5 Things to Do After a Chiropractic Adjustment

December 15, 2023

Booking an appointment with a chiropractor is only the first step in your recovery journey. Whether you’re seeking help for a long-term pain you’ve been experiencing, or you’re looking to get back up and moving after a trauma, these doctors are experts in it all. After your appointment, it’s important that you consider what other elements of your recovery you can help control. We’ve put together 5 of the most important things to do after a chiropractic adjustment so that you can make the most of each appointment.

Hydrate

While it’s a good idea to drink water before an adjustment and when exercising, you shouldn’t forget about grabbing a water bottle after your chiropractic visit. Drinking lots of water after a spinal adjustment is essential in order to feel your best. Sometimes adjustments can make you feel sore if your muscles are tight. Water helps keep your cartilage soft so that it’s easier for your body to accept its proper place after an adjustment and avoid stiffness. Hydrating can also help your body flush out any toxins that may be released during treatment from a chiropractor. Water is key to feeling the relief that a chiropractor can provide.

Avoid prolonged sitting

Individuals with desk jobs are particularly prone to extended periods of sitting. This is hard on your body regardless, but after a spinal adjustment, it can undo all the progress your doctor has made. Poor posture is also common when you are sitting, which can lead to further pain and damage. It’s important to rest after seeing a chiropractor, but too much sitting can do more damage than good.

Instead, try to take a walk or practice other light exercises such as swimming or riding a bike. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to your posture while sitting and work on keeping your shoulders back and heels on the floor. This is a good practice both for immediately following an appointment and throughout your daily life.

Get a good night’s rest

Sleep is one of the key ingredients to a healthy recovery from both injury and treatment. When we sleep, it allows our body to heal and recuperate. This is another instance where it’s a good idea to pay attention to your posture and position. When sleeping on your side, utilizing a body pillow or sleeping with a pillow between your legs is a great way to keep your hips in line. Sleeping on your back using a pillow with proper support so that your spine and neck are in line is also a good practice. You can ask your chiropractor for more ways to improve your quality of sleep during your appointment, so you can speed up your recovery and feel better sooner.

Eat healthy

Eating healthy is always a good idea, but following any sort of medical procedure it’s essential to fuel your body for success. Eating nutrient-dense foods gives your body more energy and the building blocks it needs to help you recover. It may also reduce inflammation and pain. Try to include lean proteins, fiber, and fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as getting enough calories. A healthy diet is one simple step you can take in the right direction to get feeling better.

Stretch

Stretching can help strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility. These are important elements in keeping you balanced and speeding up your healing process. Light yoga is a good idea for a complete body refresh, but even simple exercises to stretch out the affected area are a good idea. Knee-to-chest, cat-cow, and chest stretches on a wall are all great places to start. Ask your chiropractor if you have any questions or need help figuring out how to stretch a tight or sore area. Doing a little bit every day will help you make big steps in your recovery.

Take care of yourself

A chiropractor is a great resource to utilize if you’ve been in an accident or even if you’re experiencing aches and pains in your everyday life. Their expert training and treatments will lead to results that will provide relief and recovery from many of life’s inconveniences. However, it’s also important that you put in your own work and take care of yourself after an adjustment. This will allow their work to flourish and your recovery to optimize. At Accident Treatment Centers, we believe that our network of doctors can help you reclaim your life, pain-free.