is a type of medical treatment. Most, if not all, medical treatments carry with them a chance of side effects. Though the term usually has a negative connotation, not all side effects of chiropractic adjustment are bad. Furthermore, the side effects that are negative are usually mild and short in duration.
Though each patient reacts differently, here are some general ideas of what to expect after a chiropractic adjustment, the positive as well as the negative.
Positive
Some people report that a trip to the chiropractor induces a state of euphoria that can be described as a natural high. Many people report a better sense of general well-being, while others report specific improvements:
- Stronger digestion
- More energy
- Increased flexibility
Although it can take time to see the full effects of chiropractic treatment, some people report a decrease in their pain level right away. Others report improvement gradually over time.
Negative
Chiropractic adjustment involves mobilizing the muscles, bones, and joints in a way that they are unaccustomed to. The result can be soreness in the area of adjustment following treatment. This is often dull in quality and mild in nature. It is similar to what people report after having a massage, which also involves manual manipulation of muscles. The soreness usually only lasts for a day or two following treatment.
In most cases, the pain is manageable with an ice pack. It generally does not disrupt your normal activities. However, you may want to refrain from vigorous exercise or other strenuous activity while your soreness persists to give your body time to recover. Some people schedule their chiropractic appointments so that they can go home and rest afterward rather than returning to work.
Although soreness is the most common negative side effect of chiropractic treatment, most patients do not experience it at all. Other, rarer negative side effects include fatigue or headache.
The risks of adverse effects from chiropractic treatment are generally much less than with medical treatments, such as surgery and medication. Surgery carries with it a risk of postoperative infection and recovery times can be lengthy. Prescription medications may have addiction potential and cause a wide range of adverse side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and hallucination.
If you experience mild adverse side effects after chiropractic treatment, these tend to be at their worst during the first appointment. If they persist, the severity usually tapers off over time. Contact a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Rockville, MD, today.
Thank you to the experts at AmeriWell Clinics for their input into chiropractic care.
