Why Do Some People Experience Headaches After Chiropractic Adjustments?
Imagine this: You just wrapped up your first few weeks of chiropractic adjustments at Compassion Family Chiropractic to fix some nagging back and neck issues that have plagued you for years. You feel great; everything moves just a little bit easier now, and you can’t wait to come back again to see Dr. David, his friendly staff, and even their lovable dog, Max. That’s the good news. The bad news is that you occasionally experience headaches after chiropractic adjustments.
Granted, they aren’t anything like the tension headaches and chronic spells you may have come to see us about in the first place. And they certainly don’t last nearly as long. But they happen nonetheless, and it’s only natural for such a rare occurrence to stop you in your tracks. After all, aren’t chiropractic adjustments supposed to make your entire body feel like you’re on Cloud 9 afterward?
Absolutely — especially when done consistently. However, it is not out of the realm of possibility that some people, on rare occasions, may experience a brief headache following a session. This is normal and temporary and should not happen every time you visit.
If anything, it’s a sign that your body is responding positively to your unique treatment plan.
Quick Reasons Why You’re Experiencing Minor Headaches Post-Adjustment
Your body is still getting used to treatment — After years of poor posture, stress, injuries, muscular imbalances, and physical strain, it will take time for your body to adapt to proper spinal alignments and movement patterns. Sometimes, but not always, this can trigger a response that resembles a headache. This is true even if the adjustments themselves are gentle.
Muscle tension and stress relief — A key benefit of chiropractic adjustments is that they release built-up tension and stress within the muscles throughout your body. As this happens, the sudden release can cause a headache.
Increased blood flow — Chiropractic adjustments aren’t just great for correcting spinal misalignments. They are also great for increasing blood flow throughout the body. The sudden increase in blood flow can also cause headaches.
Dehydration — Chiropractic improves blood flow and fluid drainage throughout the body. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause a headache immediately after a session. It is essential to drink water before and after an adjustment.
Release of toxins — Muscles and joints that have been allowed to get out of whack over the years can quickly accumulate toxins that, when released, rid the body of impurities. At the same time, they can cause brief headaches after chiropractic adjustments.
Again, experiencing headaches after chiropractic adjustments is rare. But when they happen, it’s only natural to wonder if something else is wrong or if your chiropractic appointment made things worse. Quite the contrary, actually. While annoying, headaches like these are proof that the adjustment is working. Over time, you should experience fewer and fewer headaches.
If you experience them, the best advice is to drink plenty of water, rest, engage in gentle stretches and relaxation techniques, and talk to your doctor so they can make any necessary modifications to your care.
Call Compassion Family Chiropractic Today!!
At Compassion Family Chiropractic in Lewisville, TX, our goal is for you and your family to feel like a part of ours. On your first visit, you will be greeted by warm smiles and a whole team that is happy and willing to serve you. We aim to provide you with the most thorough and effective chiropractic care available while treating you with unparalleled service all along the way.
We look forward to the opportunity to become your family’s home for chiropractic care in Lewisville!
Give us a call today at (469) 240-2322. To learn more about Dr. David Ravdin, click here.
