Call Us - Hunt Club613-224-2077 Call Us - Kanata343-309-9654 Book Online Today Side Effects of Chiropractic Treatment Improving Your Health With Safe & Effective Care Chiropractic therapy is recognized as one of the safest therapies you can use to treat pain and injuries. A chiropractor can provide relief from back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches and many other injuries and chronic conditions. Treatment from a licensed chiropractor is the best way to address pain and other symptoms like stiffness and limited range of motion. Yet, many patients — particularly first-time patients — fear that they will experience pain or complications following chiropractic treatment. However, most people overestimate the risks. There is very little risk in receiving chiropractic care, and your chiropractor can explain your treatment and address your concerns in detail with you. Complications are rare, but as with any medical therapy, they are possible. You may experience some minor side effects following your treatment. These side effects provide little risk and can be treated easily. Rest is an effective solution in most cases. While the benefits of chiropractic far outweigh the risks, you can read about some of the possible side effects below. Contact us today to schedule an appointment Name* Email* Phone* Choose location*West Hunt ClubKanata Choose service*PhysiotherapyChiropractorAcupunctureMassage TherapyDietitianYogaCold PlungeInfrared SaunaIV Therapy Message* Input this code: Thank you for requesting an appointment We usually respond within one business day. If you’ve messaged us outside of normal business hours, we will be happy to help you once we’re back. Please note that no bookings are final until we have reserved a time slot using your credit card. Hours of operation Monday to Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: Appointment only Sunday: Closed Please be aware of our cancellation policy. Possible Side Effects of Chiropractic Treatment It’s possible to experience one or more of these side effects following a chiropractic adjustment. If you're ever uncertain about the risks of chiropractic care, please speak to your doctor. Fatigue You may feel tired after your chiropractic appointment. Adjustments to your spine and neck can take pressure off your nervous system. While this releases stress and tension, it can also leave you feeling tired. Give yourself plenty of time to rest after an appointment. Headache Having a headache following treatment can indicate that your body is reacting to the stress of a new physical experience. Be sure to stay well-fed and hydrated in advance of your appointment. You may choose to treat your headache with an ice pack or use a pain relief medicine. Dizziness Similar to a headache, you may feel dizzy as the result of your brain’s reaction to your body adjusting to a new physical experience. If this occurs, lie down and avoid using machinery, rapid movement, or looking at screens. Pain in treatment areas It isn’t unusual to experience some soreness after receiving treatment. Again, your body is adjusting to some movement that it’s not used to. Any pain should be mild in nature — severe pain is very rare. Give yourself time to rest following an appointment to maximise its effectiveness. If pain does happen to persist, visit a doctor. Toxic release symptoms Though it is rare, some patients may experience flu-like symptoms or an upset stomach after their chiropractic appointment. This is known as toxic release. When this occurs, the adjustment process flushes out toxins that were built up in your body due to misaligned joints. In other words, this is your body’s way of naturally getting rid of toxins to maximise the treatment’s success. If you experience this side effect, drink plenty of water to further expel any toxins from your body. If it persists, visit a doctor. Nausea It’s also rare to experience nausea following a chiropractic adjustment. However, this side effect is an indication that your body is adjusting to the experience of a new treatment, or that it wants to flush out toxins that were built up from before your treatment. If this side effect persists, visit a doctor. What Should You Do After a Chiropractic Session? There are simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of side effects. At the very least, you’ll be able to limit their intensity and duration if you do experience them. Following these tips will not only help reduce the side effects, but will also maximize the benefits of your treatment. Drink lots of water It is always important to stay hydrated. Replenishing your body’s fluids and flushing out any released toxins is especially important after chiropractic treatments. Prioritise drinking plenty of water on your appointment days. Get your rest Chiropractic care is based on making adjustments so your body can heal itself. Healing requires rest. Your body has been moved and adjusted in ways it may not be used to, and you may feel sore afterwards as a result. Give your body time to rest and recover from the unfamiliar movement and any resulting tenderness. Eat healthy Good nutrition is key to fueling ourselves and feeling well at any time. It can also help limit some of the side effects mentioned above. Avoid eating processed foods and choose more nutritious selections. Fruits and vegetables are particularly helpful, as they are high in vitamins and electrolytes, can relieve side effects, and help your body recover faster from the exertions of chiropractic treatment. Exercise regularly The more often you move your body, the more energy and flexibility you will have. As a result, chiropractic adjustments will feel more comfortable, as you will be less stiff and sore. Don’t overdo it — stick to what your body can handle. Try moving every day. Even simple movements like stretching or walking can help. Always Communicate With Your Chiropractor Regular, tailored chiropractic treatment can go a long way toward relieving pain related to misalignment in your back, neck and spinal areas. If you do experience one or more side effects, please let your chiropractor know. They can offer advice, treat the side effects, or provide you with coping strategies ahead of time. For example, they may suggest the best times to eat your pre-appointment meals or how much hydration you need on the day of your appointment. Most side effects are rare, minor and temporary — especially compared to the conditions and symptoms you’re seeking treatment for in the first place. They usually go away quite quickly, with just a little rest. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment Book online now