Chiropractor Adjustment Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Have you ever left a chiropractor’s office feeling worse than when you walked in? You’re not alone. While many patients experience immediate relief after spinal manipulation, others find themselves dealing with unexpected chiropractic adjustment side effects. In fact, studies suggest that about 50% of patients experience some form of reaction following treatment. But does this mean chiropractic care isn’t safe or effective? Absolutely not, but it does mean you should be fully informed about what to expect.

Whether you’re considering your first adjustment or you’re a chiropractic veteran wondering if your post-treatment symptoms are normal, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the side effects of chiropractic adjustments.

What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Before exploring side effects, it’s helpful to understand what happens during a chiropractic adjustment. This procedure involves a trained chiropractor applying controlled force to specific joints, usually in the spine, to improve motion and relieve pressure. It is typically done while the patient lies face down on a padded table. You may hear a popping sound during the adjustment, which happens when gas is released from the joint, similar to cracking knuckles.

Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. By correcting misalignments, or subluxations, in the vertebrae, chiropractors aim to reduce nerve interference and restore proper function. This approach supports the body’s natural ability to heal without medication or surgery.

The Chiropractic Visit Experience

Your first chiropractic visit usually starts with a detailed consultation and physical exam. The chiropractor will review your health history, ask about current symptoms, and discuss your goals. They’ll examine your spine and may recommend diagnostic tests like X-rays to better understand your condition. Based on these findings, a personalized treatment plan is created, which may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercises, and lifestyle advice.

During the adjustment, the chiropractor carefully identifies which vertebrae need correction, how they’ve shifted, and the precise amount of controlled force required. They’ll position you in a way that supports a safe and effective adjustment, making sure you’re relaxed to reduce muscle tension that could interfere with the process.

Common Side Effects of Chiropractic Adjustments

Most reactions to spinal manipulation are mild, temporary, and completely normal. These side effects typically emerge shortly after treatment and resolve within 24-48 hours. Here’s what you might experience:

Soreness and Muscle Aching (approximately 66% of patients)

The most common post-adjustment symptom is muscle soreness, similar to what you might feel after a workout. This occurs because the adjustment has moved joints that may have been restricted or immobile for some time. The surrounding muscles need to adjust to the new alignment and may feel tender during this adaptation period.

Headaches and Neck Pain (approximately 10% of patients)

Some patients experience mild headaches or neck discomfort following cervical (neck) adjustments. These symptoms are usually temporary and often resolve within a day. They typically result from the release of tension in the upper spine and neck muscles that were previously compensating for misalignments.

Fatigue (approximately 10% of patients)

While some patients feel energized after an adjustment, others experience temporary fatigue. This response relates to the body’s healing processes being activated, which requires energy. Your body is working to adapt to the spinal corrections and may need rest during this adaptation phase.

Dizziness or Nausea (less than 5% of patients)

Occasionally, patients may feel lightheaded, dizzy, or slightly nauseated following an adjustment. These symptoms are uncommon and short-lived, often resulting from changes in how your nervous system is functioning as it adjusts to the spinal correction.

Why Side Effects Happen

Understanding why these side effects occur can help ease concerns about their presence. Several biological mechanisms explain these common reactions:

The Detoxification Response

When spinal adjustments remove restrictions and improve joint mobility, blood flow increases to areas that may have had compromised circulation. This improved blood flow can help your body release toxins that have built up in those areas. As these toxins enter your bloodstream to be eliminated, they can temporarily cause symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or mild nausea, similar to a detoxification reaction.

Muscle Retraining

Your spine may have been out of proper alignment for weeks, months, or even years. During this time, your muscles adapted to this improper position, with some becoming stretched and others becoming tight. When an adjustment corrects your spinal alignment, these muscles must “relearn” how to support your spine in its proper position. This retraining process can cause temporary soreness as underused muscles begin working again.

Reactivation of Nerve Pathways

Spinal misalignments can compress nerves, reducing normal nerve function. When an adjustment relieves this pressure, nerve pathways become more active. As these nerves “wake up,” you may temporarily experience sensations ranging from tingling to mild discomfort as normal function returns.

Inflammatory Response

Any physical therapy intervention, including chiropractic adjustments, may trigger a mild inflammatory response as part of the healing process. This natural, protective mechanism can contribute to temporary soreness but is actually beneficial for long-term healing.

Timeline and Duration of Side Effects

Most chiropractic adjustment side effects follow a predictable timeline:

• Immediate reactions: Some patients notice effects like mild dizziness or a feeling of lightness immediately after an adjustment.
• Several hours post-treatment: Mild soreness and fatigue commonly develop within 4-6 hours after the adjustment.
• Peak discomfort: For most patients, any discomfort peaks at around 12-24 hours post-adjustment.
• Resolution: The majority of side effects completely resolve within 24-48 hours.

First-time patients often experience more noticeable reactions than those who receive regular chiropractic care. This is because their bodies aren’t accustomed to the adjustments. As treatment continues, most patients find that side effects diminish in both intensity and duration.

