A chiropractic adjustment is a precise, controlled procedure where a trained specialist uses their hands or a small instrument to apply force to a specific joint, most often in the spine, to improve its motion and function. Many people who undergo this process for the first time wonder if the subsequent feeling of new or different sensations is cause for concern. Experiencing minor discomfort, soreness, or muscle aches after a spinal manipulation is a very common and normal response as the body begins to adjust to the changes.
Is Post-Adjustment Discomfort Expected?
Mild to moderate soreness, stiffness, or aching is a widely reported side effect, particularly following an initial treatment or when a significant realignment has occurred. Studies indicate that up to 61% of patients experience some level of mild to moderate soreness after their first chiropractic adjustment. This sensation is often likened to the muscle soreness felt after an intense or new workout, which is a reassuring way to view the body’s adaptation.
The body is accustomed to holding itself in a certain position, even if misaligned, and the adjustment forces muscles and ligaments to adapt to a new, healthier posture. This mild discomfort is generally an indication that the treatment is initiating positive changes within the musculoskeletal system. It should be felt as a dull ache rather than a sharp or debilitating pain.
Understanding the Physical Causes of Soreness
The discomfort experienced after an adjustment is rooted in several specific physiological reactions within the body’s tissues. One primary cause is the temporary effect on the muscles surrounding the manipulated joints. Muscles that have been chronically tight or shortened are suddenly stretched and released, causing a reaction similar to muscle strain from unaccustomed exercise. Conversely, muscles that were inhibited or weak are suddenly activated to support the new, correct posture.
This manual manipulation of the joint also triggers a local, transient inflammatory response in the tissues. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stimulation, increasing blood flow to the area as part of the healing process. This localized swelling can contribute to a feeling of achiness around the treated joint.
The nerves surrounding the spine also require time to adapt to their new positions. Before the adjustment, misaligned vertebrae may have placed pressure on certain nerves; the nerves must still acclimatize to the change in their environment even after the pressure is alleviated. The sensation of soreness also stems from the joint and ligament readjustment itself, as surrounding soft tissues must adjust to the new positioning.
Expected Duration of Symptoms
The duration of post-adjustment soreness is typically short, helping distinguish normal discomfort from a potential issue. Most people who experience soreness notice it within a few hours of the adjustment, and it usually subsides within 6 to 12 hours. The maximum normal duration for this mild, localized soreness is rarely more than 24 to 48 hours.
If the soreness lingers beyond this two-day window, a check-in with the chiropractor is warranted. During this period, certain self-care measures can help manage the symptoms and promote faster resolution. Applying ice to the treated area can help reduce temporary inflammation, while gentle movement, such as walking, can prevent stiffness. Staying adequately hydrated also supports muscle recovery.
Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention
While minor aches are normal, certain symptoms require immediate attention from a healthcare provider or chiropractor. Pain that significantly worsens, is sharp, sudden, or debilitating, or persists well beyond the 48-hour mark is considered abnormal. A dull, generalized ache is expected, but a sharp, shooting pain with movement may signify a new strain or misalignment.
New neurological or systemic symptoms are serious concerns and are not part of the normal recovery process. These red flags should prompt an immediate call to the chiropractor or a visit to an emergency department for evaluation:
- New-onset numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
- Radiating pain that travels down a limb.
- Severe, sudden headache.
- Dizziness or nausea.
- Fever.