Chiropractic care is a great way to treat a variety of ailments and injuries. But you might be wondering if it really hurts. The answer is no! At most chiropractors offices, you will lie on a table or sit in a reclining chair while a technician performs a thorough exam. The chiropractor will then use his or her hands and other instruments to manually adjust your spine. This process is known as a chiropractic adjustment or simply an adjustment. Depending on your problem and the type of adjustment used, you might feel a light touch or a deep pressure. If you’re in pain, you might also feel a popping or clicking sensation in your back or neck. After the adjustment, you may feel a warm sensation in the area where the adjustment was performed. You might feel a little bit of soreness and aching in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the spine. This is completely normal and should go away within a few hours.

What does an adjustment feel like?

There are usually five different types of adjustments used in chiropractic care. Each type is designed to treat a specific problem or type of injury. The adjustments are based on the location of your spine and the muscles attached to it. The type of adjustment used will depend on the problem you’re experiencing and the area of your spine that needs attention. Here is a brief overview of each type of adjustment and what it feels like when given by a chiropractor:

How to know if an adjustment hurts

The most important thing to know when receiving an adjustment is that it is completely normal to feel pain. The only way to know if an adjustment is too much is to ask your chiropractor. If you feel any pain, you should tell your chiropractor. If you don’t feel any pain, the adjustment is likely fine. There are a few other things to look for before, during, and after the adjustment to make sure it’s not too much. Before the adjustment: Make sure you are relaxed. If you are stressed out or anxious, the adjustment might not be as effective. During the adjustment: Ask your chiropractor if you can let go and relax. This will make the adjustment much more effective. After the adjustment: Ask your chiropractor if you can stay in the adjustment for a little while longer. This will allow the muscles and soft tissues to relax and be ready for the next adjustment.

Is it safe for pregnant women?

Yes, but only if you have been advised by your obstetrician or chiropractor to receive adjustments. Pregnant women who experience back pain or other musculoskeletal problems should always consult their obstetrician before undergoing any form of spinal manipulation. There is a risk that the chiropractor could accidentally cause a miscarriage or other complications during the adjustment. There is also the risk that the pregnant woman could experience complications from the adjustment. If you experience back pain or other musculoskeletal problems during pregnancy, you should talk to your obstetrician and chiropractor about the best course of action.

Bottom line

Chiropractic care is a great way to treat a variety of ailments and injuries. But you might be wondering if it really hurts. The answer is no! At most chiropractors offices, you will lie on a table or sit in a reclining chair while a technician performs a thorough exam. The chiropractor will then use his or her hands and other instruments to manually adjust your spine. This process is known as a chiropractic adjustment or simply an adjustment. Depending on your problem and the type of adjustment used, you might feel a light touch or a deep pressure. If you’re in pain, you might also feel a popping or clicking sensation in your back or neck. After the adjustment, you may feel a warm sensation in the area where the adjustment was performed. You might feel a little bit of soreness and aching in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the spine. This is completely normal and should go away within a few hours.

Frequently Asked Question

Chiropractic care can help:

  • Improve range of motion and posture

  • Reduce aches and pain naturally

  • Speed up recovery and help damaged tissues heal properly

  • Helps relieve pain for most pregnant people
  • Can help reduce back pain during labor and delivery
  • Can reduce the duration of labor and delivery
  • Helps create a balanced pelvis for optimal baby positioning
  • Considered safe during all stages of pregnancy