Your first time visiting a chiropractor can bring up feelings of excitement and anxiety. What will happen at the visit, and will it help? For people experiencing pain or discomfort, relief is a huge goal, and they may be hoping that they will leave an adjustment feeling immediately refreshed. This can be the case, but it is important to know that you may leave your appointment with College Park chiropractors feeling a little bit sore or generally “off” compared to when you went in. This is because of a phenomenon known as toxic release and is actually a great sign that your body is healing!
What Is Toxic Release?
During a chiropractic adjustment, your provider will use their hands and specialized instruments to move your spine, helping it return to alignment. The focus here is on removing misalignments, or subluxations, that are preventing your nervous system from properly communicating with the brain, causing pain and inflammation. Adjustments remove these blockages, allowing for proper blood flow to return as the body begins to heal.
In addition to blood flow returning to normal, toxins that may have been blocked in the subluxation are also released. This may sound concerning, but these toxins are usually in your body, moving through a cycle of being flushed out regularly. A toxic release allows them to continue along this path and be properly flushed out. However, a blockage being released may initially overwhelm your body and cause symptoms of a toxic release.
The symptoms of a chiropractor toxin release do not usually last more than a few days at most- anything lasting a week or longer should be addressed directly by your chiropractor. You may also notice a release happening with each adjustment, though the first is typically the most intense, with the severity declining over time.
Signs of Toxic Release
The largest sign of toxic release is a general soreness that can be compared to the feeling you have after working out a muscle or a deep tissue massage. If you were seeking relief from musculoskeletal issues, this may feel counterintuitive, but it is not a worsening of your original condition. Soreness and weakness will usually resolve quickly and allow you to feel any improvements resulting from your adjustment.
Post-Adjustment Soreness
The most noticeable and common sign of toxic release is a general soreness in the muscles and joints. This discomfort can feel a lot like what you might feel after an intense workout or deep tissue massage. While it may seem counterintuitive, especially if you went to the chiropractor specifically for pain relief, this soreness is not a sign that your original condition is getting worse. Instead, it’s a sign that your body is adjusting to its new alignment, releasing tension, and beginning the healing process. This soreness is usually mild and short-lived, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Gentle movement, hydration, and rest can help alleviate discomfort more quickly.
Other Possible Symptoms of Toxic Release
Each person’s experience with toxic release varies, but some people may also notice additional temporary symptoms of toxic release after chiropractic adjustment, including:
- Mild Fever: A slight increase in body temperature can occur as your immune system works to eliminate toxins. A fever is usually brief and resolves on its own.
- Sweating: As your body detoxifies, you may experience increased perspiration, which is one way your system expels unwanted toxins.
- Fatigue: Your body is working hard to restore balance, which can leave you feeling temporarily drained. Getting plenty of rest and proper nutrition can help combat post-adjustment fatigue.
- Headaches: Spinal adjustments can cause shifts in circulation and nervous system activity, sometimes resulting in mild headaches. Staying hydrated and avoiding excessive screen time can help reduce discomfort.
- Nausea: Some people experience mild nausea after an adjustment, likely due to the body’s detoxification process and realignment of the nervous system. This usually goes away with hydration and light meals.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Adjustments may briefly affect blood flow and nerve signals, leading to mild dizziness. Taking it easy after your session and avoiding sudden movements can help prevent falls or disorientation.
Once these symptoms begin to subside, you should notice you feel more energetic and alert than you did before. You may even feel more relaxed. This is because the toxins have then worked their way through your system, and your body is now operating without these toxins impacting your functionalities.
It is also okay if you do not feel any of these symptoms, and it does not mean your adjustment wasn’t effective. You may not have had a subluxation for long enough to build up toxins, or your body may simply process them differently than others. This doesn’t mean you will never experience a toxic release in the future.
Tips to Deal with Toxic Release Symptoms
While a toxic release is normal and not harmful, you may want to take steps to relieve symptoms as quickly as possible.
Stay Hydrated
Water can help flush toxins out of your body more quickly by pushing them through your bloodstream and to your bladder. This can reduce the amount of time you hold the toxins and, therefore, symptoms.
Drinking as much water as you can, ideally around 8 cups per day, is recommended whether you are visiting a College Park chiropractor or not. But it is especially important to drink extra water before and after your appointment to encourage toxins to be released. Staying hydrated can also improve general spine health and encourage healing.
It can also be helpful to add lemon juice to the water to ensure you get enough minerals during recovery. Lemons contain electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium that can encourage muscle function and health. Electrolytes may also reduce pain and prevent some symptoms of toxic release.
Take a Nap
Resting your body after a chiropractic adjustment is critical. Don’t try to fight symptoms or push through them, but instead allow your body the time to recover. Pushing too much during the toxic release period can cause symptoms to worsen. Even if you cannot take a day off to recover, ensuring your day is not stressful after an adjustment can make a big difference. Avoid physical activity and anything strenuous for at least one day.
