Chiropractor Adjustment Side Effects

Though not all patients experience them, the side effects of chiropractic adjustments include soreness, a feeling of tiredness, and headaches. These side effects may present themselves within an hour of undergoing treatment, and they may last for as long as 24 hours after the chiropractic adjustment. It is normal for patients to experience some side effects after a chiropractic adjustment and such reactions are not cause for concern. Research has indicated that side effects are more likely to affect women, and that the side effects are more likely to affect a patient at the beginning of a series of treatment sessions when compared to patients at the end of a series of treatments.

Soreness

The most common side effect of chiropractic treatment is discomfort in the joints or muscles that were treated during the chiropractic alignment. Less frequently, patients will report an achy feeling in an area that was not directly manipulated during the adjustment. For many patients, the discomfort is quite mild and fades over the course of the next day. Some patients may prefer to treat the discomfort with ice packs or pain medication, but this is not necessary.

Fatigue

A percentage of patients that undergo a chiropractic alignment will experience increased fatigue in the hours after treatment. Patients that are worried about experiencing side effects after a chiropractic adjustment may want to schedule their appointments at the end of their workdays so they can take a nap if needed. Some patients report feeling fatigued after a session with the chiropractor, and then getting a renewed sense of energy. Either way, it is ideal for patients to be at home and have some free time to rest or work off any extra energy.

Patients that undergo a chiropractic adjustment, along with the use of massage or heat packs, may be particularly susceptible to fatigue after an adjustment. This is because massage and heat packs can make the patient more dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water before and after your chiropractic appointment may help reduce the feelings of sleepiness after surgery.

Headaches

If your chiropractic adjustment involved the muscles of the neck or realignment of the cervical portion of the spine, you may be more likely to experience a headache after treatment. The degree of pain is relatively low, and can be controlled with pain medication. Although headaches after chiropractic care are fairly common, they go away within a day.

Less Common Reactions

Less common reactions to chiropractic care include nausea and dizziness.

More serious side effects, such as stroke and bleeding have been reported.

Patients that are considering any type of medical care should research the potential risks and side effects of treatment. This includes the more natural, alternative methods of medicine, including chiropractic care. Being aware of the benefits and possible limitations of treatment can help you make a more educated decision with regard to treatment. If you feel that treatment of vertebral subluxations (vertebrae that have moved out of their optimal position) will improve your overall health and well being, contact a local chiropractic center to schedule an adjustment.