Why Do Some People Feel Worse After Seeing A Chiropractor?
Houston Chiropractor Comments: While most people feel better after getting adjusted in our Houston, TX office, some people notice an increase in discomfort when they begin care.
Some individuals may experience an initial worsening of symptoms after a chiropractic adjustment due to a variety of reasons, including temporary muscle soreness, increased inflammation, or the release of toxins. Additionally, pre-existing conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis can be aggravated by adjustments temporarily.
According to research indexed in NIH PubMed, it is common for some people to feel worse after a chiropractic adjustment because of benign, transient adverse reactions to spinal manipulative therapy. Prospective clinical studies published in PubMed reveal that between 30% and 61% of patients experience temporary side effects following treatment, which are typically mild-to-moderate and resolve within 24 to 48 hours. [1, 2]
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
- Muscle Soreness and Discomfort: Adjustments can cause muscle soreness and discomfort as the body adapts to the change in alignment. This is similar to how muscles feel after a strenuous workout.
- Inflammation: The adjustments can sometimes increase inflammation in the affected area, leading to temporary pain and stiffness.
- Release of Toxins: Some practitioners believe that adjustments can trigger the body’s detoxification process, causing temporary symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or even flu-like symptoms.
- Pre-existing Conditions: If someone has a pre-existing condition like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, the adjustment could exacerbate these conditions and cause increased pain temporarily.
- Poor Technique: In rare cases, improper or forceful adjustments can lead to misalignment or injury, worsening pain.
- Individual Sensitivity: Some individuals are simply more sensitive to the adjustments and may experience more discomfort than others. This is why experienced chiropractors know a variety of techniques. The doctor can find the type of adjustment that is best for the individual patient.
Rare and Severe Risks:
While the vast majority of post-chiropractic discomfort is physiological and safe, PubMed case reports warn of rare but severe complications that cause worsening symptoms. These include herniated disc progression, nerve root compression like cauda equina syndrome, or vascular complications like vertebral artery dissection (which carries a minor risk of stroke following high-velocity neck adjustments). [1, 2]
Seek emergency care immediately if a post-treatment flare-up involves severe progressive numbness, weakness in the limbs, groin numbness, or sudden dizziness/vision changes. [1]
It’s important to communicate any concerns or worsening pain to the chiropractor, as they can assess the situation and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. In most cases, the symptoms subside within a few days, and the long-term benefits of chiropractic care outweigh the initial discomfort.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700, Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. For more tips like these, follow us on Facebook and X!
