Chiropractic adjustments and other techniques are safe and natural, but also energetic. Readjusting misaligned joints and vertebrae requires some pressure and other types of mechanical manipulations. Thus, every patient experiences recovery signs after a chiropractic visit, to various degrees.
However, there are also symptoms that you may experience after seeing a chiropractor that is not normal. They indicate the existence of a severe injury or condition, one which none of your previous medical tests discovered. We prepared this article to make you aware of what is normal and what is not after chiropractic adjustments.
Normal Recovery Symptoms after a Chiropractic Visit
A few side effects after seeing a chiropractor are actually related to the fact that your body is starting to heal. As we discussed in a prior article, retracing is something that happens frequently – you experience some of all your negative symptoms in inverted order until you return to a normal state of health.
Thus, you may experience the following:
1. The Symptoms of a Mild Cold
You may feel a little feverish, and experience a few chills, sneezing, and the mild “wooly head” symptoms associated with a cold. This is a sign that your chiropractic visit was successful and your body is starting to eliminate toxins. While they are fully expelled from the body, they give these unpleasant, but not severe symptoms. If you have any questions, call your chiropractor and ask them to recommend a natural remedy – in most cases herbal tea and a quiet evening away from stress will do the job.
2. Mild Bruising
One of the visible recovery signs after a chiropractic adjustment is in the form of light and non-painful bruising. Some people are more prone than others to develop them, even after brushing a bit against a door or hitting a piece of furniture.
Bruising is less likely to occur in patients who need post-workout chiropractic treatments. Their muscles are already prepared for extra pressure and manipulation.
3. Muscle Soreness
During the first 24 hours, you may experience these recovery signs after a chiropractic visit. It is nothing to worry about – in many cases, a chiropractor will apply energetic massage to muscles before the adjustment in order to improve blood flow.
4. Improved Bowel Movements
One of the beneficial recovery signs after a chiropractic visit is improved functioning of the entire digestive system. Thus, you may experience relief from constipation and an increased frequency in the need to go to the restroom.
Worrying Symptoms Indicating a Serious Injury
So far, we have covered what you should expect after an appointment with the chiropractor. Now, let us cover the symptoms that you should not normally experience. If you do, call your chiropractor immediately, or seek emergency medical assistance if necessary.
1. Sharp Pains When You Move
A bit of muscle soreness is one of the recovery signs after a chiropractic visit. But sharp pain with every movement is a sign of significant muscle strain, tear, or even a severe misalignment in a joint.
You should call your chiropractor as soon as you experience these symptoms and follow their indications. In some cases, you will be instructed to have an X-ray or go to the trauma room at your local hospital.
2. Difficulty Speaking
If you find it hard to pronounce words clearly or even feel unable to speak, you should call 9-1-1 or see a physician immediately. This is a sign of injury to the central nervous system and it is incredibly dangerous. Do not postpone getting medical attention until the next day.
3. Loss of Movement
A sudden inability to move your fingers, arms, necks, or legs is a medical emergency and you should treat it as such. There are many potential causes for this – and all very severe because they are associated with brain or spinal cord injury.
4. Losing Consciousness
Dizziness may be one of the recovery signs after a chiropractic visit, but never up to the point of fainting. Even if you feel just fine after you recover from a fainting spell, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
5. Numbness Anywhere in the Body
You should not experience numbness in any part of the body after a chiropractic appointment. Numbness means that a nerve is damaged and requires specialized medical care.
The recovery signs after a chiropractic visit are not dangerous and severe. Any negative symptoms are usually the result of an undiscovered health issue you already had, not a problem created by chiropractic adjustments. In some cases, triggering these symptoms by going to a chiropractor may actually save people’s lives. So, we encourage you to search our directory to find a chiropractor near you and begin your therapy!