Chiropractic care is a sought-after solution for back pain, but some individuals may experience increased discomfort after treatment. Why does my back hurt worse after chiropractic care? Depending upon your health condition, you may feel tenderness after a chiropractic visit, but anything more than mild discomfort is concerning. At Health for Life Spine & Disc Center, we specialize in helping to improve mobility, reduce inflammation, and restore motion. We have the best chiropractors in Utah, helping to restore your nervous system and improve your overall health. Here are some of the reasons why an individual may feel like their back hurts worse after chiropractic treatments. 

Possible Causes of Increased Back Pain

Patients may experience increased back pain following the initial adjustment. Chiropractic techniques involve manipulating and adjusting the spine to restore proper alignment and alleviate pain. During the initial adjustment, the body may react by tightening muscles and causing temporary discomfort.

In most cases, the tenderness is gone within a day or two. We are upfront and honest with our patients so they have realistic expectations to understand how long it will take to achieve their health goals and what to expect following treatment.

Underlying conditions such as muscle imbalances, inflammation, or degenerative disc disease can increase pain after an adjustment. We conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you have any underlying conditions that need to be taken into consideration prior to starting chiropractic adjustments.

My Back Hurts Worse After Chiropractic Care

One of the most common misconceptions of chiropractic care is that you will have back pain after treatment. Some people believe that adjustments are painful. If you are concerned, please speak with one of our healthcare providers. Dr. Stanbridge and Dr. Hunt are here to help answer any chiropractic care questions you have.

Our chiropractors are trained professionals who aim to alleviate pain and discomfort, not cause it. The temporary discomfort you feel can be attributed to your body adjusting to a new modality. Think of this like exercise and stretching. The first time you engage in a new activity, you can feel discomfort. However, over time, you will find that your body starts to align with it and your entire nervous system is flowing effectively. 

One thing to know is that the manipulation of the spine may temporarily aggravate existing inflammation or irritation. Tell us right away if you experience any discomfort with adjustment so we can adjust our techniques. To minimize discomfort, we may recommend strategies such as applying ice or heat, gentle stretching exercises, and staying well-hydrated. Water helps to flush excess toxins from the body, allowing you to feel better following an adjustment.

Why Post-Chiropractic Care Back Pain Can Happen?

If you have never received a chiropractic adjustment, you can find yourself experiencing a myriad of pains, aches, and feelings. Why does this occur? Here are some things to know about chiropractic care back pain:

• Initial misalignment correction: When the spine is adjusted during a chiropractic session, it can cause temporary discomfort as the body adjusts to the new alignment.
• Muscular tension release: Chiropractic adjustments can release tension in the muscles surrounding the spine, which may result in temporary soreness or stiffness.
• Inflammation reduction: Chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation in the affected area, but this may initially cause some discomfort as the body heals.

Strategies to Alleviate and Manage Back Discomfort After Chiropractic Care

Here are some self-care tips and pain management techniques that can help provide relief. First, applying ice or heat to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and soothe muscle soreness. Additionally, gentle stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and relieve tension in the back.

It is important to practice good posture throughout the day and avoid activities that strain the back, such as heavy lifting. Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as swimming or walking, can also help strengthen the back muscles and support overall spinal health. Finally, practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help relax the muscles and reduce back discomfort. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can effectively manage and alleviate back discomfort after chiropractic care.

At Health for Life Spine & Disc Center, we’re here to walk you through your treatment options. Contact us to start your healing today!