That post-adjustment high is amazing, right? But when it's followed by a wave of dizziness, it can be unsettling. Don't worry, this is often a normal part of the healing process as your body recalibrates. Still, you're probably wondering, how long does dizziness last after chiropractic adjustment? We'll break down why you might feel dizzy after a chiropractor visit, what a typical timeline looks like, and simple steps to feel steady again. We'll also cover the signs that mean it's time to give your doctor a call.
You just had a great chiropractic adjustment, and you’re feeling optimistic about your healing journey. But as you get up from the table, you suddenly feel a bit woozy or lightheaded. It’s an unsettling feeling, and it’s natural to wonder if something is wrong. The good news is that feeling a little dizzy after an adjustment is a common and typically temporary experience. It’s not usually a sign of a problem; instead, it’s an indication that your body is responding to the positive changes that were just made.
Think of it this way: your body has likely been accustomed to a certain alignment for a long time, even if it was causing pain or dysfunction. A chiropractic adjustment introduces new information to your nervous system, correcting the alignment and restoring proper communication between your brain and body. This recalibration process can sometimes manifest as temporary dizziness or lightheadedness as your system adapts to its new, healthier state. For many new patients, understanding these responses is the first step toward embracing the healing process.
If you're feeling a little unsteady, you're in good company. It's quite common to experience mild side effects after an adjustment, with research showing that about half of patients report some kind of minor, temporary reaction. This is your body's natural response as it adapts to positive structural changes. Dizziness, in particular, is often a short-lived sensation that fades within a few hours, and most side effects resolve completely within 24 to 48 hours. While this is a normal part of the healing process for many of the conditions we help, it's important to listen to your body. If the dizziness lasts longer than a day, gets worse, or is paired with other symptoms like weakness, please give our office a call. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Your body is incredibly adaptive. When your spine is misaligned, your muscles, nerves, and even your brain adjust to compensate. An adjustment corrects that underlying misalignment, but your body needs a moment to catch up. This feeling of dizziness often happens after neck adjustments because your body’s balance system, which includes your inner ear and nervous system, needs to get used to the new, correct alignment. It’s like your internal GPS is rebooting with updated coordinates. Your body is simply processing the shift from a dysfunctional position to a healthier one, and that recalibration can take a little time.
The alignment of your upper neck plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow to your head. When vertebrae are out of place, they can affect the surrounding blood vessels. A chiropractic adjustment helps restore proper alignment, which can temporarily change the dynamics of how blood flows to your brain. This brief fluctuation can make you feel lightheaded for a few moments, but it’s typically short-lived. This response highlights just how interconnected your spinal health is with your overall circulatory and neurological function, which is why precise care can help with so many different conditions we see in our office.
Your sense of balance is managed by a complex system, with your inner ear (the vestibular system) acting as a primary control center. The nerves in your upper neck are in constant communication with the parts of your brain that interpret signals from your inner ear. A chiropractic adjustment can stimulate these nerve pathways, briefly disrupting the signals your brain is used to receiving. This can temporarily upset your inner ear system, which controls your equilibrium. The resulting dizziness is simply a sign that your nervous system is processing new information and re-establishing clearer communication lines.
If you’ve ever felt a head rush after standing up too quickly, you have a good idea of what can happen after an adjustment. Chronic spinal misalignments cause your muscles and ligaments to hold a great deal of tension. When an adjustment is performed, that stored tension is released. This release can trigger a rush of new sensory information to your brain and a change in muscle tone, leading to a temporary feeling of dizziness. It’s a positive sign that your body is letting go of old, restrictive patterns and beginning the process of healing and reorganization.
You might also hear the term “toxic release” used to describe what happens after an adjustment. While it sounds a bit dramatic, the concept is straightforward. When your spine is properly aligned, your body can function more efficiently, which includes its natural detoxification processes. As your muscles and tissues let go of long-held tension, metabolic waste products that were trapped can be released into your bloodstream to be filtered out. This process is a sign that your body is cleaning house and starting to heal on a deeper level. It’s a fundamental part of the comprehensive care we provide, using advanced methods to help your body restore its natural state of balance.
Feeling a little off-balance after a chiropractic adjustment can be surprising, but it’s often a normal part of the healing process. Your body is adapting to a new, healthier alignment, and that can come with some temporary sensations. However, if that dizzy feeling sticks around for a week, it’s understandable to feel concerned. It’s important to know what’s typical and what might signal that you should check in with your chiropractor. Let’s walk through a realistic recovery timeline and what to look out for.
