Chiropractic
How to Sleep After a Chiropractic Adjustment
Dr. Peter HinzMarch 1, 2022

What are Some Sleep Tips That Help with Chiropractic Health?
After an adjustment from a professional chiropractor, strive to get plenty of rest that night and the following night as well. A minimum of eight to ten hours is recommended each night. Before bed, ensure you've consumed plenty of water to help flush out toxins released during the adjustment. Sleep in a comfortable position that doesn't strain your back or spine.
The Negative Effects of Sleeping on Your Stomach Post Chiropractic Adjustment
Your spinal curves are designed to absorb shock and protect your body. Pay close attention to these natural curves to prevent and reduce back pain. "Sleeping on your back allows for a much more natural spinal position."
Why Should I Stop Sleeping on My Stomach?
When you sleep on your stomach, you increase the risk of developing neck, back, and shoulder pain. This unnatural position requires turning your neck to one side and slightly arching your back. It's far safer to sleep on your back with your head slightly propped up rather than lying completely flat.
The Benefits of Side Sleeping
Many people experience pain when sleeping on their back, especially with too many pillows. "Sleeping on your side with the proper pillow supporting your neck and head can be a much more comfortable position." When you experience a pain-free night, you'll wake feeling more energized and refreshed.
Why You Should Minimize Pillow Use in Bed
While extra pillows might seem comfortable, too many can place your body in an uncomfortable position for your spine and neck. When you sleep with one pillow or none at all, your back can extend fully and promote good blood flow to your brain. If you need a pillow, choose a firm one that supports your neck muscles without allowing you to sink too deep.
Reasons to Try Back Sleeping
Though most people have a preferred sleep position, back sleeping offers significant benefits. "Back sleeping evenly distributes your body weight, preventing any kind of buildup of pressure in the body." You'll experience fewer neck aches and less back pain.
Steps to Take after a Chiropractic Adjustment
When you have an adjustment, your spine releases toxins into your body. It's crucial to flush these out effectively to eliminate potential side effects like headache, nausea, or fatigue. Start drinking plenty of water immediately after your adjustment and rest as much as possible for the next day or two. Sleep in a position that supports your body and maintains proper spinal alignment. Some people experience severe symptoms resembling the flu, but you'll feel better quickly. As you continue routine adjustments, symptoms become less prevalent.
The Benefits of Water Consumption after a Chiropractic Adjustment
During a chiropractic adjustment, numerous toxins stored in your spine for months or years are released into your system. To reduce side effects from this toxic release, drink plenty of water for 24 to 48 hours following your appointment. This helps flush toxins from your body.
Drinking Water to Flush Toxins Out of Your Body after an Adjustment
Toxins accumulate in our bodies throughout our lifetime from food, environment, and chemical exposure. While healthy living reduces toxic overload, it's difficult to prevent completely.
During a routine chiropractic adjustment, manipulating bones and spine causes toxins to release into the bloodstream. You may feel tired or nauseous for about 24 to 48 hours, and headaches are common. "Drink plenty of water to flush toxins out of your body post adjustment." Also set aside enough time to rest so you recover quickly.
The Importance of Body Posture for Chiropractic Health
Good posture prevents backache, neck pain, and headaches while allowing your body to use less energy for daily tasks. Regular chiropractic adjustments combined with good posture help protect your joints and prevent arthritis. You'll also look better when standing or sitting straight.
Taking Time to Rest after a Chiropractic Adjustment
It's recommended that you get eight to ten hours of sleep the night of your adjustment. Ensuring comfortable positioning without strain takes pressure off your nervous system and spine, allowing better alignment. This can make future adjustments more effective and beneficial.
What You Can Expect after an Adjustment from a Chiropractor
During your first chiropractic adjustment, you may experience mild cold or flu-like symptoms as your body releases built-up toxins. Symptoms range from slight headaches to fever. Your chances of experiencing this again decrease with more adjustments and improved alignment. Rest if you feel tired and drink plenty of water.
Soreness after a Chiropractic Adjustment
Post-adjustment symptoms vary by person, ranging from euphoria to soreness and aches in the spine or joints. What you experience depends on the procedure performed and how many toxins were stored in your spine.
How Does Illness Affect a Chiropractic Adjustment?
If you're not feeling well, you can still have your alignment performed if you take precautions against spreading illness and check with your doctor first. A chiropractic adjustment can actually boost your immune system, helping you feel better faster.
How Do Adjustments Affect Your Digestive System?
Chiropractic adjustments improve gastrointestinal health by reducing pressure on the spine and compressed nerves. This allows nerves to communicate effectively with your body and increases blood flow to your stomach, intestines, tissues, and related cells. Since much of our immune system is in the gut, adjustments provide significant gastrointestinal benefits.
What are the Best Positions to Sleep In?
Your body works hard to repair itself during sleep, but your position can prevent this from happening fully. "The best position to sleep in is anything that supports the natural curve of the spine." Avoid stomach sleeping and choose back or side positions with minimal pillow support.
Questions
Is Rest Beneficial after a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Rest after your adjustment is always beneficial, especially for your first appointment or if you're prone to unpleasant side effects. Your body may need 24 to 48 hours to feel normal before resuming activities like exercising. Listen to your body after an adjustment and notify your chiropractor if severe side effects persist beyond a day or two.
How Long Should You Recuperate after an Adjustment?
After an adjustment, assess how your body feels before returning to normal activities. The first 48 hours may involve soreness, headaches, or symptoms from toxic release. If you're not feeling like yourself, take plenty of time to rest, recuperate, and hydrate.
Your chiropractor will provide a personalized care plan including routine adjustments. The recommended timeframe depends on your personal needs, but avoid going longer than three weeks between appointments.
How Long Does Toxic Release Last after an Adjustment?
Toxic release typically lasts 24 to 48 hours. You can reduce these symptoms by drinking enough water and getting adequate rest. Symptom severity decreases with each adjustment.
What Kind of Toxins are Released by the Body after a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Toxins come from pollution, food, household chemicals, and countless other sources. While our bodies expel some toxins through proper self-care, others store in the body. During a chiropractic adjustment, stored toxins release into the bloodstream. Eventually they're removed, though you may feel unwell for a couple of days.
Sleep Position Recommendations from Professional Chiropractors
During your next appointment, ask your chiropractor about optimal sleep positions. You'll likely hear that "sleeping on your stomach isn't ideal." Sleeping on your back or side are better options, using minimal pillows so your spine stays as straight and supported as possible throughout the night.
What is the Worst Sleeping Position for Lower Back Pain?
Stomach sleeping is the worst position. It prevents your spine from maintaining a straight, comfortable position and causes it to bend unnaturally. If you regularly sleep on your stomach, try switching to your back for more restful sleep.
What Sleep Position Can Hurt Your Back?
Experts indicate that "sleeping on your stomach is one of the worst positions when it comes to back health." Your spine isn't comfortable in this position, and extended arching can cause serious damage by placing excess pressure on your spine.