Eat Vegetables and Fruit
When your body is busy flushing out toxins, it is important to take in things that are nutritious and clean. Fruits and vegetables offer vitamins and minerals that can reduce pain and boost your energy during this period of toxic release. They also have the benefit of keeping muscles and bones strong to help with healing your original ailment.
Any fruit or vegetable is good for you, but some of the most antioxidant-packed options include cranberries, cherries, raspberries, tomatoes, kale, and spinach. Try to get in at least one serving of these foods per meal.
In addition to eating fruits and vegetables, do your best to avoid processed food or foods with a lot of added sugar, as they may worsen symptoms.
Try Yoga
Even if you feel sore or weak, yoga is a great way to get in some activity without stressing the body more. Moving and stretching can actually make you feel much better. Chiropractors may recommend these poses:
- Cat-Cow Pose. This can release leftover tension and increase blood flow around your spine. To begin, get onto all fours on the floor, keeping your palms and the tops of your feet firm on the ground. Slowly arch your back as high as you can and hold the pose for a few seconds before returning to your original position. Then, curve your stomach toward the ground, hold it for a few seconds, and release it. Repeat a few times.
- Cobra Pose. This pose can reduce fatigue and keep your bones strong, as well as help you breathe better by opening up your lungs. To begin, lie facedown on the floor and lift your arms so they make a 90-degree angle at your sides. Keep your head looking toward the ground, use your arms to slowly lift your chest off the ground, and take a deep breath. Once your chest is lifted as far as you can, slowly exhale. Hold for a few seconds, and then slowly lower your body back toward the ground. Repeat five times.
- Bound Angle Pose. If you are feeling particularly fatigued, this can help by increasing blood circulation and flushing toxins faster. It is also helpful for staying relaxed. You start by sitting on the ground and bringing the bottoms of your feet together so that your legs make a diamond shape. Slightly press your heels together and gently push them down with your hands. Try to move your knees toward the ground and your stomach up. Hold for a few seconds before releasing, then repeat three more times.
Preparing for Your Chiropractic Adjustment
A chiropractic adjustment is a powerful treatment option for restoring balance to your body and alleviating pain, and being well-prepared can help you make the most of this experience. Some people notice side effects of chiropractic adjustment, such as the release of toxins after an adjustment, especially if there has been a blockage in the nervous system that allowed toxins to build up over time. While this detoxification process is natural, there are steps you can take to minimize discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery.
Prioritize Preventative and Routine Care
One of the best ways to make your chiropractic adjustments as seamless as possible is to seek care as soon as you notice any symptoms of misalignment. Waiting too long to address spinal issues can lead to a buildup of tension and toxins, making the adjustment process more intense. Even better, routine chiropractic care can help prevent these issues from developing in the first place, which helps keep your nervous system functioning at its best and ultimately reduces the likelihood of toxin buildup.
How to Prepare on the Day of Your Adjustment
On the day of your appointment, taking a few simple steps can help your body respond more positively to the adjustment:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after your appointment. Hydration supports your body’s natural detoxification processes and helps flush out any toxins that may be released during your adjustment.
- Eat a Light, Nutritious Meal: Avoid heavy, greasy, or sugary foods because they can contribute to inflammation and sluggishness.
- Focus on Relaxing Activities: Reducing stress before your appointment can help your body accept the adjustment more easily. Consider relaxation techniques like meditating, listening to calming music, or enjoying a favorite hobby.
- Move Your Body Gently: While rest is important, complete inactivity can cause stiffness throughout the body. Going for a short walk or doing some light stretching can help loosen your muscles and prepare your body for alignment.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose, flexible clothing will allow your chiropractor to perform adjustments without restriction.
Be Open and Honest with Your Chiropractor
Your chiropractor needs a clear understanding of your symptoms and medical history to provide the most effective care. Be prepared to discuss:
- Any areas of pain or discomfort
- Previous injuries or medical conditions
- Your daily habits, including posture and physical activity
- Any concerns you have about the adjustment process
By having a conversation about these things with your chiropractor, you help them tailor your treatment to your specific needs so that adjustments are both safe and effective. You can also talk to your chiropractor about toxic release after your sessions instead of searching “chiro adjustment and now my whole body aches” so they can explain how this impacts your specific body and health.
Maximizing the Benefits of Your Adjustment
For your chiropractic treatment to be most effective, it’s important to be as relaxed as possible during the adjustment. The more you allow your body to accept the spinal correction, the better the results will be. If you are tense or resistant, the adjustment may not be as effective, and you may experience more post-adjustment discomfort. While some degree of detoxification is natural after an adjustment, routine care and proper preparation can minimize any unpleasant symptoms.
At AICA College Park, our experienced chiropractors will guide you through every step of your treatment. From understanding what to expect during your adjustment to learning how to manage any detox symptoms afterward, we are committed to ensuring you receive the highest level of care and relief. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of chiropractic care, contact us today to schedule an appointment!