Post Adjustment Advice

The adjustment moves the bone toward normal to improve function, going for a walk immediately after the adjustment helps to keep the joints hold the improved function.

• Walk for at least 10 minutes immediately following your adjustment (before sitting down!) long stride, brisk walk, head up and arms moving!
• Ice painful joints for 15 minutes, let the area return to normal temperature normally – never use heat for back or joint pain – once normal temperature, ice can be applied again the same way.
• Drink plenty of water (2-3 liters) to aid the healing process. Eat lots of veggies. Avoid alcohol – it increases inflammation.
• While keeping mobile is important, avoid rubbing, poking, sudden twists, bending or stretching in the areas your doctor adjusts.
• No running/jogging until you’ve been given the ok by your chiropractor. When bending, use your knees to minimize the strain on your lower back.
• When lifting, keep your back straight; bend your knees and let your legs bear the strain. Hold the object lifted as close to your body as possible.
• Watch your posture at all times; stand tall, sit tall, sleep tall, and THINK tall.
• Sit on a firm chair that will hold your weight comfortably, and sit straight.
• Cross your legs only at the ankles, not the knees.
• Get plenty of sleep to allow your body to recuperate and repair. Sleep on your side or back with your legs flexed slightly, not drawn up tightly. DO NOT sleep on your stomach.
• Sleep on a firm mattress with a pillow that is neither too high nor too low (one that supports your head and neck in line with the rest of your spine).
• Rise from your bed by turning on your side and swinging your legs off the bed, then push yourself into a sitting position with your arms, this minimizes strain on your back.
• Avoid the use of pain killer/anti-inflammatory/muscle relaxant medication if possible (depending upon your case and what you can tolerate), these drugs interfere with your body’s natural healing processes
• Identify and remove stressors that have caused/contributed to your symptoms
• What you focus on, you will tend to manifest in your life. Therefore, focus on and think about what you want and how to achieve it and not on what you don’t want (pain, illness, etc).

If you have any questions about any phase of your healthcare please ask your chiropractor.