
If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain and discomfort, you may find yourself drawn to chiropractic appointments. Investing in chiropractic adjustments is a great way to recover from chronic pain. But the adjustment is only half the battle. While treatment in the office is essential for recovering from injury and discomfort, the rest after a chiropractic adjustment is just as important.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what to expect during an adjustment, why you need to rest, and additional steps to recover from your appointment.
What is Included in a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment involves techniques to correct spinal misalignments to improve overall function and alleviate discomfort. During an adjustment, a chiropractor uses controlled, precise force to manipulate joints, particularly in the spine, to restore proper alignment. The process often begins with a thorough assessment, including physical exams and sometimes imaging, to identify problem areas.
Your chiropractor may use their hands or specialized tools to apply targeted pressure, resulting in a quick, controlled thrust. You might hear a popping or cracking sound as gases are released from the joints. These adjustments help relieve nerve pressure, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Soft tissue therapies, stretching, or postural advice may also be included depending on the patient’s needs.
Chiropractic adjustments are generally quick, noninvasive, and tailored to each individual’s condition. These treatments address various ailments, including muscle tension, posture problems, reduced mobility and flexibility, and decreased athletic performance. However, they are also a great way to address issues before they appear.

Why Do You Need to Rest After a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Resting after a chiropractic adjustment is essential to maximize its benefits and allow the body to adapt to its new alignment. An adjustment relieves tension and corrects spinal misalignments, but the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues need time to stabilize and support this new positioning.
Rest after a chiropractic adjustment helps reduce inflammation, prevent muscle strain, and minimize re-injury risk. It also allows the nervous system to adjust and communicate effectively with the rest of the body. Avoiding strenuous activities immediately after your adjustment helps maintain its effectiveness and promotes healing.
Limiting exercise, lifting, and heavy physical work for 24 hours can ensure your adjustment holds. In short, resting after a chiropractic adjustment allows your body to fully benefit from the adjustment and enhances the overall healing process. While you may feel renewed and ready to take on the world, it is best to give yourself a bit of time to rest and relax.
Common Post-Adjustment Symptoms
It isn’t uncommon for patients to experience some discomfort after a chiropractic adjustment. But this isn’t the only common symptom. Understanding the most common post-treatment symptoms can help you determine what is normal and what is cause for concern. Some of the most common symptoms you may experience after a chiropractic adjustment include:
- Overall Soreness
- Flu-like Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Headaches

If you experience any of these symptoms, allowing yourself some extra time to rest is best. However, if you are experiencing severe pain several days after your appointment, this is not a common symptom. You may want to schedule an appointment with your general practitioner to ensure everything is okay.
Other Ways to Aid Your Post-Appointment Recovery
While rest is a great way to recover after a chiropractic adjustment, there are several other things you should do to make this process as smooth as possible. Some of the best ways to recover after a chiropractic adjustment include:
- Drink plenty of water, about half your body weight in ounces per day.
- Avoid strenuous activity while experiencing muscle soreness.
- Be mindful of your posture while performing everyday activities.
- Use ice or heat to soothe sore muscles.
- Perform light activities, like walks or yoga, to increase blood flow and healing.
- Follow any post-procedure advice provided by your chiropractor.
- Schedule additional adjustments to continue the recovery process.
By following the steps above, you can ensure you get the most benefits from your adjustment. If you don’t follow appropriate post-treatment aftercare, you may not recover in the way you would like and instead continue to deal with chronic pain.

Compassionate, Comprehensive Care in Tooele and Grantsville
Whether you are a regular chiropractic patient or you’re preparing for your first appointment, working with a reliable team is essential. Choosing the right team for your treatment ensures you get the most out of your treatments. If you’re looking for a compassionate chiropractic team in the Tooele or Grantsville area, turn to Muscle & Joint Chiropractic for support.
For years, we’ve provided comprehensive care to patients across the area. Unlike our competition, our team spends dedicated time with every patient to ensure they get the best treatment for their ailments. No matter why you need our support, our team is here and ready to help. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team, please contact us today.