Q1: Will I be sore after my chiropractic adjustments?
The overall goal is to optimise your spinal alignment and weight bearing curve and associated joint function and overall optimal nervous system health – NOT JUST PAIN RELIEF. Most people experience some relief of symptoms in the first few weeks and some in even a shorter period of time.
However a good chiropractor will tell you in advance that some post-adjustment soreness is normal, especially at first. If you refer to the x-ray page on our website, you will see that your spinal curve is positively affected in a series of chiropractic adjustments, much like orthodontic braces on teeth. Aside from improvements in alignment there are also positive neurologic effects from chiropractic adjustments. See our Educational Articles page from our website, www.coolgreenplanet.co.uk
Each bony process on the x-ray demonstrates areas of muscle attachments. When the joint is adjusted it affects the positioning of the spine, as well as the length of the muscle that is attached to that joint.
This repositioning can be experienced temporarily as soreness, though people should not be as sore as a person would be from orthodontic work, it is very rare to be that sore. However, that depends on the nature of your condition when you first present to your chiropractor, but almost all people remark to Dr Leah that it was not nearly as bad as they thought or imagined it would be. The best way to avoid extreme reactions is to maintain your spinal health through wellness care.
The chiropractic adjustments are teaching new long term improved proper alignment patterns to your brain (this is called proprioceptive re-positioning in space). This should be accompanied by a gradual increase in fitness during your care, after your chiropractor approves that you are ready for activity, and assuming you have no other health contraindications to fitness building. This should be coordinated with your GP.
A few persons feel the need to have a sleep after their chiropractic adjustment, especially at first. This is because the autonomic nervous system is re-balanced in an adjustment.
Post-Adjustment Soreness:
It is common for chiropractic adjustments, and soft tissue therapy to result in a temporary increase in soreness in the treatment area(s). This is nearly always a temporary symptom that occurs while your body is undergoing therapeutic change.
It is not dangerous, but please do tell your Doctor of Chiropractic about it. Do not hesitate to discuss uncommon symptoms with your chiropractor. Dr Dugan re-evaluates patients each time they come in and directs all patients to give written and verbal feedback on how they feel their progress is going.
Dr Leah Remeika-Dugan, BSc, DC, IDE,
Doctor of Chiropractic, GCC Registered Chiropractor UK,
Licensed Chiropractic Physician, USA
Certified Industrial Disability Evaluator
Belmont Park, Braemar Crescent,
Filton, Bristol BS7 0TD United Kingdom
www.coolgreenplanet.co.uk
www.coolgreenplanetonline.com
