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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is neck pain after manual adjustment for headaches normal?

    Related Topics
    Back & Neck Pain Migraines & Headaches Neurology
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  • 1

    Agree

    Dr Aaron Albrecht

    Chiropractor

    Dr. Aaron Albrecht works at Body Wise Chiropractic in Bibra Lake, Western Australia. The clinic is located within a gym, and Dr. Albrecht is the … View Profile

    Hi,
    While unpleasant, some post treatment tenderness can occur in as many as 1/3 people. This is usually short lived (may last a little over 24 hours) and spontaneously resolves. If you have never been adjusted before, this is more common as the joints treated may not have moved properly in quite some time. Nonetheless, you should inform your chiropractor of this at your next visit, it is likely that they will ask further questions regarding the type and location of pain etc. so try to remember as much detail as possible or write it down. Finally, while this is common in people who have not been adjusted before (or for a long time) there are many individuals in whom the occurence reduces with future adjustments. Hope this helped.

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    Jason Bradley

    Physiotherapist

    Hands on and exercise-based treatment that is personalised and focused on long term results delivered in private well-appointed treatment rooms. We strive to provide you … View Profile

    Great answer Dr Aaron,

    I agree its often normal after a treatment to have some slight soreness especially if you havent had a similar treatment recently much like if you do an exercise or workout you aren't used to.

    To help with some of the sorness i usually recomend to patients using a wheat bag or a nice warm shower to help relax the muscles and reduce soreness.

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    Dr Adam Arnold

    Chiropractor

    Dr. Adam Arnold received his chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City MO in 1995. Dr. Arnold has been practising as a chiropractor … View Profile

    I would add to the 2 commments above that some light stretching might be needed, your chiropractor should be able to assist you with some advice.  Feel comfortable in letting them know about the soreness, they won't be offended.

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  • Dr Michael Black

    Chiropractor

    Located in Armadale and Doncaster, Dr Michael Black has an interest in childrens' health and pregnancy. He is passionate aout sharing the benefits of chiropractic … View Profile

    I agree with all these answers. You must always inform your health practitioner of any discomfort or soreness. They have a range of techniques they can use and may easily find another way of working that does not produce the discomfort. Many of my patients remind me not to use a technique that may have caused some soreness a while back and I appreciate their frankness and honesty.

    Dr Arnold reminds us that light stretching may be needed and this is an important point. The tighter the muscle groups, the more likely a temporary reaction to any change. It is a simple concept that the body is often resistant to change and needs gentle encouragement to relearn mobility.

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  • Dr Steve Grant

    Osteopath

    OsteopathyMyofascial ReleaseAcupuncture Voice Dialogue facilitator View Profile

    Hi there

    Following most adjustments there will be some degree of tenderness. Another quite common experience is to feel light headed and fatigued. When manual techniques are used following muscle energy and myofascial release there is significant fluid movement in all tissues structures. 

    If the discomfort continues it would be advisable to mention this to the practitioner.

    Steve Grant

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