Not Had Chiropractic Care Yet? Here’s What to Expect

If you’ve decided to see a chiropractor for the first time, you’re probably asking yourself an array of questions about what to expect. A very common question by people who are new to chiropractic is, “What should I expect after an adjustment?” Although some people may be reluctant, chiropractic care from a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic is safe and effective in pain relief.

Everyone’s experience following a chiropractic adjustment is different. You might feel no change, an immediate relief, or slight discomfort comparable to soreness after a good workout.

So that you can feel more comfortable visiting a chiropractor, here are the likely outcomes.

• Immediate Relief.
  The most common thing people will experience, whether it’s an adjustment or other therapy, is immediate pain relief. Remember, most who have never been to a chiropractor–or maybe not at all–have had spinal misalignments or extremity joint dysfunctions for an extended time.

After they get adjusted and pain is reduced or eliminated, they feel a sense of relief. Many people say, “Why haven’t I sought out chiropractic care before now?”

• No change.
  Although it is more common to feel relief, some people think nothing is different after chiropractic care.

Feeling no change does not mean the adjustment did not work. It often means that your body had no external response and that there are still many internal improvements happening that you cannot feel.

Adjustments relieve pain, yes, but they also improve nervous system function that allows your brain and body to communicate without interference. You may not feel these improvements to nerve functions, but they are still happening.

• Mild Soreness.
  It is completely normal to feel sore following a spinal adjustment, especially in the beginning.

This minor soreness is like having a sore muscle after you haven’t worked out in a long while. Yes, your muscles are sore, but it means your body is starting the healing process. Light stretching, an ice pack, and drinking plenty of water can help alleviate any minor soreness you might feel.

Chiropractic Care is an Excellent First Choice

Chiropractic care offers a natural course of healthcare free of prescription pills and heals the body from within. Evidence-based research continues to show chiropractic care is an effective way to treat neck and back pain or other injuries. Chiropractic is safe, gentle, and non-invasive. Organizations like the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommend first trying non-drug therapies, including chiropractic, as the first choice for low back and neck pain.

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialize in disorders and conditions within the musculoskeletal system. A misalignment in the spine puts pressure on the nervous system and disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Misalignment can happen for various reasons, including poor posture, performing repetitive motions, abrupt movements, or inactivity. If indicated in your initial physical exam, chiropractic adjustments will seek to correct the misalignment, which allows the nerves to function optimally, increases joint mobility, and reduces pain.

Remember, too, that chiropractic care includes many different therapies. Your chiropractor may also recommend stretches and exercises to strengthen your core and stabilize your spine to prevent future injuries. Chiropractors can also advise about nutritional or lifestyle changes that lead to a healthier life.

CUKC Chiropractic Health Center

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC), founded in 1922, is a private, nonprofit, chiropractic and health science-focused university in Overland Park, Kansas. The CUKC on-campus Chiropractic Health Center is open to the public and treats patients from Kansas City’s 15-county metro area. Our goal is to provide care and solutions for a better, more productive life for our patients.