If This Was Your First Chiropractic Adjustment
Drink plenty of water, avoid activities that reproduce the same pain, and use ice for soreness with a routine of 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off, wrapped in a towel. Your body may be adapting to new movement patterns, so giving it time to stabilize is important.
If You Come In For Periodic Maintenance
If the adjustment feels good and you are not flared up, you can carry on with your day as usual. Still, we recommend avoiding extreme workouts or heavy lifting immediately afterward, so the joints and muscles can settle into their new alignment.
What To Expect After a First-Time Chiropractic Adjustment
One of three things usually happens. You may notice no change right away, you may feel some relief, or you may experience mild soreness that responds to ice. Occasionally, patients also notice improved sleep or easier breathing if spinal tension was contributing to stress in those systems.
When To Contact a Chiropractor Near You
Reach out if your pain increases sharply, if you experience new numbness, weakness, or severe headache, or if you have any concern that makes you feel unsure. It’s better to ask than to wait, since timely follow-up can prevent small issues from becoming larger problems.

