Those who are considering chiropractic treatment will often consult with friends and family members as to their experiences, if any, with chiropractic treatment. These potential patients may even do a Google search on the Internet to get more information. Invariably, a friend, family member, or even a web site on the Internet, will give dire warnings of the adverse side effects one can expect from undergoing a chiropractic adjustment. The truth is, serious complications resulting from chiropractic care are extremely rare. In some cases, patients will experience minor side effects, such as nausea.

It’s All about the Spine

Chiropractic adjustments are perfectly safe and can treat a wide range of ailments when performed by a qualified practitioner such as Dr. Nathen Horst. The reason patients may experience nausea as a result of a chiropractic adjustment is not because the chiropractor injured them, but because the adjustment causes the spine to release toxins that can temporarily result in unpleasant side effects, including nausea.

Because the spine does so much work in terms of holding up the structural integrity of our bodies, it will hold stress, tension, and toxins if we are not healthy. Over time, this builds up until it manifests in the form of back, neck, or other problems. Once the chiropractic adjustment is performed, and the spine is back into proper alignment, the toxic buildup, stress, and tension will be released. When it does so, it can shock the system, and some people respond to this by becoming nauseous.

How Common is Nausea after a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Depending upon the condition being treated and where the adjustment is done, nausea can be a relatively common side effect. Fortunately, it should only last for the first 24 hours at most following an adjustment, as the spine realigns itself into the proper position. Patients who continue to feel nauseous for more than 24 hours should contact Dr. Horst’s office for an immediate follow up visit.

How to Reduce Nausea following a Chiropractic Adjustment

Perhaps one of the most important things patients can do to avoid nausea, dizziness, or light-headedness following a chiropractic adjustment is to move slowly. Once Dr. Horst has finished, patients should carefully roll onto their side before sitting up from either a prone (face down) or supine (face up) position. If lying supine, do not attempt to push the upper body straight up into a seated position. This may cause blood to suddenly rush from the head, which can lead to nausea and possible vomiting. Slow and deliberate movements when getting off the adjustment table are the best way to avoid this.

Once home, nausea can be relieved by lying down and drinking ginger ail or ginger tea. Over the next day or two, the nausea will gradually subside.

Dr. Horst is dedicated to sharing the value of chiropractic care as a way of life. Patients who may have concerns about adverse side effects, or may have experienced them in the past, should discuss this with him in order to help alleviate their fears. Contact Horst Chiropractic today.