What You Should and Shouldn’t Do After a Spinal Adjustment

I am often asked, “what should I do after my adjustment?” “Can I go to the gym now?” etc. Giving  yourself a little time and space to fully experience the changes in your nervous system is the best strategy. While many people rush right back to work or back to the car or back to a hectic life there are choices we can make. Read the suggestions below in order to get the maximum benefit from your care. Keep in mind there is no magic answer.

The benefits of seeing a chiropractor are substantial. But doing the right things (and avoiding certain things as well) can help you receive the most benefits from your appointment.

Should: Stay Active

Movement stimulates blood flow and prevents stiff joints. After your adjustment, stay active with light exercises like walking, jogging, or riding a bike. Don’t overexert yourself when doing these activities. The goal is to complete moderate movements that keep you active without overstimulating yourself.

Shouldn’t: Avoid Explosive Movements

Explosive exercises, such as those where you jump or move weights with plyometric force (a power clean or kettlebell swing) are also good to avoid.

Your chiropractor appointment might make these movements feel easier or remove the pain. But it’s a good idea to let your body rest and recover for a bit before you start performing athletic movements again.

After some regular treatment, this may not be as big a deal. Many athletes get chiropractic adjustments before games.

But at first, it’s a good idea to give your joints and skeletal system time to adapt. Especially if you’re being treated for neck or back pain. Loading the skeletal system with explosive force could be asking for trouble.

Should: Follow Chiropractor’s Advice

To get the most out of your treatment, follow your chiropractor’s advice. Whether it’s recommended exercises or specific stretches, your chiropractor is the best resource for spinal care. Additionally, the advice helps patients avoid future back pain and discomfort. Stick to your treatment plan and follow the best practices.

Shouldn’t: Rest Too Much

Although many people sit for several hours a day, this isn’t good for your posture or spine. Avoid prolonged sitting and resting after an adjustment. Try to move every 20 minutes to keep your body moving and spine neutral. When it’s time to rest, sit upright with your shoulders back and heels on the floor. Practicing good posture is great for your spine and future care.

Should: Hydrate

After your first chiropractor appointment, it’s important to drink a lot of water. This may seem strange, but it won’t once you consider what happens when you get an adjustment.

Chiropractors manipulate joints, muscles, and bones to provide pain relief and other health benefits. When these things are changed, there is often a release of toxins by the body.

Drinking plenty of water helps flush out these toxins, allowing your body to heal. If you don’t hydrate, those toxins could settle back in and the pain might return.

This is generally one of the first pieces of chiropractor advice you will receive when you go in. Current hydration guidelines for men are to drink 125 ounces of water each day; for women, it’s about 91 ounces.

Shouldn’t: Consume Unhealthy Meals

Giving your body the right nutrients replenishes your system and helps recovery. Unhealthy meals that are high in sodium, sugar, and fat can lead to inflammation. This may increase your pain and delay recovery. Help your body by eating a nutritional meal with lean meat, vegetables, and fiber.

After understanding what you should and shouldn’t do after a spinal adjustment, you can prepare for your next appointment.