Chiropractic adjustments are historically known to promote an array of health benefits. Short-termly, an adjustment can offer relief against acute pains, stress, injuries, and muscle tension. Long-termly, it can restore sleep patterns, prevent poor postures, and treat chronic pain. Simply, getting an adjustment today may be the best decision you’ll ever make for your health.
However, not all patients enjoy fast responses and long-lasting effects. This is because the treatment comes with a few post-procedure instructions that need to be adhered to. Failure to do so may either delay the effects of an adjustment or shorten its time of action. So, it’s necessary to know what to do after having an adjustment before you even try the procedure out. Here’s an essential guide to use:
Hydrate
Water is like medicine to the body after a chiropractic adjustment. It helps to nourish the recovering discs to keep your spine shock-protected and flexible. Your spine is like a moving machine that needs to be oiled at all times. Luckily, water does the oiling very well and that’s why it’s advisable to take a lot of it.
Minimally, you should do 8 glasses a day. Of course, you are expected to hydrate more if you weigh more. Ordinarily, the more weight you carry, the more your body needs water to maintain its metabolism. Water also prevents migraines and aids in expelling toxins from the body.
Eat Properly
Several foods need to accompany a chiropractic adjustment. Popular ones include:
- Raw vegetables like broccoli and spinach
- Fruits like berries and lemons
- Black beans
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat
- Sweet potatoes
Likewise, there are those foods you need to cut out completely during the recovery period. They include:
- Excess sugars and added sweeteners
- Highly processed foods (canned options)
- Caffeine drinks
Sit Intermittently
It’s never healthy to sit for too long in the same place. This puts too much pressure on your recovering spine. If you have to sit in the same place, do it intermittently. Meaning; it doesn’t have to be continuous. You can be standing up after every 30 minutes of sitting and try to stretch or move around briefly.
When sitting, maintain the correct posture. It should be a neutral sitting position, where your face is positioned straight and your feet are firmly rested on the floor.
Sleep Well
When sleeping, you mustn’t put too much pressure on your spine as it recovers. You can rest on your back but don’t do it continuously. You should, however, stop sleep on your stomach as this may trigger some other issues.
Preferably, sleep on your sides. It helps to put the spine into its natural resting position. To sleep well, you need a supportive mattress and pillow. If you are not sure, talk to your chiropractor about it to get the best recommendation. There are several good brands out there you can buy.
Stay Mobile
Just because you have had chiropractic adjustment doesn’t mean you should be inactive. You shouldn’t sit, stand or rest in the same position for long. During the day, find an activity that involves mobility to do. For example, you can cycle or walk to work.
If you have a standing desk at the workplace, take advantage of it during the recovery period. If you have to sit behind a standard desk, take some time to step out of it. Additionally, instead of taking the elevator, you can opt for the stairs.
Exercise as Advised
Light exercises are necessary after a chiropractic adjustment. They help to stretch your body and strengthen your muscles to boost their recovery. Light exercises can also improve the coordination of your spine. Some of the routines you can do include:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Swimming
- Biking
- Walking
Overall, you just need to find a light physical workout you enjoy doing and stick to it. This will help you avoid living an inactive lifestyle as it slows downs the effectiveness of a chiropractic adjustment.
Go Light on Yourself
Though it’s good to be mobile and exercise more regularly, you shouldn’t overdo things. Your spine is recovering after an adjustment and thus you shouldn’t put it under physical stress. If you have to lift something, ensure it is lightweight.
In case you have to run, do it slowly. From home to your workplace, you have to go light on yourself throughout the recovery period. If you have to do manual work that you are not sure about, talk to your chiropractor about it.
Listen to Your Body
Your body is like a thermometer – it never lies. When things are not okay inside, your body will show it and you can identify signs like pains, muscle stiffness, and extreme tiredness. Such signs shouldn’t be dispelled easily even after an adjustment.
The best you can do is take note of how you feel to share with your chiropractor on your next visit. You need to pay extra attention to the way you walk, sit, sleep, and move your body. If all is well, also talk about it with your chiropractor.
Go for Checkup
One chiropractic adjustment is never enough to fight a serious health issue or injury. You may need several sessions at specific intervals. The most important thing, however, is to use each adjustment session as a follow-up opportunity for the previous adjustment.
You can also drop by the chiropractor’s office even when you are not scheduled for an adjustment to have the expert check up on your progress. Of course, you have to make an appointment first since chiropractors normally have tight schedules and you wouldn’t want to make the trip in vain.
Be Grateful
Last but not least, you need to show yourself gratitude for every small breakthrough that comes your way. For a start, you shouldn’t stress over the results of your adjustments even if things are not turning the way you want them to.
Instead, you should keep a cool head and appreciate the progress so far. So, a positive attitude is necessary. It’s the fuel that you need to keep going after an adjustment and the reference point for self-motivation when things are not working as projected.
Closing Thought:
Looking for amazing chiropractic care in Murfreesboro, TN? Look no further than Healing Hands Chiropractic. Contact us today to get started!
