- June 26, 2023
Five things to know following a chiropractic adjustment include:
- Proper hydration is necessary
- You should keep body movements light
- Following the program your doctor provides is essential
- You must maintain a healthy diet
- Your doctor may prescribe additional solutions to help you feel better
A form of integrative healthcare, chiropractic medicine helps your body heal itself from the inside out by keeping your spine and entire musculoskeletal system properly aligned. Your first visit to a chiropractor can be stressful if you do not know what you can expect.
A chiropractic adjustment can relieve many aches and pains and help you start feeling and moving better. Call us at (239) 369-9109 to learn more about chiropractic adjustments.
What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Chiropractic medicine focuses on the way your body connects to itself. Its concentration is on the musculoskeletal system, with particular attention to the way your spine aligns and your body functions.
During an adjustment, chiropractic physicians use their hands and sometimes specialized tools to manipulate your spine and improve the way your spine and body move. While lying on a table, the chiropractor will use sudden force and their hands and elbows to manipulate your spine into the correct alignment. The treating physician may also use:
- Heat and ice
- Electrical stimulus
- Relaxation methods
- Rehabilitative exercise
The goal of the treatment is to help your body heal itself from lower back pain, headaches, neck pain, and other muscle and joint ailments.
What Happens After Chiropractic Adjustment Is Complete?
When the procedure is completed, you will be allowed to rest until you are ready to leave. Your physician will explain the steps you should take after you leave and any side effects that you may experience, including headache and fatigue.
They will also explain what to expect after your chiropractic adjustment and how to handle your body in the days immediately after the procedure.
Five things to keep in mind following a chiropractic adjustment include:
Staying Hydrated Is an Important Part of Chiropractic Adjustment Aftercare
Proper hydration at all times is always a good idea for keeping your body healthy and at its best. An adjustment involves the manipulation of your skeleton, muscles, and joints. The procedure can release toxins, and drinking plenty of water can boost your body’s healing.
According to Cleveland Clinic research, chiropractic adjustments also release gasses trapped in the body. Not staying properly hydrated after the procedure could cause them to settle back inside the body. This, in turn, could cause the pain you were experiencing to return. Your physician will explain the proper amount of hydration for you.
Handle Your Body Carefully and Keep Movements Light and Purposeful
Healthy circulation leads to optimal blood flow, which promotes healthy healing after your adjustment. Some light movement and simple aerobic exercises can be good for you, including swimming and bicycling. Check with your chiropractic doctor who will recommend the gentle exercises you can consider.
Avoid any brisk, forceful, or potentially jolting exercises that involve jumping or running. The timeline for returning to heavier exercise will depend on your physical fitness and usual exercise regimen. Small, light exercise gives your newly adjusted skeletal system a chance to rest and recuperate while improving circulation.
Stick to the Aftercare Program Prescribed by Your Chiropractic Physician
After a chiropractic adjustment, you may experience minor aches and pains as your body gets used to its new positioning. Just as no two bodies are exactly alike, each recovery period will also vary. Based on your specific needs, your chiropractor may recommend:
- Gentle stretches
- Ergonomics furnishings
- Ice and heat therapy
- Topical analgesics
You may be offered nutritive support and advised to reduce or alleviate stress as part of your recovery. Slight discomfort is typically relieved in 24 hours or sooner and may decrease with successive adjustments.
Proper Nutrition Can Support a Healthy Body Structure and Lifestyle
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research cites the importance of proper nutrition. It is a building block of good health and allows your body to function at its best. Healthy nutrition includes:
- A well-balanced diet
- Balanced caloric intake
- Proper hydration
- Complex carbs for energy
- Vital protein intake
- Sensible fat absorption
- Vitamins and minerals
- Omega-3 fatty acids
A healthy diet consisting of the right foods also helps your body support itself, support a healthy immune system, and a maintain healthy weight. Each of these factors supports a healthy skeleton and musculoskeletal system.
Your Chiropractor May Recommend Adding Physiotherapy to Your Regimen
Physiotherapy focuses on how your body moves and how it supports itself when it needs healing. Physiotherapy in combination with chiropractic adjustments can lead to a more complete recovery. It can include:
- Corrective care
- Rehabilitation
- Massage
- Ultrasound therapy
- Stretching
- Strengthening
Your chiropractor may also recommend a series of take-home exercises that can be done on your own. Any physiotherapy prescribed for you will be monitored and tweaked as your body begins to regain its strength.
Physiotherapy can also include electrical muscle stimulation (E-STIM) therapy. It uses small, strategic electrical shocks to help repair and restore muscles.
Know What to Avoid After Receiving a Chiropractic Adjustment
Understanding how to get the most benefit out of your chiropractic adjustment can be confusing. The best way to understand your specific needs, what to do, and what not to do is to consult your chiropractor and follow their post-treatment orders. They will generally advise you to avoid:
- Explosive movements
- Alcohol consumption
- Excessively tight clothes
- Sitting for extended periods
- Standing for prolonged periods
Your treatment protocol is tailored to meet your specific needs and healthcare goals. That means the most important thing to avoid is not following the doctor’s orders. Do not eschew your post-treatment orders or stop seeking treatment without speaking to your doctor.
Gain Control of Your Body and Your Life Again With Chiropractic Adjustments
If you are experiencing chronic pain in your head, neck, or lower back, a spinal alignment could provide you with much-needed relief. Our physicians will review your current condition, the adjustment procedure, and its many benefits. We also explain the five things you need to know following a chiropractic adjustment.
Your body can help itself heal. Learn more by contacting the Specific Care Chiropractic team at (239) 369-9109 today.
