If you’ve never had a chiropractic adjustment, you might wonder how you will feel afterward and if there’s anything you need to do or avoid. While so much depends upon the individual patient, you should know some essential things before your first adjustment.
What Happens After Your First Adjustment?
After your first adjustment, you may experience immediate relief and even a feeling of mild euphoria. This may lead to minor aches, soreness, and tiredness for 24-48 hours. Some individuals also feel a little weird or “off” for a day or two due to the release of toxins from the joints. Remember that your body has been out of alignment. It may take a few days to feel better and more than a single session to fix the issue. For many patients, subsequent adjustments cause fewer aftereffects.
Why Do You Need to Rest After Chiropractic Adjustment?
After a chiropractic treatment, your body is in a state of healing and adjustment. To support this process:
- Rest briefly before leaving the chiropractor’s office.
- Stay active, but avoid heavy lifting and jerky, strenuous movements.
- Get adequate sleep and stay hydrated.
- Avoid stressful activities that could cause muscle tension and misalign your spine.
How Long After Chiropractic Adjustment Do You Feel Better?
How long it takes to feel better depends on the patient. Some individuals feel immediate improvement, while others may require ongoing treatment. Chiropractic care is holistic, and it works on multiple levels with a variety of treatments.
The initial goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to relieve pain without the use of drugs. This helps the patient function better in their daily life with less discomfort. Continued treatment will involve getting to the root of the problem and correcting it. In addition to adjustments, this phase of treatment could include complementary therapies like massage or acupuncture, as well as lifestyle and exercise coaching.
How Do I Know if My Chiropractic Treatment is Working?
The primary signs that your chiropractic treatment is working are reduced pain levels, improved range of motion, and greater ease in completing your daily tasks. Over time, and with proper chiropractic care, you should feel better overall, with an increased sense of well-being. Your sleep may become more productive, your energy levels higher, and your immune system more robust.
Is One Chiropractic Adjustment Enough?
While a single adjustment may bring immediate relief, it typically takes time to realign, retrain, and strengthen your body. Chiropractic treatment is an ongoing, holistic process, and its effects are cumulative. We look forward to working with you to create a treatment plan to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Schedule an Appointment at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C.
Our team at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C. is here to answer any questions you have about chiropractic treatments. With more than 35 years of experience in a full spectrum of chiropractic treatments, we guarantee you’re in capable hands. Contact us online or call us at (516) 679-2225 for more information or to schedule an appointment.


