If you’ve dealt with back pain and general discomfort for some time, you may find yourself considering scheduling a chiropractic adjustment. However, if you’ve been to the chiropractor before, you may have experienced a headache following your adjustment that has scared you off from considering the treatment again.
While this symptom can be concerning if you weren’t expecting it, headaches are an easily explainable part of the adjustment process. In this blog, we’ll explain what to expect during your chiropractic adjustment, why you may develop a headache, and how to avoid these post-adjustment symptoms to get the most out of your chiropractic care.
Understanding Chiropractic Adjustment
A chiropractic adjustment, also commonly referred to as spinal manipulation, involves a chiropractor applying controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint with their hands or small instruments. These adjustments aim to reduce back pain and improve spinal movement and physical function. It isn’t uncommon to hear popping or cracking sounds during your adjustment.
These adjustments can help reduce or eliminate chronic back pain, improve mobility, and enhance the function of the nervous system. However, because the process involves manipulating the spine and surrounding tissues, it may lead to temporary discomfort or side effects as your body adjusts.
Is it Normal to Have a Headache After an Adjustment?
While chiropractic adjustments offer many patients relief and an improvement to their well-being, it is not uncommon to have a headache afterward. These headaches occur because of several factors:
- Release of Toxins: After your chiropractic adjustment, your spine and muscles will realign, leading to the release of built-up toxins in your body. You may have a headache as the toxins flush out of your body.
- Increased Blood Flow: As your spine realigns, it isn’t uncommon to experience an increase in blood flow to your head. This increased blood flow may cause some chiropractic patients to develop a headache, especially if there is a sudden change in circulation.
- Muscle Tension: Adjustments don’t just affect the muscles around your spine. They can also impact the muscles around the neck and head, potentially leading to tension that can manifest as a headache.
Most post-adjustment headaches are mild and should resolve within a few hours. By the 24-hour mark after your appointment, you should be able to return to regular activity. If the headache doesn’t go away, it is best to reach out to your chiropractor for support.
Other Post-Adjustment Symptoms
Headaches aren’t the only symptoms patients may experience following a chiropractic adjustment. Some other symptoms you may experience after an adjustment may include:
- Soreness and Stiffness: It is common to feel some muscle soreness and stiffness after an adjustment. This soreness is similar to how you may feel following a workout. This pain occurs as your muscles adapt to their new alignment and should subside quickly.
- Fatigue: Some chiropractic patients may feel abnormally tired after an adjustment. This fatigue is a result of your body healing and recalibrating after the adjustment.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: While uncommon, patients have reported a temporary effect on their sense of balance, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.
How to Avoid Headaches and Other Symptoms
Although post-adjustment symptoms like a headache are harmless, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the likelihood of experiencing them. If you want to avoid these symptoms, consider:
- Drink Plenty of Water: In the days leading up to and following your adjustment, make sure to drink plenty of water. Drinking water helps flush out toxins released during treatment, reducing your likelihood of developing a headache.
- Take a Few Rest Days: While you may be itching to get back to the gym after your chiropractic adjustment, it is best to avoid strenuous activities for a few days. Returning to physical activity too soon can exacerbate symptoms, like a headache, so it is best to take a few rest days out until symptoms dissipate.
- Communicate with Your Chiropractor: If you’ve had an adjustment before and experienced headaches, let your chiropractor know before future treatments. They can adjust their techniques and provide specific advice to help mitigate these symptoms.
- Consider Gradual Adjustments: If you are new to chiropractic treatment or find that you have an especially sensitive system, your chiropractor may suggest a more gradual approach to adjustments. These gradual adjustments allow your body to adapt more comfortably to major changes.
- Monitor Your Posture: After your adjustment, keep a close eye on your posture. Maintaining good posture throughout the day can support the benefits of your adjustment and reduce the strain on your spine and surrounding muscles.
Adjustments and More at Muscle & Joint Chiropractic
Experiencing a headache after a chiropractic adjustment can be an unpleasant part of the process. However, with proper care for your body and an open line of communication with your chiropractor, you should be able to alleviate these symptoms. If you are looking for a chiropractic team in the Tooele or Grantsville area to help you reduce back pain and more, turn to our team at Muscle & Joint Chiropractic.
Since 2019, our team has provided comprehensive and compassionate care to patients across the area. Unlike the competition, our team spends dedicated time with you, creating the perfect treatment plan to alleviate any pain you’re experiencing. With us on your side, you can trust that you’ll be your best self.
If you would like to schedule a chiropractic adjustment with our team or have any questions about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.