Managing Common Side Effects at Home

If you’re experiencing discomfort after your chiropractic treatment, these strategies can help manage your symptoms:

For Soreness and Aching:

• Apply an ice pack to the sore area for 10-15 minutes every hour
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after treatment
• Perform gentle stretches recommended by your chiropractor
• Stay hydrated to help your body process and eliminate toxins

For Headaches:

• Rest in a quiet, darkened room if possible
• Apply a cold compress to your forehead or the base of your skull
• Stay hydrated with plenty of water
• Avoid screens and bright lights until symptoms subside

For Fatigue:

• Allow yourself extra rest
• Avoid scheduling demanding activities on treatment days
• Get adequate sleep the night following your adjustment
• Consider scheduling appointments at the end of your workday

For Dizziness or Nausea:

• Sit or lie down until the sensation passes
• Avoid sudden movements or position changes
• Sip water or clear fluids
• Eat light, bland foods if experiencing nausea

Remember that these side effects are typically signs that your body is responding to treatment, not that something has gone wrong. However, if symptoms are severe or persist beyond 48 hours, contact your chiropractor for guidance.

Rare but Serious Complications

Chiropractic adjustments are generally safe and effective, but rare complications can occur. The most serious is vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) stroke following neck manipulation, though this is extremely rare, estimated at 1 in 5.85 million adjustments. In many reported cases, individuals were already experiencing early signs of a stroke, such as neck pain or headache, which led them to seek chiropractic care. The adjustment may have coincided with the stroke rather than caused it.

Other rare risks include worsened herniated discs, nerve compression in the lower back, fractures in patients with severe osteoporosis, and cauda equina syndrome. However, these risks remain far lower than those linked to many common medical treatments, including routine use of pain medications. Being informed helps you weigh benefits and make safe, confident decisions.

Who Should Exercise Caution with Chiropractic Care

While chiropractic care is safe for many people, certain conditions may require caution or make spinal manipulation unsuitable. These include severe osteoporosis, spinal cancer, a high risk of stroke, recent spinal surgery, spinal abnormalities, inflammatory arthritis in the upper neck, or symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs. It’s important to discuss any of these issues with your primary healthcare provider and your chiropractor. A qualified chiropractor will evaluate your condition thoroughly to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate or if adjustments to the treatment approach are needed.

Warning Signs: When to Seek Medical Help

While mild discomfort is normal after an adjustment, certain symptoms require immediate attention. Seek emergency medical care if you experience:

• Severe, persistent headache that feels different from ordinary headaches
• Sudden onset of dizziness or vertigo that doesn’t resolve
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Visual disturbances
• Difficulty walking or loss of coordination
• Severe neck pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light

These symptoms could indicate a serious complication requiring immediate medical intervention. Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you experience these warning signs.

Understanding Chiropractor Qualifications and Training

The safety of chiropractic care largely depends on the training and skill of the practitioner. Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) undergo extensive education and clinical training before they can practice:

• Completion of a four-year undergraduate degree (typically in sciences)
• Graduation from an accredited chiropractic college (4-5 year program)
• Passing national board examinations
• Obtaining state licensure
• Fulfilling continuing education requirements to maintain licensure

Before receiving treatment, verify that your chiropractor is properly licensed. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience, especially with conditions similar to yours. A qualified professional will welcome these questions and take the time to address your concerns.

Benefits vs. Risks: Making an Informed Decision

When considering chiropractic care, weighing potential benefits against possible risks is essential. Research consistently shows that for most musculoskeletal conditions, especially back and neck pain, chiropractic treatment offers significant benefits with minimal risk.

Potential Benefits:

• Drug-free pain relief
• Improved joint mobility and function
• Reduced muscle tension and spasms
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Improved posture
• Prevention of chronic pain conditions
• Reduced reliance on medication
• Improved quality of life

Potential Risks:

• Temporary discomfort (common, mild)
• Serious complications (extremely rare)

For most patients, the benefits of chiropractic care far outweigh the risks, especially when compared to alternatives like long-term medication use or invasive procedures such as surgery.

Conclusion

Chiropractic adjustments offer a safe and effective way to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support your overall musculoskeletal health. While mild side effects such as soreness or fatigue may occur, they are usually brief and part of the body’s natural healing response. Serious complications are extremely rare, especially when treatment is provided by a licensed and experienced chiropractor. With the right guidance, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of your long-term wellness journey.

At Sirota Chiropractic Offices in White Plains and Stamford, we are committed to helping you move better and feel better through expert chiropractic care. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to improve your posture and well-being, our team is here to support you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable life.

FAQs

What are the side effects of going to the chiropractor?

Common side effects include temporary muscle soreness (affecting about 66% of patients), mild headaches or neck discomfort (10%), fatigue (10%), and occasionally dizziness or nausea (less than 5%); these typically resolve within 24-48 hours as your body adjusts to the treatment.

Why am I tired after the chiropractor?

Fatigue after chiropractic treatment occurs because your body is actively working to adapt to the spinal corrections, which requires energy; additionally, the adjustment can trigger healing processes and release toxins that temporarily drain your energy as your body processes these changes.

What happens to your body after a chiropractic adjustment?

After a chiropractic adjustment, your spine shifts into better alignment, blood flow increases to previously restricted areas, nerve pathways that were compressed become more active, and muscles begin adapting to support your new alignment—all of which contribute to the healing process but can also cause temporary side effects.

Is chiropractic adjustment good for your body?

Chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial for many people, particularly those with back pain, neck pain, and headaches, as they improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and promote natural healing without medications; however, they’re not appropriate for everyone, especially those with certain conditions like severe osteoporosis or spinal cancer.