Having back pain after chiropractor?
If you’ve just left the chiropractor’s office and felt back pain, you’re not alone.
As a chiropractor, I’ve had patients walk into my office worried after their first adjustment, only to return a few days later feeling much better and grateful they stuck with the process.
In fact, mild discomfort after an appointment is more common than you might think. While chiropractic treatment is one of the safest and most effective ways to relieve back pain, the body’s response to realignment can sometimes catch you off guard.
Early in my career, I remember being surprised by how often patients reported soreness or tightness in the days following an adjustment. However, I soon realized that this reaction is a natural part of the process and has nothing to do with effectiveness.
I’ll explain why you might experience post-treatment soreness, what causes it, and how to recover quickly.
Why You Might Experience Back Pain After a Chiropractic Adjustment?
In the majority of cases, these are mostly harmless reasons why you are not at 100% in the hours and days after a chiropractic session.
The Body’s Response to Adjustment
When your chiropractor makes adjustments, your body may react with discomfort as it gets accustomed to its new positioning. It’s similar to starting a new workout routine or even switching one exercise—when you engage muscles in ways they haven’t been used before, it’s common to experience short-term discomfort as they adapt.
The soreness after chiropractic adjustment is not a sign of harm; rather, it shows that your muscles and joints are beginning to work differently. Think of it as your body resetting itself.
For an even deeper dive into why adjustments sometimes result in soreness and how they help overall, see this article on the different types of chiropractic neck adjustments.
Muscles and Ligaments Adjusting to New Positions
When your spine is adjusted, the surrounding muscles and ligaments, which support an improper alignment for years, need time to adapt to their new roles. During this transition period, it’s common for them to become tense or sore. Imagine your body being used to slouching for years and then suddenly being straightened; the muscles that have been compensating for that misalignment will now need time to relax and function properly again.
Inflammation and Nerve Irritation
Another common cause of post-chiropractic discomfort is minor inflammation around the joints or nerves. When your chiropractor manipulates your spine, the pressure and movement can cause temporary irritation to the tissues and nerves in the area, which might lead to some mild inflammation and subsequent soreness.
Don’t be alarmed, though—this inflammation is mild and short-lived, it won’t become chronic pain.
Factors That Influence Post-Chiropractic Discomfort
Some patients feel little to no discomfort, while others experience pain. This is something that confuses many and brings uncertainty among those who want to try chiropractic.
Many facts are involved, and I’ll break down the most common reasons.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Herniated discs, arthritis, and chronic lower back pain can increase the likelihood of post-chiropractic discomfort. So, it’s not unusual to experience heightened discomfort initially.
In these situations, you must communicate openly with your chiropractor. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you feel uncomfortable or feel any significant changes after treatment.
Frequency of Chiropractic Visits
The frequency of your chiropractic visits also plays a role. If treatments are adequately spaced, frequent chiropractic care should not cause back pain.
New patients or those undergoing major adjustments will probably feel more pain than others. Soreness and pain should subside quickly because they will become familiar to the body.
That also depends on how forceful the adjustments are. Your body will certainly take longer to adapt to more force, increasing the chances of soreness afterward.
Even though over-treatment is rare, it can happen if adjustments are too aggressive or unnecessary.
General Physical Condition
Your overall physical condition is another important factor. Your age, muscle tone, flexibility, and fitness level can all impact how your body responds. Someone with more muscle tension or less flexibility may feel the effects of an adjustment more acutely. In contrast, those with a more active lifestyle might experience less discomfort, as their muscles are already prepared.
That’s why I always encourage my patients to work on their overall fitness—it will improve your whole life, plus you will notice even more benefits of spinal manipulation over time.
When Should You Be Concerned About Post-Adjustment Pain?
You must know the difference between what’s normal and what’s not in order to be aware when it’s time to reach out to your chiropractor/doctor.
Understanding What’s Normal vs. What’s Not
As I explained, mild post-chiropractic discomfort during the first 24 to 48 hours is normal.
If the pain persists for more than two days or begins to intensify rather than improve, it might indicate that something more is going on. I always emphasize to my patients that while post-adjustment complications are rare, addressing them early is critical.
Some red flags to watch for after spinal decompression and neck adjustment include:
- Severe back pain that worsens over time instead of improving
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Significant swelling or inflammation that does not subside
- Feeling very dizzy (severe vertigo) after appointment
Typical Timeline of Recovery
Of course, the recovery timeline varies from person to person, but there are general stages that most people experience. If your recovery slightly deviates from these stages, that is fine, but if the condition does not improve or worsen, it is a potential emergency.
