Experiencing A Sore Throat after Chiropractor?

A stressful and hectic lifestyle has become a norm in today’s world. While the mental discrepancies due to this are quite common, there are many side effects of strain on the body that aren’t talked about.Constant stress has led to many muscle and joint issues are symptom that need medical intervention when they become severe.But you can seek preventive treatment to improve the quality of your life and to avoid these issues from getting worse.

One way of doing this is seeing a chiropractor 

Chiropractic treatments have become popular due to their effectiveness and long-term relief. But sometimes the results may be unexpected. Imagine you went to the chiropractor for musculoskeletal adjustment but came back with a sore throat?

Do not worry, we are here to explore the many causes of a sore throat after a chiropractor visit and how to treat it.But first, let us get into the basics.

What does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor is a health care practitioner who you can see without a referral from your general practitioner.This means that you can just book your appointment and go for a session instead of waiting for your general practitioner’s nod.A chiropractor treats musculoskeletal ailments by applying controlled pressure along your spine. A spinal adjustment can help pain relief by releasing pressure and aligning your spine in its anatomical structure.A chiropractor is not a real doctor but just like them, a chiropractor is required to pass school and undergo training for the same. 

Benefits of going to a chiropractor;

There are many benefits of going to a chiropractor if the patient wants ;

  • Non-invasive treatment 
  • No drugs 
  • Improvement in mobility – poor posture , joints pain,spinal joint
  • Pain management – Neck pain treatment,low back pain 
  • Accessibility
  • Physical therapy

A typical chiropractor session 

A typical chiropractic adjustment session begins with the practitioner getting a detailed medical history from you to understand your condition better and custom-make a treatment plan that yields optimal results.Chiropractic patients will be expected to be transparent and honest with the chiropractor to help them tailor make a treatment plan.A typical session involves a musculoskeletal adjustment which your chiropractor will achieve by applying slow and controlled pressure.

Sore throat after chiropractor 

 Possible causes 

  • Positioning during treatment: During chiropractic treatment, you are placed in different positions. Some of these positions might be new for you and can lead to temporary soreness.
  •  Muscle tension release: A chiropractic adjustment releases tension that might be harboring in your muscles. This can lead to soreness in the throat region and should resolve on its own. 
  • Breathing changes: When you are undergoing chiropractic treatment, the process might cause you to change your breathing patterns, you might be asked to hold your breath at times as well., these changes can lead to a sore throat after a chiropractor.
  • Infections: Post covid we have understood how fast infections can travel. If your chiropractor is sick or the establishment does not follow sterilization routines, chances are you can contract an infection.
  • Underlying disease: Ensure that you do not have a pre-existing infection or sickness before your treatment. Cancel your appointment in that case as it is your social responsibility to distance your infection if it’s communicable. 

Treatments 

At home treatments that are recommended include:

  • Steam bath 
  • Hot shower 
  • Over the counter Medications
  • rest

When to see a doctor?

A sore throat after a chiropractor should go away on its own but you should not take it lightly.Monitor your condition for a while and if it gets worse or persists for more than a week, you should see your physician.Do not continue to self-medicate as an excess of medications can do more harm than good. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to a chiropractor for a sore throat?

A chiropractor treats only musculoskeletal issues. So unless you have muscle, bone or joint issues. You should visit your general physician.

Why do I have a sore throat after a chiropractic session?

A sore throat after a chiropractic session may be an underlying condition or a side effect of the muscle tension release after the musculoskeletal adjustment. The change in breathing pattern that happens while you are under treatment may also cause a sore throat.

Is it normal to have a sore throat after a chiropractic session?

While it is not very common to have a sore throat after a chiropractic session, there are many causes that might have led to this. See your doctor immediately if it is painful and has persisted for more than a week.

What do I do if I have a sore throat?

For a sore throat, you can try at-home self-care methods like steam baths, warm water gargles, NSAIDs etc. If you think your condition is getting worse you should see your doctor at the earliest.

Why do I feel sick after a chiropractic care session?

During a chiropractic session, a lot of toxins are released from your muscles. These can get into your bloodstream and make you feel a little sick. But do not worry, this will go away in a few days.


About the Author

Picture of Dr. Logan Osland

Dr. Logan Osland

Dr. Logan Osland, D.C., is a Doctor of Chiropractic deeply rooted in the principles of hard work and community service. Beginning his career in construction, Dr. Osland’s early encounters with back pain led him to chiropractic care, sparking a passion that directed his educational and professional journey. He earned his Doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic and has been an active member of the chiropractic community in Ventura, California, since opening his own practice in 2004. Not only does he hold multiple certifications, including in sports medicine and as a strength and conditioning coach, but he has also served as a team doctor for various local sports teams. When not in the clinic, Dr. Osland enjoys an active lifestyle with hobbies like surfing, hiking, and spending quality time with his family.