A chiropractic adjustment is a natural healing method that helps the body to function at its best. Attending routine appointments with Temecula chiropractor Nathen Horst can prevent the development of future injuries or health problems and keep your body in its optimal condition. However, chiropractic adjustments may result in side effects for patients.

According to a 2004 study published in Manual Therapy, almost 61 percent of patients experienced at least one side effect after chiropractic care. Patients reported the following side effects:

• 19.8% of patients experienced a headache
• 19.5% of patients experienced stiffness
• 15.2% of patients experienced local discomfort
• 12.1% of patients experienced radiating discomfort
• 12.1% of patients experienced fatigue

According to this study, the majority of the side effects were experienced within 4 hours of the chiropractic appointment and subsided within 24 hours.

The Release of Toxins

As the spine, muscles, and joints are manipulated, the toxins that have built up are released. This can result in a range of unpleasant side effects, including:

• Muscle cramping
• Discomfort
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Lightheadness
• Dizziness

The Adjustment

The pressure that is applied to treatment area during the appointment can also cause short-term side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Light bruising
• Inflammation
• Achiness
• Joint stiffness

How To Reduce Side Effects after a Chiropractic Appointment

Following a chiropractic appointment, there are steps that you can take to reduce side effects. These include:

• Drink plenty of water: Drinking water after your chiropractic appointment will help flush the released toxins from your system. Quickly expunging these toxins out of the body will reduce any discomfort, nausea, and other reactions that occur after the toxins are released during a chiropractic appointment.
• Ice packs: Any discomfort that results from a chiropractic appointment can be relieved with a cold compress such as an ice pack. Apply the ice pack to the treatment area for 20-minute periods every two hours.
• Heat pads: In some cases, a heat pad may also be applied to the affected area to alleviate pain and cramping. Talk to your chiropractor to find out if ice, heat, or a combination of heat and ice is best for you.
• Pain medication: Patients that experience headaches, soreness, and pain after chiropractic adjustments can take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce the discomfort.
• Strengthening exercises: Engage in strengthening exercises between chiropractic appointments. Yoga and Pilates are excellent examples of the types of movements that can be done to strengthen the core and improve the health of the spine.
• Rest: Be sure to get an adequate amount of rest each night. Sleep on a firm mattress and keep the spine straight while sleeping.
• Avoid bending the spine: Try to maintain good posture and avoid bending the spine, especially the first day or two after an adjustment. Keeping the spine straight after an adjustment will help keep the spine, joints, muscles, and ligaments in their proper positions.

To learn more about chiropractor side effects, and to schedule an appointment at the Temecula chiropractic office of Nathen Horst, contact Horst Chiropractic today. We look forward to help you improve the function of the entire body.