Going to the chiropractor is a bit like starting up a new workout routine: the first few times you go through the routine your body might be sore afterward, but that soreness is a sign of growth. We get sore after a new workout because our muscles are reacting to the challenge of new movements. These new workout routines encourage our muscles to strengthen, stretch, and flex in ways that will make us healthier. Chiropractic care is very similar to this because the treatments affect not only individual vertebrae in your spine, but also your surrounding muscles that support your body.
What to Expect During an Adjustment
An adjustment refers to the type of treatment your chiropractor will use to realign any vertebrae that are out of place. The spinal column houses your nervous system, which helps your brain communicate with the rest of your body. A small misalignment can interrupt these lines of communication and negatively affect you in a number of ways. At your chiropractic appointment, your chiropractor will assess your spine for any misalignments and use gentle adjustments to restore the area.
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques for adjustments, though one thing they all have in common is how they use a natural approach to your treatment. That means your chiropractor won’t prescribe you any medications that might mask the pain or recommend any risky surgeries that could keep you off your feet for even longer. Instead, your chiropractor will help restore your body to its optimal functioning so it can better heal and restore itself.
What to Expect After an Adjustment
Your muscles may feel sore after an adjustment because they are used to working one way and are adjusting to new or improved expectations. For example, when your chiropractor encourages your spine into more proper posture, your muscles that had been used to slouching are now being asked to support your spine differently. While soreness you feel after an adjustment is generally to be expected, it is always important to share with your chiropractor how your body responded to the adjustment.
While some people report feeling energized and rejuvenated right after an adjustment, others may report feeling tired. Sometimes people even report cold-like symptoms after an adjustment, though this is not something to worry about! Our bodies all react to chiropractic adjustments in their own way because of how unique the experience is to each of us. Someone who feels energized may have had a misalignment that was causing pain every time she turns her neck, but now that the pain is gone she is ready to tackle the day. Another person who feels tired might realize this is their body’s way of telling them to slow down and de-stress so their body can do its healing work. Someone who experiences cold-like symptoms of a runny nose or frequent bowel movements might be flushing some built-up toxins out of their system.
Exercising: Before vs After an Adjustment
Chiropractic adjustments help realign your spine, so it is generally recommended that you not workout right after an adjustment because you might unintentionally undo all the work that’s been done! Your chiropractor will want to know about your exercise habits and routines in order to find the best time of the week and the day for your adjustments to have the most benefit. It can also make a difference whether you are going to the chiropractor for routine, preventative support, or because of an injury. In the case of an injury, it is especially important to follow your treatment plan and only do recommended exercises so as not to aggravate or reinjure yourself.
Working out before an adjustment might give your chiropractor a better understanding of how your body reacts to certain types of exercises. Your chiropractor may even recommend you try a different type of workout because of how it may be negatively impacting your spine or adding to your pain. Your chiropractic care isn’t only about the adjustments; your chiropractor may also recommend exercises and stretches to go along with your treatment plan that best supports your care. Strength-based exercises and workouts that encourage flexibility are common types of exercise as part of a treatment plan.
When in doubt about exercising and your chiropractic care, chiropractors in Atlanta are here to help. Call us today!
