How Fast Chiropractic Adjustments Work

After sitting for hours at a time with less-than-perfect posture at my desk, I was experiencing some neck and shoulder pain, so I made a chiropractor appointment. I wondered if I’d get immediate relief or if it would be more of a long-term solution, so I did some research.

So do chiropractic adjustments work right away? Yes, chiropractic adjustments do start to work right away. While you might not feel all of the benefits of your adjustment as soon as you walk out of the office, your body will be better aligned, which will help it in a variety of ways.

How long it takes for you to feel true relief will depend on your condition and chiropractic needs, however, and you may feel some soreness or discomfort as your body adjusts to this new normal of being aligned.

What Happens When You Get a Chiropractic Adjustment

A chiropractic adjustment is the moving of a joint, usually a spinal vertebra, to its correct position. This is done manually by the chiropractor, who will use their hands or a small tool to move the joint. This helps to relieve pressure on the nerves and muscles around the area that is experiencing discomfort. It can also help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, which positively affects the health of your whole body.

• When you go in for an adjustment, your chiropractor will take a look at your medical history and do a physical examination, which often includes an x-ray to make sure that there aren’t any broken bones in the area in question.
• They will then determine which joints need adjusting and how much force should be used.
• You may hear some popping or cracking noises as your chiropractor adjusts your spine — this is normal and means that the joint is being moved back into place.
• Usually, this doesn’t hurt at all, but depending on the severity of the adjustment, you may feel some temporary discomfort as your joints move back into place.

Chiropractors will also often use massage to help relax the muscles and improve blood flow, as your joints won’t go back into or stay in alignment if your tense muscles and tendons are pulling them out of place. You may also be given stretches and exercises to do at home to help keep your spine and other joints aligned and improve your overall health.

• Many people feel relief after their first chiropractic adjustment, while others walk out of their appointment feeling the same or even a little more sore than they did when they went in.
• This is normal, as your body often needs time to readjust to being aligned, especially if it’s been out of whack for a while.
• After a few days, you should start feeling better, and as you continue to visit the chiropractor, this discomfort should subside.
• If you don’t start feeling better or experience worse or ongoing pain, however, communicate that to your chiropractor so they can make sure there isn’t a more serious injury or condition causing your pain.

Even if you do feel better after your first adjustment, visiting the chiropractor regularly will help you keep your body feeling as healthy and strong as possible. This is especially true if your condition is chronic, as you’ll likely have to go in regularly to ensure everything is lined up as it should be so that you can keep your symptoms at bay.

• While chiropractic adjustments work right away, it can take some time for you to feel the full benefits of your treatment.
• Be patient and don’t give up.
• Your chiropractor is there to help you get on the right track to better health.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help You

Chiropractic adjustments can help improve a variety of conditions, including neck pain, back pain, headaches, and joint pain. They work by realigning the spine and relieving pressure on the nerves and muscles, which can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.

• Chiropractic adjustments help keep your body aligned and prevent future injuries, as well as improve your posture and breathing. They can also help relieve some of your stress and tension, which can lead to better overall health.
• If you regularly experience back, neck, or joint pain or discomfort, or if you have a chronic condition that causes stiffness or pain, chiropractic adjustments can help keep you comfortable and mobile.
• If you have a sports or activity-related injury, chiropractors can often help you recover from that as well and ensure that you don’t injure yourself further. In fact, many professional athletes visit chiropractors regularly to help them stay in top condition.

Many people also visit the chiropractor after they’ve been in a car wreck or similar accident. This is because chiropractic adjustments can help relieve the neck and back pain and stiffness that often results from these accidents, and chiropractors can help identify if you need additional medical care or not.

• If you’re experiencing any kind of pain or discomfort, a chiropractic adjustment may be just what you need. Talk to your primary care physician to see if this is the right treatment for you.

Recovering From an Injury Under the Care of a Chiropractor

In addition to going in for spinal adjustments, many people visit a chiropractor when they’re injured themselves. Whether it’s an injury from sports or exercise, an accident, or everyday activities, chiropractors can help you recover and get back to your routine as soon as possible.

• When you are injured, don’t expect to necessarily feel relief after your first chiropractic visit.
• As with any other type of treatment, it will take a while for your body to heal.
• Be patient and consistent with your appointments, as well as the stretches and exercises your chiropractor recommends.

Often chiropractors will work alongside medical doctors to treat your injury, so don’t be surprised if your chiropractor recommends a visit to a physician or vice versa. It’s important that you follow their instructions so that you can fully recover from your injury and get back to your everyday life as soon as possible.

Limitations of a Chiropractic Adjustment

As with any type of medical care, chiropractic care does have its limitations. If your injury is severe, you may need surgery in order to fully recover. Additionally, if you have an underlying medical condition, a chiropractor usually can’t diagnose and treat these conditions, and a chiropractic adjustment may do you more harm than good. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to consult with your primary care doctor before starting any new treatment, including chiropractic care.

• When you do go to the chiropractor, it’s not uncommon for chiropractors to tell you that you need additional medical care.
• If they see you have a broken bone, a torn ligament, or some other medical concern that they can’t treat.
• At the same time, medical doctors also often recommend their patients visit a chiropractor to help them manage their symptoms and ensure their body is fully aligned so it can heal properly.

Other Things Chiropractors Can Help With

Chiropractors can do more than just adjust your spine. They can also recommend stretches and exercises to help improve your mobility and reduce chronic pain and stiffness. In addition, chiropractors can provide nutritional counseling and advice on how to live a healthy lifestyle. While they can’t usually prescribe medicine, many chiropractors sell over-the-counter, natural supplements in-house, making it easy for patients to access them.

• If you’re feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, a chiropractor may be able to help you with that too.
• They can teach you breathing exercises and relaxation techniques that can help you calm down and manage your stress levels.
• Many chiropractors are also licensed to practice on infants, children, and pregnant women.
• These adjustments can help relieve pain and discomfort during pregnancy, and they can also help infants and children with issues such as colic and ear infections.
• If you’re experiencing any kind of pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to visit a chiropractor.
• They may be able to help you get relief from your symptoms and improve your overall health.

How do I find a chiropractor?

• To find a reputable chiropractor, you can ask your friends and family for referrals, or you can search online for chiropractors in your area.
• It’s important to make sure that the chiropractor you choose is licensed and insured and that they have a good reputation.

Will my health insurance cover chiropractic care?

• Many health insurance plans do cover chiropractic care, but it’s important to check with your provider to make sure.
• If you don’t have health insurance, or if your plan doesn’t cover chiropractic care, the chiropractor may be able to work with you on a payment plan.

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

• Chiropractic adjustments usually don’t hurt, but they can be a little uncomfortable.
• If you’re nervous about your first adjustment, talk to your chiropractor about what to expect.
• They may be able to recommend a few relaxation techniques that can help make the adjustment less uncomfortable.