Does Going to the Chiropractor Hurt?

Does going to the chiropractor hurt? For the millions of Americans going to the chiropractor is one of the best, most reliable ways to manage back, neck, or other types of pain.

The value of a chiropractic visit is undeniable. However, this doesn’t mean that you always leave feeling perfect after your chiropractic session. Since
chiropractic care can be pretty intense at times, your body, while relieved from the pain that brought you to the chiropractor, may still be feeling sore
after your session. Whether you’re a long-time
chiropractic disciple or a first-time beneficiary of the practice, today we’re going to answer an age-old question: does going to the chiropractor hurt?

‘Does Going to the Chiropractor Hurt?’

The answer, (drumroll please!) is sometimes. For many people, it’s completely normal to feel
soreness after going to the chiropractor. While this may seem counterintuitive, the best way to think about it is like going to the gym. If you haven’t been actively working out, your body may ache from the underuse of your muscles. When you make the decision to go work out for the first time in a while, you’re inevitably going to be sorer compared to subsequent work out sessions. Now, while soreness is still not ideal, it is a step towards a healthier, more comfortable body. By thinking of post-chiropractic soreness in the same way, you can really grasp the ‘short term pain, long term gain’ approach to chiropractic healing.

‘My Back Hurts More After Chiropractic Care’

So now that we’ve established the normalcy of some routine soreness after your chiropractic visit, it’s time to deal with the elephant in the room: what happens when you feel more pain after a
chiropractic adjustment? For those suffering from pain bad enough to seek professional assistance, this can be your worst nightmare. Not only does the pain remain, but you’ve also exhausted one of the most effective options for reducing it.

If you’re suffering more after chiropractic care, your pain likely stems from something that
requires more than just a spinal adjustment. There are several underlying causes here. Whether it’s a herniated disk, or your spine’s natural curvature hindering the chiropractic process,
chiropractic care could exacerbate your pain. This is why it’s so important to find a trusted,
experienced, compassionate chiropractic clinic, like Petett Chiropractic, to properly diagnose your issues, and provide proper chiropractic treatment.

‘How Can I Reduce Common Chiropractic Soreness?’

For normal soreness after a chiropractic session, there are several simple pain relief techniques that you can use to mediate the soreness in the days after your session. Using the right
combination of these recovery options for your condition will help you get back to normal, so you can enjoy the benefits of your chiropractic session.

  • Use an ice pack to reduce inflammation. Chiropractic care can be intense on your back and spine, so keeping inflammation in check will ensure you recover as quickly as possible.
  • Do some light exercise, especially in order to strengthen your torso muscles, spine, and core. All of these muscles support your posture, and will help your body carry its weight with more
    integrity and more comfortably.
  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water helps to reduce inflammation, as well as ensuring your body has enough water to maintain your muscles and ligaments properly.
    Get plenty of sleep in a comfortable and beneficial position. If you’re unsure of what works best, try sleeping in the fetal position, as this gives your spine a natural and easy rest throughout the night.

Soreness should subside quickly. If it sticks around for a few days, consult your chiropractor.

‘Where Should I Book My Next Chiropractic Session?’

If you’re in the Greater Seattle-Tacoma area, there’s no doubt that your next chiropractic session should be with Petett Chiropractic. Contact our experienced team today, to make an appointment to help relieve the burden of back, neck, or spinal pain.