Most of the time, any dizziness you feel after an adjustment is mild and short-lived. Think hours, not days. It’s your body’s way of responding to the positive changes made to your nervous system. For many people, this sensation fades within 24 hours as their body settles into its new alignment. This is a sign that your body is recalibrating. If you’re a new patient, these initial responses can feel unfamiliar, but they are typically a brief stop on the road to feeling better. Just remember to take it easy, stay hydrated, and give your body the rest it needs to integrate the changes.
To help you feel confident in your body's healing process, here’s a simple guide for the first 48 hours after your adjustment. Feeling dizzy after a chiropractic adjustment is common and usually temporary, so the best thing you can do is support your body as it adapts. Focus on staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and moving slowly and deliberately. It’s also a good idea to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting during this time. These simple steps give your body the resources it needs to settle into its new, healthier alignment without extra stress. While this lightheadedness often fades within 24 hours, it's important to listen to your body. If the dizziness lasts longer, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness or weakness, please contact your chiropractor. This isn't a reason to panic, but open communication helps us ensure your healing journey is safe and effective.
While a little lightheadedness is common, persistent dizziness is not. If your dizziness lasts for more than 24 hours, gets progressively worse, or is severe from the start, it’s time to pay attention. Your body’s signals are important, and these symptoms are its way of telling you that something else might be going on. Don’t try to tough it out or dismiss it as a normal part of the process. Trust your instincts—if it feels wrong, it’s always best to be cautious. The safest step is to contact your chiropractor and let them know exactly what you’re experiencing so they can provide the right guidance.
You might hear people talk about feeling "weird" or experiencing a "toxic release" after an adjustment. While it’s true that you might feel different as your body heals, it’s helpful to understand what’s really happening. These sensations are typically your nervous system responding to the adjustment and beginning the healing process. Our gentle and precise chiropractic techniques are designed to help your body function better, and this recalibration can create temporary symptoms. However, it’s a myth that you should simply ignore prolonged or intense dizziness. A healthy healing response shouldn't leave you feeling unwell for days on end.
While mild, temporary dizziness can be a normal part of your body’s adjustment process, it’s important to listen to what your body is telling you. Certain symptoms are not typical and shouldn't be ignored. Knowing how to spot these red flags can help you take the right steps to ensure your health and safety. Think of it as being an informed partner in your own wellness journey. If something feels off after your adjustment, paying close attention to the specifics can make all the difference. The goal is never to cause alarm, but to empower you with the knowledge to act confidently if your symptoms point to something more serious.
A little lightheadedness that fades within a day or so is one thing, but dizziness that sticks around or intensifies is a clear signal to get it checked out. If you find that your dizziness lasts for more than a few days or seems to be getting worse instead of better, it’s time to seek medical attention. This persistence could indicate that there’s an underlying issue that your body isn't resolving on its own. Trust your intuition—you know your body best. If your recovery feels like it's moving backward, don't hesitate to request an appointment to have it properly assessed.
Dizziness accompanied by certain neurological symptoms requires immediate attention. Be on the lookout for numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or a sudden weakness on one side of your body. These are not typical post-adjustment symptoms and could signal a serious medical event, like a stroke. If you experience any of these, you should seek emergency medical help right away. Your nervous system is your body's command center, and our specialized techniques are designed to support it, so any signs of major disruption should be taken very seriously.
It's crucial to know the difference between a normal healing response and a true medical emergency. If your dizziness is paired with a sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had before, vision changes, confusion, or difficulty walking, it's time to seek immediate medical help. You should also pay close attention to any numbness or weakness, especially if it's only on one side of your body, or if you have trouble speaking or swallowing. These are not typical post-adjustment side effects and could be signs of a serious health condition, such as a stroke. Your safety is the absolute top priority, and in these situations, heading to the emergency room is the right call. Please don't wait or second-guess these types of symptoms; acting quickly is essential for your well-being.
It’s important to distinguish between general dizziness and vertigo. Vertigo is a distinct spinning sensation—the feeling that you or the room around you is moving when there is no actual movement. If you’re experiencing severe and constant vertigo that doesn’t let up for more than a day, it’s a significant warning sign. Similarly, persistent problems with your balance that make it difficult to stand or walk are a cause for concern. While extremely rare, these symptoms can be associated with more serious issues, so it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider.
It’s important to address a concern that many people have when considering neck adjustments: the risk of stroke. While dizziness is a common and temporary side effect, it's crucial to know that in extremely rare cases, a neck adjustment could potentially injure an artery in your neck, which may lead to a stroke. This is an incredibly uncommon event, but your safety is always the top priority. This is why the specific technique used by your chiropractor matters so much. At Lazar Spinal Care, we utilize gentle and precise methods like Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3), which avoids the forceful twisting or popping often associated with traditional chiropractic, ensuring your adjustment is both effective and exceptionally safe.