- First 24-48 Hours: During the first one to two days after your session, you will most likely feel initial soreness, like after a workout or a tough tennis match. Any minor inflammation or tenderness should subside within this period.
- Day 3-5: By the third to fifth day, pain should go away or be minimal, and you’ll begin to feel the positive effects of the adjustment. Your body is still adapting, but you should notice increased mobility, reduced pain, and improved posture. For some, this is when they begin to feel significant relief.
- First Week and Beyond: After the first week, your body should be more comfortable with its new alignment.
Tips to Minimize Pain and Recover Quickly
Wonder what to do after a chiropractic adjustment?
Here are a few tips.
Ice and Heat Therapy
One of the easiest and most effective ways is to alternate between ice and heat therapy. Ice reduces inflammation, and heat soothes tense muscles. It is recommended that you use ice for the first 24 hours to control any swelling and then switch to heat to relax the muscles and promote blood flow.
Stretching and Light Activities
Light movement can work wonders in easing muscle tension. Don’t be afraid to gently stretch the back. Focus on stretching your lower back, hips, and shoulders. It’s important not to overdo it, though. Keep it slow and controlled. Your body needs healing time, so stretching should feel good, not painful.
Staying Hydrated
Did you know that staying hydrated flushes out toxins and promotes muscle recovery? It’s true! After a chiropractic adjustment, your body needs extra fluids to repair and replenish the muscles and tissues. Drinking plenty of water will also keep your spine lubricated and support your overall recovery.
Follow Your Chiropractor’s Aftercare Instructions
Every chiropractic session is unique, and so are the aftercare instructions your chiropractor gives you. Be sure to follow them closely. Whether it’s resting, stretching, or avoiding certain movements, these guidelines will help you.
Preventing Post-Adjustment Discomfort in the Future
Taking steps to prevent post-adjustment discomfort doesn’t just happen in the chiropractor’s office.
- Building Up Core Strength: A strong core supports your spine and prevents future back pain. Your core muscles stabilize your entire body and help maintain proper posture. Do simple core exercises like planks or bridges. These exercises do not require any special equipment and are not time-consuming.
- Gradual Progress and Consistent Care: Chiropractic care is most effective when approached as a gradual process. Don’t expect overnight changes—especially if your body has been out of alignment for a long time. The key is to be consistent with your treatments.
- Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle outside of the chiropractor’s office can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing post-adjustment pain. A balanced diet and proper ergonomics at work can contribute to a healthier spine and smoother recovery after spinal adjustment.
Wrapping up
You probably expect immediate pain relief, so mild discomfort can be rather unsettling for many. But I always remind my patients that this soreness is typically a normal, temporary part of the healing process. Of course, you must not ignore severe pain.
Understanding why post-adjustment pain happens is crucial. That’s why patients who are informed and proactive about their recovery tend to see the best results. Something as simple as following aftercare advice, staying hydrated, or doing light stretches can make all the difference.
Chiropractic care is about long-term health, not just quick fixes, so be patient, and you’ll be well on your way to feeling stronger and free from the discomfort that once held you back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can chiropractic adjustments cause muscle soreness?
Muscle soreness after a chiropractic adjustment is common. Your muscles may be reacting to the realignment of your spine, especially if they’ve been compensating for a misalignment. It should go away in a few days, max.
What should I do if back pain worsens after a chiropractor visit?
If your back pain worsens after a chiropractor visit, you should contact your chiropractor to discuss your symptoms. It could be part of the process, but severe or persistent pain requires a follow-up appointment or even going to the ER in extreme cases.
Does the type of chiropractic technique used affect post-treatment pain?
The type of chiropractic technique used can influence the level of post-treatment pain. More forceful adjustments may cause more significant soreness compared to gentler techniques. Your chiropractor will choose the best approach based on your condition and comfort level.
References
Stig LC, Nilsson Ø, Leboeuf-Yde C. Recovery pattern of patients treated with chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for long-lasting or recurrent low back pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2001 May;24(4):288-91. doi: 10.1067/mmt.2001.114362. PMID: 11353940.
Axén I, Rosenbaum A, Röbech R, Wren T, Leboeuf-Yde C. Can patient reactions to the first chiropractic treatment predict early favorable treatment outcome in persistent low back pain? J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002 Sep;25(7):450-4. doi: 10.1067/mmt.2002.126473. PMID: 12214186.
Leboeuf-Yde C, Hennius B, Rudberg E, Leufvenmark P, Thunman M. Side effects of chiropractic treatment: a prospective study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1997 Oct;20(8):511-5. PMID: 9345679.
