(347) 625-1246
hello@brooklynchirocare.com
112 Greenpoint Ave #1B, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Feeling sore after a chiropractic adjustment is common, and for most people it’s mild and short. Here’s what the numbers say about how often it happens, how long it lasts, and where the line is between normal and worth a phone call.
Key Takeaways
- In a Norwegian survey of 1,058 new chiropractic patients, 55% reported at least one unpleasant reaction during their first six treatments.
- Most reactions were mild or moderate, and about three-quarters had faded within 24 hours.
- A JAMA meta-analysis found no serious adverse events in the randomized trials. Minor, temporary increases in pain, stiffness, and headache were reported in 50% to 67% of patients in large case series.
- Severe or worsening pain, new numbness or weakness, or a sudden severe headache or dizziness after a neck adjustment isn’t normal soreness.
How common is feeling sore after a chiropractic adjustment?
More common than most people expect. In a prospective survey, 102 Norwegian chiropractors collected reactions after 4,712 treatments of 1,058 new patients. At least one reaction was reported by 55% of patients over up to six treatments. The most common reactions were local discomfort (53% of reported reactions), headache (12%), tiredness (11%), and radiating discomfort (10%). There were no reports of serious complications.
A systematic review of manual therapy reached a similar place. Minor to moderate temporary adverse events showed up in roughly 22% to 41% of patients, depending on study type, while major adverse events were about 0.13%. A 2017 JAMA meta-analysis of spinal manipulation for acute low back pain found no serious adverse events in the randomized trials and described minor, temporary increases in pain, muscle stiffness, and headache in 50% to 67% of patients in large case series.
How long does the soreness last?
Usually a day or less. In the Norwegian survey, 64% of reactions began within four hours of treatment, and 74% had gone within 24 hours. Reactions were mild or moderate in 85% of patients, and it was unusual for them to be severe or to limit daily activities.
Your own pattern may differ. If soreness is still going strong after a couple of days, or it’s getting worse instead of fading, tell the office.
What helps
Keep moving gently. Staying active is the better-supported choice for back pain over bed rest, and we cover that in our guide to ice, heat, and rest for back pain. A heating pad or warm shower is a reasonable comfort measure, with a layer of cloth between you and the heat and no falling asleep on it.
And tell Dr. Patel what you felt at your next visit. Soreness is useful information about how you respond.
When soreness isn’t normal
Get medical help promptly for severe pain that’s getting worse, new numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, or loss of bladder or bowel control. After a neck adjustment, a sudden severe headache or neck pain unlike anything you’ve had, especially with dizziness, vision changes, trouble speaking, or weakness on one side, needs the ER. The American Heart Association describes unilateral headache and posterior neck pain as possible warning signs of cervical artery dissection.
More on why exams come first in our guide to when not to get an adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to feel tired after a chiropractic adjustment?
It can be. Tiredness was reported by 11% of reactions in the Norwegian survey. Most reactions were mild and faded within a day.
Should I take it easy after an adjustment?
Gentle movement is the better-supported choice for back pain over bed rest. Beyond that, there’s no study to quote on a perfect routine, so listen to your body and skip anything that spikes your pain.
Can an adjustment make things worse?
Temporary increases in pain are the most common reaction. Serious complications are rare. A systematic review put major adverse events after manual therapy at about 0.13%.
Ready to find relief? Schedule an appointment online with Dr. Patel at Brooklyn Chiropractic Care in Greenpoint.
References
- Senstad O, Leboeuf-Yde C, Borchgrevink C. Frequency and characteristics of side effects of spinal manipulative therapy. Spine. 1997;22(4):435-440. PubMed: 9055373
- Carnes D, Mars TS, Mullinger B, Froud R, Underwood M. Adverse events and manual therapy: a systematic review. Man Ther. 2010;15(4):355-363. PubMed: 20097115
- Paige NM, Miake-Lye IM, Booth MS, et al. Association of spinal manipulative therapy with clinical benefit and harm for acute low back pain. JAMA. 2017;317(14):1451-1460. PubMed: 28399251
- Biller J, Sacco RL, Albuquerque FC, et al. Cervical arterial dissections and association with cervical manipulative therapy. Stroke. 2014;45(10):3155-3174. PubMed: 25104849
Not Sure What's Causing Your Pain?
Take our 60-second pain assessment and get a personalized care recommendation from Dr. Patel.
Take the Assessment
