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Whether you’re a veteran patient of chiropractic care or considering scheduling your first adjustment, doing the right things after your appointment can make the most of your time on the table. While there aren’t any particular rules to follow, you can do several things to help your body heal and prepare it for future adjustments.
At Unruh Spine Centers, our experienced chiropractors help alleviate the discomfort that people experience in their daily lives. We only use proven techniques to help our patients live a pain-free life. If you are struggling with neck and back problems, contact our
Santa Clarita area office at (661) 288-0022 to schedule a consultation.
While drinking enough water is vital for many body processes, it’s especially essential following an adjustment. Sometimes during an adjustment, the body releases toxins because of the manipulation of joints, muscles and tendons. Drinking plenty of water can flush them out more quickly. If you don’t drink plenty of fluids, the toxin could settle back in, potentially causing your pain to return. Men should drink at least 125 ounces of water daily, while women need 91 ounces.
Yes, but check with your chiropractor about what movements you should and shouldn’t do. Movement stimulates blood flow, which assists in healing. How long should you wait before exercising? Most chiropractors will ask you to wait anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Plyometric jumps or strength training movements, such as kettlebell swings, may be off-limits for a specific length of time. Let your body rest and recover before performing your usual fitness routine. Loading your skeletal system with excessive force can cause problems. You can always find an alternative exercise. Remember, many athletes get regular adjustments and can still get on with modified fitness routines.
Along with adjustments, your chiropractic appointment often includes specific stretches and exercises to help your pain. Combining in-office with at-home exercises can help heal your injury and speed recovery. Many prescribed exercises target back and neck pain, helping you feel better sooner.
At the other end of the spectrum, don’t altogether avoid activity. Most people sit a lot during the day, but after your appointment, avoid prolonged sitting by getting up and walking around or performing short stretches at least once an hour. When you sit, maintain good posture by pulling your shoulders back, placing your heels on the floor and keeping your elbows glued to your sides. Practicing good posture habits will benefit your overall health, so consider making it a regular part of your routine.
Adequate sleep is essential for good health, just like getting enough water. Many people find they sleep better after an adjustment. Get at least seven to eight hours each night, making sure to sleep on your back after an adjustment, as it helps maintain your spine in a neutral position. If you can’t sleep on your back, sleep on your side with a pillow between your hips to keep them and your spine straight.
You don’t need to follow a specific diet after an adjustment, but eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods and avoid fatty, high-sugar, and processed foods. Eating well just makes sense, too, because giving your body the nutrients it needs all the time will help it repair faster and decrease inflammation, which plays a role in pain. Choose lean proteins, colorful fruits and vegetables rich in micronutrients, and plenty of fiber.
Some people feel sore after an adjustment, as it is the body’s way of getting used to better positioning. You probably have used both methods to alleviate pain, but using ice after an adjustment is the better choice to ease discomfort. Apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes every three or four hours the day after an adjustment. Most discomfort will disappear within a day.
You may feel some strange sensations after an adjustment, particularly if you are new to chiropractic treatment. You may feel tingling or cooling in the muscles of the treatment area, both of which are part of the healing process. Take it easy if you don’t feel right, and contact your chiropractor if you are worried about your symptoms.
You don’t have to suffer from neck and back pain. Schedule a consultation today with one of our skilled chiropractors by calling (661) 338-516 to get started on your personalized treatment plan.