One of the most important things to keep in mind during a chiropractic adjustment is staying relaxed. However, if you haven’t had a chiropractic adjustment, or tend to be anxious you might appreciate some tips for relaxing during a chiropractic adjustment.
Why Should I Be Relaxed?
You may be wondering, why should I be relaxed for a chiropractic adjustment? A chiropractic adjustment is designed to realign your spine to help assist the health of your musculoskeletal system. If you aren’t relaxed during your adjustment it may be more difficult for your chiropractor to properly align your spine. Relaxing will help prevent a patient from tensing their muscles and achieve a better and more comfortable adjustment. Someone who’s tensing their muscles may feel more discomfort during an adjustment than a person whose muscles are relaxed. By being relaxed you’ll get the most out of your chiropractic adjustment.
Tips For Relaxing During Chiropractic Adjustment
Staying relaxed is important for getting the most out of your chiropractic adjustment as well as minimizing discomfort. One major thing you can do to stay relaxed is focus on your breathing. Regulating your breathing to a slow, steady rate will help you stay relaxed. It will also allow the greatest possible movement from your joints, which will help the adjustment progress smoothly. Try to avoid tensing up your muscles. If you do tense up or resist it can adversely affect your adjustment and may give you discomfort. Try to stay still so your chiropractor can position you in the best way for your chiropractic adjustment. Further, many patients find that they are more relaxed by avoiding highly caffeinated beverages prior to their appointments. Patients should try to hydrate before and after their appointments to help their bodies adjust.
Do Adjustments Hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments shouldn’t hurt. However, if a patient involuntarily stiffens to tense their muscles there could be discomfort that isn’t typical. Recent trauma can also make a chiropractic adjustment less comfortable. Things like whiplash from car accidents can change how an adjustment feels. If you do or don’t hear pops or cracks during your adjustment that is completely normal. Not hearing pops doesn’t mean the adjustment isn’t working. After an adjustment, much like after a workout, you may feel sore, or tired. You will be moving differently after your alignment and your body, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons, have to adjust to moving properly. The soreness will go away after a while.
Summary
Staying relaxed during a chiropractic adjustment can help prevent discomfort and help your chiropractor properly perform your alignment. Keep in mind that adjustments typically don’t hurt, they actually can relieve pain. If you come to the chiropractor in a lot of pain, various other adjustive techniques may be used to avoid causing more pain during the adjustment until you are ready and comfortable to be adjusted by hand. Focusing on your breathing and avoiding tensing your muscles can help you stay relaxed. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine prior to your appointments.
If you’d like to set up an appointment for a chiropractic adjustment or would like more advice visit us at one of our offices, in Erie or in Longmont. The Chiropractic Center of Erie and Chiropractic Center of Longmont treat the body holistically with our award-winning treatment process to help your body achieve and maintain optimal performance. We specialize in treating patients suffering from back pain and have helped several patients find relief without the need for surgery. If you’d like to learn more about chiropractic care in Longmont or Erie or have questions about what to expect during your first chiropractor visit in Erie or Longmont, call our offices today at 303-828-3000 or 303-772-1950!
