Chiropractic adjustments often significantly improve the quality of life of those looking to alleviate pain, improve posture, and support overall wellbeing.
To get the most out of chiropractic care, patients should follow a few simple steps after each adjustment to ensure that their body recovers quickly and that it maintains all the benefits of the treatment.
In this blog article, we discuss the benefits of chiropractic adjustments, what happens to your body afterwards, and outline five essential steps you should perform after every visit.
Chiropractic care has been shown to help with various musculoskeletal issues, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. But the benefits don’t stop there. Regular chiropractic adjustments can also:
While a chiropractic adjustment can help to realign the spine and improve nervous system function, patients often report that they feel sore after an adjustment.
To maximise the benefits of chiropractic adjustments and avoid feeling sore for days after a chiropractic adjustment, it’s important that patients take care of their bodies properly after each treatment.
After a chiropractic adjustment, your body goes through a natural process of recovery. Joints and muscles that have been realigned will begin to function more optimally, and nerves that may have been pinched can start to work more effectively.
However, your body will need time to adjust to this new alignment (Reactions Following A Spinal Adjustment). For example, patients often report muscle soreness and occasional dizziness after a chiropractic adjustment (Why Do I Feel Dizzy After A Chiropractic Adjustment?).
The recommendations given below are intended to support the recovery process and ensure that the effects of the adjustment last longer.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to support your body after a chiropractic adjustment is to focus on maintaining good posture.
When standing, make sure to stand evenly on both legs to equal your weight distribution. This helps maintain the alignment achieved during your adjustment and prevents unnecessary strain on your lower back and pelvis.
By distributing your weight evenly, you can avoid stressing one side of your body, which can throw off your spinal alignment and undo the benefits of your treatment.
Sitting posture is just as important as standing. To maintain the benefits of your chiropractic adjustment, sit evenly on your two “sitting bones” (ischial tuberosities). This helps prevent crossing the legs, which twists the pelvis and can lead to imbalances in your spine and hips.
When you sit with even weight distribution, you avoid unnecessary strain on your lower back and hips, supporting the spinal alignment achieved during your chiropractic adjustment.
It’s easy to let your head and neck fall forward when you’re looking at your phone. However, this posture puts unnecessary stress on your neck and shoulders.
To maintain the benefits of your chiropractic care, it’s important to stop your head from jutting forward by bringing your phone up to your head. This helps keep your spine in proper alignment and reduces tension in your neck muscles.
Good head and neck posture also supports the long-term health of your spine, preventing the recurrence of tension headaches and neck pain.
Hydration is key to recovery after a chiropractic adjustment. Drinking 2.5 litres of water per day helps improve blood flow, which supports healing and delivers essential nutrients to your tissues.
Hydration also helps flush out any toxins released during the adjustment and reduces the chances of feeling sore for days after chiropractic care.
By staying hydrated, you give your body the resources it needs to recover quickly and efficiently.
Avoid bending at your back to lift heavy items or even just to perform everyday tasks like unloading the dishwasher. Instead, squat to bend and lift. This helps protect your spine (by preventing an overload of your vertebrae), and ensures the benefits of your adjustment are maintained.
Avoid keeping your legs straight and bending at your back, for example, when unloading the dishwasher or washing machine. By squatting, you engage your legs and core, protecting your spine from strain.
While maintaining good posture and staying hydrated are key, there are a few other things you can do to support your recovery:
To maintain the benefits of your adjustment and avoid unnecessary strain, here are a few things to steer clear of after your visit:
Chiropractic adjustments are a powerful tool for improving posture, reducing pain, and promoting overall health. But to fully experience the benefits of chiropractic care, it’s essential to support your body post-adjustment with the right actions.
From maintaining good posture to staying hydrated, these simple steps can enhance your recovery, reduce your chance of being sore for days after a chiropractic adjustment, and keep you feeling your best.
By following these tips and making chiropractic care part of your wellness routine, you’ll help your spine stay aligned, your muscles relaxed, and your body move in optimal health.