Chiropractic care is a safe and effective option for millions of people, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Certain pre-existing conditions require a cautious approach, and in some cases, adjustments may not be recommended at all. Individuals with severe osteoporosis, spinal cancer, a known high risk of stroke, or those who have recently undergone spinal surgery should not receive traditional adjustments. This is because these conditions can make the spine more vulnerable. This is precisely why a thorough initial examination is so critical. Before any care begins, a comprehensive assessment, including advanced diagnostics, must be performed to ensure you are a good candidate for treatment. Our process for new patients is designed to do just that—we identify the root cause of your issue and determine with certainty if our approach is the right one to help you heal safely.
Feeling a bit unsteady after a chiropractic adjustment can be surprising, but it’s usually a temporary part of your body’s healing process. As your spine and nervous system adapt to their new, healthier alignment, a little dizziness can occur. The good news is that you can take simple, proactive steps to manage this feeling and support your body’s recovery. Think of it as giving yourself the space to adjust to a positive change. By being mindful of your movements and giving your body what it needs, you can ease through this phase comfortably.
Sometimes the most effective solutions are the simplest. Staying well-hydrated is at the top of the list for managing post-adjustment dizziness. Drinking plenty of water helps improve blood flow and circulation, which can ease feelings of lightheadedness and support your body’s natural healing. If you start to feel dizzy, the best thing you can do is listen to your body and rest. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down until the feeling passes. Don’t try to push through it. This downtime gives your nervous system a chance to integrate the changes from your adjustment without any extra stress. As a new patient, you'll always receive clear guidance on how to care for yourself after a visit.
After an adjustment, your body is learning to hold a new, correct alignment. To support this, it’s important to move with intention. Avoid any sudden, jerky movements that could disrupt the process. For the first 48 hours, try to bend slowly and gently, and avoid lifting anything heavy—a good rule of thumb is nothing over 10 pounds. When you turn, move your whole body instead of just twisting your neck or back. These mindful movements help stabilize the adjustments made during your session and prevent any irritation that could lead to dizziness. Our goal is to use precise and gentle techniques, and your careful movements at home are a key part of that partnership.
Have you ever stood up too fast and felt a head rush? That feeling can be more pronounced after a chiropractic adjustment as your body recalibrates. Dizziness often gets worse when you change positions quickly, like going from lying down to standing up. To prevent this, take it slow. When getting out of bed, sit up on the edge for a minute before you stand. When you rise from a chair, do it smoothly instead of jumping up. This gives your blood pressure a moment to stabilize, preventing that lightheaded sensation. This is especially important if you're already seeking help for conditions like vertigo, where positional changes are a known trigger.
While your body is healing, it’s wise to skip a few things. Hold off on strenuous exercise, heavy yard work, or any high-impact activities for a day or two after your visit. Your body needs energy to heal and adapt, so pushing it too hard can be counterproductive. Most importantly, pay attention to your symptoms. While mild, short-lived dizziness is common, you should contact us if it lasts a long time, gets worse, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Your well-being is our top priority, and we want to hear from you if something doesn’t feel right. Never hesitate to call our office or request an appointment if you have questions.
Along with dizziness, it’s not uncommon to feel a bit of muscle soreness or a mild headache after an adjustment. This is a sign that your body is adapting and healing. Think of it like the soreness you feel after a good workout—your muscles are adjusting to a new, healthier position. These sensations are usually temporary and a normal part of the process. The great news is that there are simple, effective things you can do at home to ease any discomfort and help your body integrate the positive changes from your adjustment. Taking these small steps can make a big difference in how you feel as you recover.
If you notice any muscle soreness in the areas that were adjusted, applying an ice pack can provide significant relief. Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and place it on the sore spot for about 10-15 minutes every hour. This helps reduce inflammation and calm the area. For the first 24 hours, it’s also a good idea to avoid any strenuous activities and listen to your body’s need for rest. If a headache develops, give yourself permission to lie down in a quiet, comfortable space. Gentle stretches, like the ones your chiropractor may have shown you, and drinking plenty of water will also support your body’s healing process.
While we always prefer natural solutions first, we understand that severe dizziness can interfere with your daily life. If your dizziness is intense and preventing you from doing normal activities, some over-the-counter options might offer temporary relief. Antihistamines like meclizine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are sometimes used to manage feelings of dizziness or vertigo. However, it's important to approach medication thoughtfully. We recommend discussing any over-the-counter options with your pharmacist or primary care provider first, and always keep us in the loop. Your health is a partnership, and open communication helps us provide you with the best possible care. If you're ever unsure, please contact our office.
