Did you know that the benefits of chiropractic adjustments last much longer than the actual treatment session? That’s because your body continues to have positive effects from a chiropractic adjustment for 48 hours after the adjustment. In fact, it is not uncommon for patients to report that they feel better in general and experience less pain even two weeks after a chiropractic adjustment.
This is because of how amazing our bodies are at responding positively to good adjustments. However, there are some things you should not do after a chiropractic adjustment. When you understand why this is, it will make sense as to why these certain activities can hamper the benefits of your treatment sessions. Before looking for a ‘chiropractor near me’ or before a chiropractic adjustment, read on to find out what not to do after a chiropractic adjustment and why.
What To Expect After Your Chiropractic Adjustment
When you visit your chiropractor for a treatment session, you will usually experience immediate relief. This is because an adjustment realigns the spine and takes the pressure off the compressed nerves in your body that are causing you pain. Your range of motion improves, proper blood flow is restored, and muscles begin to release tension.
This sudden release of pressure on your nervous system causes your body to release a rush of endorphins. These are your body’s natural pain-killer, releasing serotonin and dopamine which regulate pain and your mood. Along with this, a chiropractic adjustment also helps your digestive system function better, relieves stress and anxiety, and can even help you sleep better.
On the other hand, it is normal to experience muscle aches, soreness, or bruising after chiropractic adjustments, especially if your treatment focuses on a specific area. Tenderness may also be present as your body adjusts to the correct positions. It should resolve within 24 hours and if not, you may reach out to your chiropractor and discuss with them.
What Not To Do After Seeing A Chiropractor
Visiting a chiropractor is a step toward better balance, alignment, and chronic pain relief. At the same time, you must also be in charge of proper chiropractic aftercare in between your appointments to maintain and maximize the effects of your chiropractic adjustments. Below are some tips on what to avoid after a chiropractic adjustment.
Avoid Heavy Workouts After Your Adjustment
Can you work out after chiropractic adjustments? Yes, you can. But, while exercise is good for you and can speed up recovery after a chiropractic adjustment, it is ideal to avoid heavy workouts for 24 hours after your adjustment is applied. However, this timeframe may vary, ranging from hours to more than a day depending on your level of fitness and kind of treatment.
When you overwork your muscles with workouts such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and other heavy lifts, it can cause muscle over-pull, which in turn can cause your spine to get out of alignment again. This can be very troublesome for those who have chronic back pain and need regular adjustments. Instead, opt for a light workout of interval training or some yoga poses after your adjustment is applied to help ease pain and improve your overall health. This way your back will be protected while also allowing you to reap the benefits of regular exercise.
Do Not Do Vigorous Or Sudden Movements After Being Adjusted
If you have regular back pain, especially if it is due to being knocked around or lifting heavy objects, you might feel better after an adjustment. However, this does not mean you should go out and do abrupt movements to test your newly “healed” back. When your back has been adjusted, it has been put out of alignment. As such, it will not be able to support your body weight as well as it normally would. Instead of your usual routine, try doing light movements or exercises like walking, having a light swim or a bike ride to help stimulate blood flow. This assists the healing processes after your adjustment
Steer Clear Of Unhealthy Food To Speed Up Recovery After Adjustment
While it is important to fuel your body with the best nutrients after a chiropractic adjustment, you should avoid certain foods for optimal results. Steer clear of unhealthy foods such as fast food, carbonated beverages, processed foods, and sugary snacks after adjustments. These foods can interfere with the effects of the adjustments on your body and can even cause your body to have an adverse reaction. It is best to avoid these foods until you have had a couple of adjustments to allow your body to fully experience the benefits of chiropractic adjustments.
Avoid Sitting Or Lying Down For Long Periods Of Time After Adjustments
Prolonged sitting causes tension on your tissues and joints which leads to muscle tightness, stiff joints, and increased pain. This is because if you are sedentary for long periods, your muscles will start to tense up and contract due to a lack of movement. When your muscles contract, they pull your joints out of alignment and can even cause you to re-injure yourself.
Instead, you should stand up, walk around, and take breaks every two hours to allow your body to stay relaxed and re-position your spine. While it may be hard to avoid prolonged sitting especially if your work includes sitting in front of a desk, you must make sure to practice good posture. Make a habit of pulling your shoulders back, sitting with your heels on the floor, and keeping your elbows on the side.
Do Not Ignore Your Chiropractor’s Treatment Plan
It is important to follow your chiropractor’s treatment plan to reap the full benefits of chiropractic adjustments. Your chiropractor is your health care provider and has excellent knowledge about how your body works. They are trained to know how often to adjust you, when you might need rehab exercises, and what types of foods you should eat and avoid. Therefore, it is important to listen to your chiropractor’s recommendations and treatment plan to get the most out of your regular adjustments.
Find A Trusted Chiropractor Near You
Finally, you should find a trusted chiropractor. A great chiropractor can help you get on a regular adjustment schedule and make sure you are reaping the maximum benefits of your chiropractic adjustments. A great chiropractor will know how to adjust you correctly to reduce your back pain and help you lead a more active, healthy lifestyle. They will also make sure you are following their recommendations for post-adjustment care to make sure you are getting the most out of your adjustments.
If you’re looking for a ‘chiro near me’, we at Affordable Chiropractic are more than ready to help. We’ll work with you so you can get a personalized treatment with maximum benefits. Contact us today to start your chiropractic journey.