Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

There isn’t any significant pain felt during chiropractic therapy. Due to sudden jerks and sounds during the therapy, some might think that the therapy hurts, on the contrary, it’s relaxing and relieving. It usually shouldn’t inherently be painful. There’s possible soreness after the session however it’s momentary and usually goes away in a day or two. 

What are Discomfort Categories?

  • Minor Pain: This is the most general feeling when being adjusted. It can be like a small pressure or pushing when the chiropractor moves the joints. Such pains don’t last long and shouldn’t cause any concern.
  • Aroused reflex: A swift movement that occurs during adjustment may trigger a surprise, hence causing a sudden short-term startle response.

What are the Things that Can Cause Discomfort?

  • Pre Existing conditions: Where there are inflammatory disorders or injuries in the area to be treated it may become uncomfortable for you.
  • Muscle stiffness: Stiff muscles in and around the joint being manipulated may make you feel more pain.
  • Approach: Chiropractors use slightly different techniques. Some of these might however seem more pleasant to you as compared to others. Informing your masseur of such preferences will enable them to adjust their style accordingly so that they minimize any sense of uneasiness on your part.

How can you manage the Discomfort effectively

  • Communication and openness with tour chiropractor: You must mention any sort of pain or discomfort that you might be facing during the adjustments. The chiropractor can change his/her technique tailored to your preference and comfort.
  • Relaxation Techniques: To reduce the after-ill effects of adjustments, one can focus on their breathing and relax the muscles which would reduce the tension and make it easier to adjust, hence reducing the after-pain. 
  • Post-adjustment Care: Ice packs or heat packs can help reduce the soreness or inflammation in that area. Basic stretching and yoga can help maintain a good posture and help your body adjust to further adjustments that you might want to get done. 

Importance of Consulting a Qualified Chiropractor

  • Experience and Qualification: You can refer to the chiropractor’s customer testimonials. That would help get you an idea about what kind of experience they had with the chiro and make your judgment for the same. A skilled and professional chiropractor can alleviate your experience by adjusting jis techniques and avoiding any injuries. 
  • Possible Treatment Plan: A professional and experienced chiropractor will look at your medical history with other previous health-related factors to offer you a personalized treatment plan along with what could be the possible side effects, course, and potential discomfort. 
  • Alternative Techniques: Chiropractors have access to various techniques beyond manual adjustments. If you face discomfort during the adjustments there are alternatives that the chiropractor can suggest like instrument-assisted adjustments, mobilization techniques, or soft tissue therapy. 

What are the potential benefits of Chiropractic therapy?

There are many other advantages to this therapy than just pain reduction and relaxation. Some of them are given below:

  • Reduced Back and Neck Pain: It’s one of the common reasons for seeking Chiropractic therapy. Fixing the spinal and joint alignments which restrict the movement and can help reduce pain and stiffness. 
  • Improved Range of Motion: Restricted movement due to tightness and stiffness can cause pain. The adjustments help improve joint function by aligning the joints, improving flexibility and enhancing the daily chores or athletic performance, and overall well-being.
  • Potential Alleviation of Headaches: You might experience headaches due to the strain in your neck and upper cervical pain. These areas causing the pain due to the strain can be fixed with proper adjustments by the chiropractor. Can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Conclusion

There’s potential discomfort that can happen due to the sudden movement and jerks. However, it’s temporary and usually goes away in a day or two. Choosing a good chiropractor can also help reduce the pain as they use different techniques that are tailored to your body and comfort. The proper treatment plan can also enhance your experience with potential benefits.

About Dr. Osland

Passionate about the health of his patients, Dr. Osland has been a leading Chiropractor in Ventura for over two decades. Recognized as a top choice for athletes and every day individuals, he provides chiropractic services in Oxnard and Ventura, California.