One of the questions we often get asked is whether there are any side effects from Chiropractic treatment – while many chiropractors are quick to say “no”, the truth is there are a handful of common side effects, most of which will disappear on their own quite quickly. Let’s take a look!
Why Choose Chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is a popular, non-invasive treatment option known for its effectiveness in alleviating pain, improving mobility, and promoting overall health. Of course, most people first visit a chiropractor when they’re struggling with back, neck or shoulder pain and seeking an alternative to painkillers. We know that long-term use of medication does come with some risks, so opting for a natural treatment with no long-term side effects is a good choice. To be fair, however, there are some short-term issues which you might experience, usually just after your first few adjustments. For most people who have been suffering from pain, they’re nowhere near as bad, however!
The Safety of Chiropractic Care
You might be wondering if Chiropractic care is safe. The answer is yes – Chiropractic care is widely accepted as a safe and effective treatment for various musculoskeletal issues, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors undergo extensive training in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, allowing them to perform spinal adjustments and other treatments with precision and care. Of course, it is essential to use a properly trained and registered chiropractor for this to be true!
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of chiropractic care are actually related to the body’s natural response to the adjustments and manipulations performed during treatment, because of this these side effects temporary and tend to resolve within a day or two. There’s also some practical steps you can take to help things along.
Soreness and Discomfort
After a chiropractic adjustment, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience some soreness or discomfort in the treated areas. Indeed, if you’re already in pain there’s a very good chance you’ll experience a small amount of soreness. This sensation is similar to what one might feel after starting a new exercise regimen or receiving a deep tissue massage – for this reason, people who are fit and active often don’t notice anything out of the ordinary at all.
You can reduce any soreness by:
- Applying ice packs to the affected areas for 15-20 minutes at a time
- Gentle stretching and light physical activity, such as walking
- Staying hydrated, as it helps flush out toxins and supports the body’s natural healing processes.
Headaches
Some patients may experience mild headaches after a chiropractic adjustment. These headaches are usually short-lived and are thought to result from changes in blood flow or muscle tension as the body adapts to the spinal realignment. While they can be uncomfortable, these headaches are generally not severe and should subside within 24 to 48 hours.
To reduce and manage a post-adjustment headache you can:
- Drink plenty of water
- Rest in a quiet, dark room
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Fatigue
It is also not uncommon for patients to feel fatigued after a chiropractic adjustment. While headaches and soreness tend to reduce significantly after your first few adjustments, many people find that an adjustment always makes them feel somewhat fatigued – in many cases, what people experience as fatigue is probably just the body “letting go” of all the muscle tension it had been carrying, but the effect is the same! It’s worth saying that some people experience the absolute opposite reaction, with an adjustment leaving them feeling energised, so your mileage may vary!
To reduce fatigue:
- Ensure you get adequate rest after your chiropractic appointment, allowing your body to recover and adapt to the changes. Some people love to get an adjustment and then go home to “crash” for the evening. This is a perfectly valid approach!
- Engage in light physical activity, like a short walk, to boost energy levels and circulation without overexerting yourself.
- Maintaining a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, can support the body’s recovery process and improve energy levels.
Want To Give It A Go?!
At Complete Chiropractic we’re all about being open and honest with our patients – we hope that this information is useful and helps you know what you’re getting into when you try Chiropractic. We’re convinced that none of the minor side effects which people sometimes experience are worse than the pain that brings them into the clinic, but as always., its is for you to choose!
If you’d like to learn more, why not take advantage of our new patient special and see what Chiropractic care can do for you!?
