After the dentist, the chiropractor must be one of the least looked forward places to visit. But like the dentist, shortly after, you are incredibly pleased that you went.
Myths perpetrated about the pain and tiredness of a manually adjusted procedure are much overblown. While it is true a certain amount of discomfort can be felt, the resulting structural benefits to the body far outweigh this.
Tiredness post-procedure is also touted as a drawback. If though analyzed, you will find that it is extremely short-lived and a hugely positive sign that the process has worked.
What is A Chiropractic Adjustment
An adjustment is a medical procedure performed by a qualified chiropractor using controlled pressure applied to specific points on the body using only their hands or sometimes an activator, a small handheld instrument.
An adjustment procedure is executed to realign the joints and bones in a musculoskeletal structure to ease the pain and/or discomfort the patient feels. The end result of an adjustment should provide an improved range of movement and allow the body to function better as inflammation caused by the misalignment dissipates.
Do Adjustments Cause You to Feel Tired
Feeling tired is a side effect felt by some, although certainly not all patients that have undergone an adjustment procedure. If tiredness is felt it will generally be only for a short while, often only a few hours or sometimes into the next day. If tiredness continues beyond that point it may be best to call a local professional to get a second opinion.
Besides the onset of tiredness other possible side effects that are reported can be light headaches and a little muscle stiffness. However, once the tiredness in the body has passed, you will begin to feel the benefits of the adjustment and feel considerably better.
Why Might You Feel Tired?
A number of factors can dictate the existence or extent of tiredness. These factors include the nature and length of the adjustment and type of manipulations performed and the amount of toxins that the adjustment has released.
The main factor is toxin release that is initiated by the adjustment procedure. These toxins are also responsible for the other side effects such as headaches. It is possible to flush a lot of the toxins out of the system by drinking plenty of water.
What Is Toxic Release?
Despite the side effects, the active release of toxins after an adjustment procedure is a sign that the body is positively reacting to the treatment. It is the adjustment manipulations that are responsible for starting the release and shows that it is working as intended.
The interdependent relationship connecting the musculoskeletal structure and the nervous system is managed by chiropractic care. Chemical signals are constantly being passed between your brain and spinal cord. If there is a misalignment, some of these signals can become interrupted and slowed. Think of it as a partially blocked pipe stemming some of the flow of water.
Unblocking The System
During the manipulation procedure, the realignment of the bones and spinal cord causes the blockage to be removed. This relief of the backup will immediately cause the chemicals to flow again at the expected rate when the body itself has become used to the limited delivery.
A flood of chemicals will be experienced by the body by the release of the pressure build-up. Tiredness and the other side effects will then be triggered as the body seeks to cope with the sudden increase in chemical delivery. This will last until the excess toxins have been flushed out and the body readapts the quantity of chemicals present.
Should You Rest After a Chiropractic Adjustment Manipulation?
Resting after any chiropractic adjustment manipulation is likely to depend on the individual and the extent of fatigue that they may be feeling. Generally, these feelings will have gone within 24 hours of any adjustment.
It is possible that your muscles which may feel sore will tense up if you don’t. The adjustment also might fail to hold as it will need a few hours to settle down.
In truth, paying attention to the sensations emanating from your body is always wise. In all likelihood, it will tell you when it is ready to go again, as it needs time to complete the healing process.
Follow Your Chiropractors Advice Post Adjustment Manipulation
A chiropractor will likely provide you with a series of exercises or stretches and an associated advice sheet after any adjustment procedure. Following the advice and instructions and diligently performing the required stretches is imperative.
These are an integral part of the recovery process as they are designed to strengthen the core body structure, re-enforce the spinal alignment, and enable the adjustment to be sustained for an extended period so that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of a healthy body structure.
Conclusion
Tiredness is a normal byproduct of any adjustment manipulation. The majority of patients will endure some level of tiredness post-procedure.
Toxin release is the primary cause of the tiredness as the chemical pathways that have until the manipulation been blocked are re-opened, allowing a flood of chemicals to initially overwhelm the body’s system.
Tiredness though, should only last for a maximum of 24 hours. Allowing the adjustment to take hold by relaxing during this time is the best thing you can do, and you will feel the benefits of the procedure thereafter.