Chiropractic treatments have been used for several years to treat neck and back pain and alleviate discomfort. However, after a chiropractic adjustment, it’s not uncommon for patients to report mild headaches.
While these headaches don’t last long and subside fairly quickly, some may wonder why they occur at all. Let’s take a closer look at what happens during a chiropractic adjustment and why these headaches happen.
What Occurs During Adjustment
During a chiropractic adjustment, a licensed chiropractor will either use their hands or a small instrument to apply a quick, controlled force to a spinal joint. The goal of the treatment is to improve spinal motion and overall health for the patient.
Headaches are often our body’s natural reaction to the toxins around us. It’s not uncommon to have a headache after using a strong cleaning solution or smelling a strong perfume. Our bodies are always reacting to chemical reactions in and outside of our bodies.
Back and neck pain are often the result of compression of nerves. When this happens, chemical signals in your body aren’t able to travel normally and can get backed up.
Why Headaches Happen After An Adjustment
When a chiropractic adjustment occurs, these signals are released and this results in an influx of chemical signals.
In some patients, this sudden release of chemical signals can cause temporary headaches.
Fortunately, these headaches do not last long. In some cases, they can be a good thing! It shows that your spine is properly working as a pathway for your body’s chemical signals.
Your body is simply going through an adjustment period before returning to an optimal level of health.
If you’ve never had chiropractic treatment in the past, there is no way to know how your body will react. Every patient’s system is different, and not everyone will experience headaches.
You can rest assured that your headache should quickly subside after your treatment. Some patients experience relief by taking over the counter medication or using an ice pack.
If you’re still a bit concerned, inquire with one of our licensed chiropractors before your appointment. They can advise you what to do before and after your appointment to help with any discomfort.
Seek Chiropractic Treatment at Spine Health and Wellness
Don’t let headaches discourage you from seeking our chiropractic treatment for your back and neck pain.
If you are someone who experiences chronic headaches, chiropractic treatment is an effective treatment for these. Patients who previously experienced tension headaches often report relief after chiropractic adjustments.
If you’ve tried several treatments over the years that failed to alleviate your back pain, why not give chiropractic adjustments a try?
If you still have more questions about chiropractic treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Spine Health & Wellness. Our clinical team is on hand to answer any questions and concerns you may have.
We have also begun offering telehealth appointments, where you can be examined by a licensed chiropractor from the comfort of your own home.
Fill out our online contact form, and you’ll be able to request an appointment at your earliest convenience.