If your dizziness feels more like vertigo—that distinct spinning sensation—your diet can play a supportive role in your recovery. Certain nutritional strategies may help reduce the buildup of tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear, which are often a culprit in vertigo. Including potassium-rich foods in your meals is a great place to start. Think about adding things like avocados, bananas, spinach, and sweet potatoes to your plate. Proper nutrition supports your entire system, including your body's ability to maintain balance. We can discuss specific dietary adjustments or herbal supplements that might be right for you and the unique conditions we help with in our clinic.
"Dizzy" can mean a lot of different things, and getting specific about the sensation you're experiencing is the first step toward understanding it. Is the room spinning, or do you just feel a bit off-balance? Paying close attention to what your body is telling you can provide important clues about what’s going on. This information is incredibly helpful for your chiropractor, as it helps them pinpoint the cause and ensure you’re getting the right support. Let's break down the different types of dizziness you might feel after an adjustment.
It’s easy to lump all dizzy feelings together, but there’s a key difference between lightheadedness and vertigo. Lightheadedness is that woozy, weak feeling where you might feel like you’re about to faint. Your head might feel "swimmy" or disconnected from your body. Vertigo, on the other hand, is the distinct sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. It’s an illusion of movement that can be quite disorienting. Pinpointing which one you're feeling helps clarify the source of your discomfort, as they often stem from different causes. Knowing this distinction helps us understand the wide range of conditions we can help with at our clinic.
Does the dizziness hit you when you turn your head a certain way, lie down, or get out of bed? If so, you might be experiencing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This is a common condition where tiny crystals in your inner ear, which help you sense gravity, become dislodged and move into the wrong place. These rogue crystals then send confusing signals to your brain about your head's position, causing that intense but brief spinning feeling. Sometimes, the movements during a chiropractic adjustment can stir up these crystals, triggering a BPPV episode. While it can be startling, it’s a well-understood issue related to your inner ear.
When you think of dizziness, your inner ear is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But your neck plays a surprisingly large role in your sense of balance. The nerves in your upper neck send constant information to your brain about where your head is in space. If there’s a problem with your neck alignment, those signals can get scrambled, creating a mismatch with what your eyes and inner ear are reporting. This conflict can leave you feeling unsteady and disoriented. Understanding these neck-related causes is key to finding the right solution.
Cervicogenic dizziness is a specific type that originates from an issue in your neck. Your body is incredibly adaptive, and when your spine is misaligned, your muscles and nerves adjust to compensate. An adjustment corrects that underlying misalignment, but your body’s balance system needs a moment to catch up to the new, correct alignment. The faulty nerve signals from your neck joints can create a sensory mismatch, leading to a feeling of unsteadiness or lightheadedness. Our precise chiropractic techniques focus on restoring proper alignment and function to the upper neck, which can help resolve these conflicting signals and ease cervicogenic dizziness.
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) is a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the back of the brain through the arteries that run along your neck. This can cause symptoms like dizziness, vision problems, and difficulty speaking. It’s important to know that this is an extremely rare condition and not a typical cause of post-adjustment dizziness. However, because the symptoms can be serious, it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider. A thorough initial examination helps identify any risk factors, ensuring that the care you receive is both safe and appropriate for your specific health needs.
Sometimes, the spinning sensation of vertigo has nothing to do with your neck alignment and everything to do with your inner ear. One of the most common causes is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear get dislodged and move into the wrong canal. This sends confusing signals to your brain, triggering intense, brief episodes of vertigo with certain head movements. The good news is that this is a mechanical problem that can often be fixed with a simple, non-invasive procedure.
Chiropractors can help people who suffer from vertigo, especially the common BPPV type caused by those tiny inner ear crystals. The Epley Maneuver is a specialized treatment designed to fix this problem. It involves a series of specific, controlled head and body movements that guide the loose crystals out of the sensitive canal and back to a place where they no longer cause trouble. This maneuver is highly effective and can provide immediate relief. It’s one of the many conditions we can help with by addressing the root mechanical cause of the problem, helping you get back on solid ground.
Feeling a little dizzy after an adjustment is often a sign that your body is responding to the change—and that’s a good thing. When your spine is gently guided back into proper alignment, your nervous system starts to function differently. This recalibration process can sometimes manifest as temporary dizziness. Think of it as your body releasing built-up tension and toxins that were stored in your tissues. As your body clears these out, you might feel a bit off for a short while. It’s usually a temporary phase in your healing journey as your body adapts to a healthier alignment. Our specialized techniques are designed to make this process as smooth as possible.
