Feeling tired after a chiropractic adjustment, sometimes referred to as “chiropractic fatigue,” is a common physical response. This sensation of relaxation or tiredness is often considered a positive sign that your body is beginning a healing and restorative process. The fatigue indicates that the treatment has prompted a significant physiological shift as the body works to integrate the spinal and muscular changes.
The Nervous System Shift
The primary reason for post-adjustment fatigue is a neurological shift from a state of high alert to one of deep rest. Your autonomic nervous system controls bodily functions and operates in two main modes: the sympathetic (SNS) and the parasympathetic (PNS). The SNS is the “fight or flight” response, which keeps your muscles tense and your body on high alert, especially when experiencing chronic pain or stress.
A chiropractic adjustment helps correct spinal misalignments, which reduces nerve interference and allows the body to move out of this high-alert state. This triggers the activation of the PNS, often called the “rest and digest” system. When the PNS takes over, the body shifts its energy toward healing, relaxation, and recovery.
This sudden transition from an overdrive state to a relaxed state can feel like exhaustion. The spine and muscles, which may have been locked in tension, are finally permitted to relax deeply. The energy previously used to maintain muscle tension is now redirected toward internal repair and stabilization, resulting in the feeling of being tired.
Physical Release and Metabolic Byproducts
Beyond the neurological shift, the physical manipulation of the adjustment promotes a biochemical response that contributes to fatigue. When muscles are chronically tense or restricted due to misalignment, blood flow can be limited, causing metabolic byproducts to accumulate in the tissue. These byproducts, such as lactic acid and other compounds, are the natural waste products of cellular activity and muscle exertion.
The adjustment works to release this longstanding tension, which improves circulation to the previously restricted areas. This sudden increase in blood flow flushes the accumulated metabolic waste into the bloodstream for processing and elimination by the liver and kidneys. The body must then expend energy to filter and clear these substances.
This systemic waste clearance requires a significant metabolic effort, which diverts energy away from daily activities and toward internal processing. This increased metabolic demand is what makes the fatigue feel physical, similar to how one might feel after an intense workout. The sensation of tiredness is the body asking for time to complete its internal cleanup and adapt to its new state.
Managing Post-Adjustment Fatigue
The fatigue experienced after an adjustment is typically temporary, often lasting only a few hours, though some individuals may feel it for up to 48 hours. The most effective strategy for managing this temporary tiredness is to support the body’s natural processes. Hydration is particularly important, as drinking plenty of water helps the body flush out the metabolic byproducts released into the bloodstream.
Prioritizing rest is also beneficial, and taking a short nap or simply relaxing for the remainder of the day allows the nervous system to stabilize without external demands. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 24 hours post-adjustment. Gentle movement, such as a short, light walk, can promote circulation and aid in the removal of waste. This light activity can help prevent stiffness as your muscles adapt to their new alignment.
It is helpful to listen to your body and recognize that this tiredness is a sign of positive change. If the fatigue is severe, is accompanied by a high fever, or persists for more than 48 hours, contact your chiropractor. This ensures that any unusual or prolonged symptoms are addressed, though most post-adjustment fatigue is a normal, short-lived part of the healing journey.