If you have ever felt temporarily unwell or “off” after a spinal adjustment, you are not alone. Many people report a passing sense of discomfort that can resemble sickness following chiropractic treatment. This reaction is typically a normal physiological response, indicating that the body is adapting to the mechanical changes that have occurred. These sensations are usually a sign of your system beginning the process of rebalancing, not an indication of a problem with the adjustment itself.
The Adjustment Reaction: Why You Might Feel Sick
The temporary feeling of being unwell after an adjustment stems from several interconnected physiological changes. One primary cause involves a resetting of the nervous system, which is a major target of spinal manipulation. The adjustment introduces sensory input to the central nervous system, altering how the brain processes signals. This neurological recalibration can temporarily affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like digestion and heart rate, leading to a brief sense of malaise.
Another significant mechanism relates to the physical manipulation of previously restricted joints and muscles. When alignment is restored, surrounding soft tissues that had been compensating are suddenly stretched or moved into a new position. This physical strain can induce a mild inflammatory response, similar to the soreness felt after an intense workout. This localized soreness may contribute to the overall feeling of not being entirely well.
A further contributing factor is the release of metabolic byproducts, sometimes inaccurately called “toxins,” that may have accumulated in restricted tissues. When circulation improves and muscular tension is relieved, substances like lactic acid and histamines are flushed into the bloodstream. The body’s systems, such as the liver and kidneys, must then process and eliminate these compounds, which can temporarily cause symptoms like fatigue or a mild headache. This detoxification effect is the body working more efficiently to remove existing waste.
Common Symptoms and Expected Duration
The symptoms experienced after a routine adjustment are generally mild and reflect the body’s natural adaptation process. One frequently reported sensation is fatigue or sleepiness, which can be pronounced, especially following initial treatment. This tiredness is often attributed to the nervous system shifting from a state of tension to one of rest and repair. Mild headaches are also common, particularly after an adjustment to the neck or upper spine, and may be linked to changes in muscle tension or blood flow.
Muscle stiffness or a dull ache is a normal reaction, especially in the areas directly manipulated, and feels much like delayed onset muscle soreness. Less common, but still reported, are mild flu-like symptoms such as a slight runny nose or temporary lightheadedness, which are believed to be part of the metabolic waste processing. These post-adjustment reactions follow a predictable timeline for resolution, typically peaking within 12 to 24 hours after the session. For the vast majority of people, any discomfort completely resolves within 24 to 72 hours, signaling the end of the body’s adaptation period.
Managing Post-Adjustment Symptoms
There are several straightforward, practical steps you can take to minimize and cope with the normal symptoms that follow an adjustment. Proper hydration is recommended, as drinking plenty of water helps your body process and flush the metabolic waste products released from the tissues. This supports the natural detoxification pathways of your liver and kidneys.
Rest is another simple yet effective measure to support the body’s healing response. While you should avoid strenuous exercise immediately after a treatment, gentle movement, such as a short walk, can help maintain circulation and reduce stiffness. For any localized muscle soreness, applying an ice pack to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes can help manage the mild inflammation. Conversely, a warm bath or a heating pad may also help relax the muscles and alleviate stiffness.
When to Contact Your Chiropractor or Doctor
While mild discomfort is normal, certain symptoms are not part of the typical adjustment reaction and require professional attention. You should contact your chiropractor immediately if you experience severe, sudden, or rapidly escalating pain that is far beyond a mild ache. Any new neurological symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or significant weakness in an arm or leg, are also serious signs that need prompt evaluation.
Extreme dizziness, loss of balance, or a severe, new headache that feels unlike any you have experienced before should not be ignored. Even if the symptoms are mild, if they persist well beyond the expected 72-hour window and show no sign of improvement, consult with your chiropractor or general practitioner. These severe or prolonged symptoms are rare, but recognizing them is important for safe and effective care.