What To Do After Chiropractic Adjustment: Post-Procedure Guide

“What should I do after a chiropractic adjustment?” 

“Can I exercise after receiving chiropractic care?” 

“Does spinal adjustment affect my nervous system?”

These are some of the most frequently asked questions to chiropractors and you, too, might be wondering what to do after chiropractic adjustment. However, your chiropractor is not the only person responsible for helping you reduce pain and achieve your health goals. You need to get involved in improving it.

You may feel incredible after your chiropractic adjustment. But, it is the next step that will make or break your chiropractic adjustment.

We recommend that you pay attention to these steps on what to do after a spinal adjustment to aid your healing process.

What To Do After Chiropractic Adjustment

Take your time to rest during the healing process

Good sleep habits and proper rest are two of the most important things we recommend. While it may be necessary to go back to work sometimes, you have to take things slow after your treatment.

Get enough sleep every day, not just after an adjustment. Insufficient sleep may hinder the body’s natural ability to repair and heal itself.

It is important to evaluate the quality of your mattress and pillow. A firm mattress will keep your spine’s alignment intact, and a pillow that is appropriate for your needs will help you do the same.

For advice on how to keep your neck and spine aligned during the night, consult your chiropractor.

[Read: Why Choose Chiropractic Care?]

Move around (carefully)

Do you want to be active after an adjustment? That’s okay. Just be extra careful.

You may not be able to exercise vigorously, and that’s okay, too, as long as you’re not completely sedentary.

You don’t want your body to return to its previous position immediately after an adjustment.  Avoid sitting for long periods and stay away from any heavy lifting activity. Your body will need to learn how to move in the correct position again, so be aware of your movements over the next few days.

Take the opportunity to do a light exercise routine,  enjoy the increased mobility, and go for a walk or bike ride. You can also consider yoga, pilates, and tai-chi, which are low-impact activities.

These activities can prevent your body from reverting to its incorrect posture, reduce your recovery time, and increase the positive effects of chiropractic adjustments.

Drink plenty of water

It is extremely important to hydrate properly after a chiropractic adjustment.

Hydration after a chiropractic adjustment is important to keep your spine supple, flexible, and healthy. Water helps flush out any toxins that treatments may have caused to the tissue. You can also avoid the soreness and tiredness that may result from the treatment by staying hydrated.

Practice proper self-care and healthy postures

Spinal adjustments affect various components of your body, including the nervous system. Pay extra attention to your body and your overall wellness and health. You’re likely to experience changes in your blood pressure, muscle sensations, and posture, as well as your mental and emotional states.

Perhaps you feel that your posture is different, or that you are sitting in a different position in your car. As your body reorganizes, it will change how you position yourself. It is normal to feel changes immediately after an adjustment.

Practice correct posture when you sit down. To avoid back and neck pain, don’t stay in the same position too long. Adjust your chair height so that you can sit closer to your computer at work. You might also consider a standing desk.

Anything you can do to keep your body moving will help the adjustment to hold and prevent your body from immediately reverting to a bad position.

Have a healthy diet

This is a piece of good advice after your chiropractic treatment as it helps your nervous system. Eat healthy foods and do some light exercises as you let your body settle. Be careful in monitoring your body weight and opt for nutrient-rich, non-fatty foods.

Eating healthy meals is beneficial for your recovery and the nutrients help to repair your cells and help you recover faster. It’s also a big move towards healthy living. Eat lean proteins, micro-nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and a lot of fiber. You will notice the difference.

Avoid explosive movements

Explosive exercises, such as those that involve jumping with weights and moving with plyometric force, should be avoided. Your chiropractic appointments might help you with these kinds of activities but it is important to let your body rest a bit before you carry on with athletic exercises.

If it is your first chiropractic appointment, it is best to let your body adapt. Always follow the chiropractor’s recommendations.

Improve your sleep routine

If you aren’t sleeping on your side or your back, then you have to get used to it now after your adjustment. It’s also the best time to invest in a pillow that conforms to the shape of your spine to make it supple and feel more relaxed.

A regular sleep schedule would help a lot in your recovery. Try sleeping and waking up at the same time every day. This allows you to feel more comfortable as your nervous system reorganizes.

Avoid prolonged sitting

As you let your body settle, you might be tempted to sit a lot after a chiropractic adjustment. This is also true if you have a desk job. If you sit on your chair all day after a chiropractic adjustment, your posture could be ruined.

Try to walk around and stand straight during some intervals during the day. Doing some light exercises, especially those that improve your posture, may also help.

[Read: Chiropractic Adjustment Benefits: 10 Advantages of Chiropractic Care]

Listen To Your Chiropractor’s Post-Adjustment Plan

One visit will not fix years of a misaligned spine. Your chiropractor will ensure your correct alignment and mobility are maintained into the future. He will create a treatment plan that suits your specific needs.

To reap the full benefits of chiropractic adjustments, keep your appointments, follow your treatment plan, and trust your chiropractor’s recommendations. This will also spare you from chronic pain and injury to maintain the proper alignment.

For more information about what to do after a chiropractic adjustment, visit your trusted local chiropractor.

If you have any questions or stories to share about chiropractic adjustment, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below! Share this article with your connections if you find this helpful!