Heather Arranie 
The purpose of chiropractic care is to relieve pain in joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissue, like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. This kind of treatment involves the application of spinal manipulation that’s hands-on, as well as other forms of procedures. Manipulation helps bring back mobility to joints affected by tissue injury because of a traumatic event, such as dealing with repetitive stress (like slouching or hunching over) and falling.
After receiving chiropractic treatment, most patients feel energetic and relaxed, which is why they look forward to their next visit. So, if you’re experiencing knee, neck, or back pain, don’t hesitate to see a chiropractor. You can check out their page to learn about their services.
However, not all patients experience positive results immediately after a session. For some of them, it can take hours or days before they see the benefits of the treatment.
Although chiropractic care is helpful, it can cause negative effects, including dizziness, headache, soreness, pain, or nausea. Read on to learn more about the side effects of the treatment.
Aches And Soreness
The most common side effects of chiropractic care are mild aches and soreness. These symptoms account for over two-thirds of the entire reactions aftercare. You might experience soreness and aches around the treated area after a few hours of treatment. However, these symptoms should not surpass the 24-hour mark. To relieve these symptoms, place an ice pack over the affected area. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Fatigue
As mentioned earlier, some people feel energetic after receiving chiropractic treatment, whereas others feel dizzy. A small percentage of chiropractic patients experience tiredness or fatigue, but this feeling doesn’t last long. If you feel exhausted or weak post-treatment, avoid strenuous activities until you recover your energy.
Neck Pain And Headaches
Neck manipulation is among the most common chiropractic procedures. Through manipulation aims to enhance joint movements, lower muscle contraction, and relieve neck pain, it can lead to neck pain and headache. But only a few patients experience these symptoms. Icing and taking adequate rest will help relieve neck pain and headaches.
Nausea And Dizziness
While nausea and dizziness are rarely reported, they affect a small fraction of chiropractic patients. Patients with these symptoms are advised to get enough rest, drink water, and stick to a light diet until the symptoms clear.
Why Does Chiropractic Care Cause Side Effects?
The goal of chiropractic care is to help patients feel better. However, this isn’t always the case. Although most patients don’t experience side effects after chiropractic treatment, some experience them due to the following:
Spinal Manipulation
Patients who have undergone spinal manipulation can attest that the procedure interferes with rarely used muscles. Once these muscles are interfered with, they tend to get sore, similarly to what you feel in the first days of exercising. Because of this, you might experience pain and discomfort immediately after treatment. Fortunately, the pain only lasts a few hours or a day, and you can return to living a normal life.
Detoxification
Chiropractic treatment is among the best approaches to relieving tension. Aside from relieving tension, it enhances blood flow, causing the body to release harmful elements from the system. Thus, you may experience headaches, sniffles, fatigue, or fever, which might last for a day or two. But once the toxins are released entirely, you’ll feel energetic and healthy.
Pressured Nerves Awakening
During chiropractic treatment, injured or pressured nerves might be set free. Though this might be a good sign of a successful healing journey, it might cause pain and discomfort. In such a case, you’re advised to keep up with schedules for a complete recovery.
What To Do Before Receiving Chiropractic Care
Talking to a doctor before the procedure is vital, so you’ll be prepared for the treatment. Your doctor will determine if you’re fit for the procedure and will advise you on the preventive measures you need to take.
Note that chiropractic treatment isn’t ideal for certain groups of people. For instance, people who are on blood thinners are at a higher risk of stroke after spinal manipulation. Additionally, women with weak bones or breast cancer may experience broken bones after chiropractic treatment. So, before making your decision, you must consider your health history as well.
How To Look For A Licensed Chiropractor
If you’re fit for chiropractic treatment, you can start looking for a qualified chiropractor. You can ask your doctor, family members, or friends for referrals. Review each chiropractor’s experience and credentials, so you can narrow down your list.
Make sure that the chiropractor you choose is licensed. A licensed chiropractor boasts the skills, experience, and necessary training.
In addition to their credentials, verify whether they have no history of disciplinary actions or malpractice claims. You can confirm their credentials and background by checking websites that provide information about their certifications, training school, medical school, and disciplinary and malpractice history.
Conclusion
While chiropractic care is beneficial, it comes with side effects. But just because there are negative effects post-treatment doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. The symptoms are short-lived, so if you’re eligible, you should receive treatment from a trustworthy chiropractor.
