Are there joint manipulation side effects that you need to know about?

Joint manipulation is a technique that chiropractors commonly use during therapy. If you’re seeking chiropractic treatment for the first time, you may find the concept intimidating.

What is joint manipulation anyhow? The simplest explanation is it’s a series of gentle movements applied to your joints along the spine and throughout your body. It often results in audible cracks and pops.

You may be asking yourself, “Is this treatment safe?” The answer is yes. If performed by a certified clinician, joint manipulation can bring pain relief and improved mobility. Now, does it have side effects? That’s what we’re going to talk about here.  

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF JOINT MANIPULATION?

After you have received manual adjustments to your joints, you may experience the following side effects:

• Headaches
• Localized pain or discomfort
• Radiating pain or discomfort
• Stiffness
• Fatigue

You can expect these side effects to happen. That’s because the treatment leads to biomechanical changes in your central nervous system. Your nerves become more sensitive. This renewed sensitivity allows information to travel through your nervous system more quickly. But you don’t need to worry about these side effects—they’re usually gone after 24 hours.

But certain health conditions can make manual joint therapy dangerous. You have to avoid joint manipulation altogether if you have osteoporosis or issues with the arteries in your neck. In the case of osteoporosis, your bones may be too weak to handle the force of manipulation. In the case of neck arteries issues, the manipulation can tear the artery and cause you to have a stroke.

You should also put off joint manipulation therapy if you’ve recently gone through joint or spine surgery. Allow your body to heal first before you go through the manual adjustment.  

IS THERE A WAY YOU CAN AVOID JOINT MANIPULATION SIDE EFFECTS?

Now, how do you avoid experiencing the side effects of joint manipulation? Here are a few measures you need to take.

Make sure you prepare your body for your chiropractic session. Get enough rest before your appointment.

Take it easy after your appointment. You need to let the treatment take effect on your body before you return to your regular routine. If you do experience mild side effects like headaches or pain, allow your body to rest. These side effects are usually gone after a day.

Be honest with your chiropractor. Don’t withhold from them any information that could make the joint manipulation treatment less than ideal.

Drink plenty of water before and after your visit.

Joint manipulation can bring many benefits to your body, as long as you’re cleared to seek this treatment and work with a certified clinician. The relief from pain alone can do so much to your physical and mental well-being.

Joint manipulation is one of the services we offer at Back N’ Line. Schedule your consultation with us today.