Feeling worse after your first chiropractic adjustment is actually quite common and nothing to be alarmed about. In fact, it is often a sign that your body is responding to the treatment and undergoing the necessary changes.
1. Initial soreness: The most common reason for feeling worse after an adjustment is due to the initial soreness that can occur. Chiropractic adjustments involve manipulating the spine and joints to improve alignment and mobility. This can cause some temporary discomfort as your body adjusts to the new position and movement. It’s similar to how you may feel sore after a workout when your muscles are being worked in new ways.
2. Muscular tension release: Another reason you may feel worse initially is that chiropractic adjustments can release tension and tightness in your muscles. As the adjustments help to align your spine and relieve pressure on nerves, it can also release built-up tension in the surrounding muscles. This sudden release of tension can leave you feeling sore or achy for a short period.
3. Inflammation response: Chiropractic adjustments can also stimulate your body’s natural healing response, which can temporarily increase inflammation in the affected areas. Inflammation is a normal part of the healing process and is the body’s way of repairing damaged tissues. The increased blood flow and immune response to the adjusted areas can cause temporary swelling and discomfort.
4. Realignment of the spine: Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct misalignments in the spine, which can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. However, when these misalignments are corrected, it can cause temporary discomfort as your body adapts to the new alignment. This discomfort is often a positive sign that the adjustment is working and your body is realigning itself.
5. Pre-existing conditions: If you have pre-existing conditions, such as chronic pain or inflammation, it is not uncommon to experience some initial discomfort after an adjustment. Your body may need some time to adjust to the changes and heal underlying issues. This temporary worsening of symptoms is often followed by improvement as your body heals and adjusts to the treatment.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s response to chiropractic adjustments can vary. While some people may experience immediate relief, others may initially feel worse before experiencing long-term benefits. Additionally, the intensity and duration of any discomfort will vary depending on the individual and the specific treatment received.
If you are concerned about the level of discomfort you are experiencing or if it lingers beyond a day or two, it’s always best to reach out to your chiropractor. They can provide guidance, reassurance, and may even recommend additional treatments or techniques to help alleviate any lingering discomfort.
Feeling worse after your first chiropractic adjustment is not uncommon and is often a sign that your body is responding to the treatment. Initial soreness, muscular tension release, inflammation response, realignment of the spine, and pre-existing conditions can all contribute to this temporary discomfort. Rest assured that in most cases, the discomfort will subside within 24 hours, and you will start to experience the long-term benefits of chiropractic care.