While some mild, short-lived dizziness can be a normal part of your body's healing process, it's important to listen to what your body is telling you. Your peace of mind matters, and you should never hesitate to reach out if something feels off. Knowing when to pick up the phone can help you feel confident and secure in your care plan. Here’s a simple guide on when it’s time to check in with your chiropractor.
A good rule of thumb is the 24-hour mark. Mild dizziness after an adjustment typically fades within a day as your body settles into its new, healthier alignment. If you’re still feeling dizzy or off-balance after that initial 24-hour period, it’s a good idea to give your chiropractor a call. It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong, but checking in allows your provider to understand your body’s unique response. We can offer personalized advice and determine if any follow-up is needed. It's always better to ask than to worry, so please feel free to get in touch with us.
Think of your healing journey as a conversation between your body and your chiropractor. If dizziness lingers for more than a day, a follow-up visit isn't a step backward—it's the next part of that conversation. During a follow-up, we can assess how your body is responding to the initial adjustment and see if a gentle, precise tweak is needed to help it fully integrate the changes. Sometimes, the body needs a little extra support to let go of old patterns and hold its new, healthier alignment. This check-in allows us to ensure your nervous system is adapting correctly and that you're on the right path to lasting relief. Our goal is to use our techniques to support your body’s healing, and a follow-up helps us do just that.
Beyond dizziness that just won’t quit, there are a few other signs that warrant a prompt call. Pay close attention to the intensity and nature of your symptoms. If your dizziness is severe, feels like the room is constantly spinning (vertigo), or gets progressively worse instead of better, let your provider know. You should also watch for any new neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or legs. These are less common responses, and it’s important that our team is aware of them right away to ensure you’re getting the best possible care.
While dizziness is a common focus, it’s not the only mild reaction you might notice as your body adapts. It’s also normal to feel some muscle soreness or stiffness, similar to how you’d feel after trying a new workout. This happens because your muscles are adjusting to your spine’s new, correct alignment. You might also feel a bit tired as your body dedicates energy to the healing process. These responses are typically temporary, usually fading within a day or two. Think of them as positive signs that your body is reorganizing and responding to the care you’ve received. Our gentle chiropractic techniques are designed to work with your body, and these mild sensations are often part of that collaborative healing journey.
When you call, being prepared with a few questions can help you get the clarity you need. Explain exactly what you're feeling, how long it's been happening, and what makes it better or worse. You can ask, "Is this a typical response to the adjustment I received?" or "Are there any specific activities I should avoid?" Based on your feedback, we can guide you on the next steps. Your open communication helps us tailor your care and ensure the gentle techniques we use are working effectively for you. If your symptoms are severe or concerning, we will always guide you toward the most appropriate medical care.
When you’re dealing with something as important as your spinal health, the expertise of your chiropractor matters immensely. Not all chiropractic care is the same, and the right practitioner can make all the difference in your healing journey. Feeling confident in your chiropractor’s qualifications and approach is the foundation of a successful partnership. A highly trained professional understands the body’s intricate responses to adjustments and uses precise methods to support your healing while minimizing side effects. This is why taking the time to find a provider with advanced training and a patient-centered approach is one of the most important steps you can take for your well-being.
It’s a common misconception that chiropractic training is a short program. In reality, Doctors of Chiropractic undergo a rigorous and demanding education, comparable to that of medical doctors. This includes years of undergraduate study followed by a four-year doctoral program filled with courses in anatomy, physiology, neurology, and diagnostics. But the learning doesn’t stop there. Many chiropractors pursue extensive postgraduate training to specialize in specific techniques that offer a higher level of precision and care. This commitment to ongoing education ensures they are equipped to handle complex cases and tailor their approach to each person’s unique needs, moving far beyond a one-size-fits-all model of care.
At Lazar Spinal Care, we focus on highly specialized methods that prioritize gentle and precise adjustments. Our commitment to advanced training is reflected in our techniques, which are designed to get to the root cause of your health concerns without forceful movements. As the only clinic in Ann Arbor offering Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3), we use a measurement-based approach to restore your body’s balance from the top down. This method allows us to make corrections with incredible accuracy, which is key to making the healing process as smooth as possible. Your open communication combined with our precise diagnostics helps us tailor your care, ensuring the gentle techniques we use are working effectively for you and your body’s unique needs.
While post-adjustment dizziness is usually temporary, there are simple, proactive steps you can take to make your experience as smooth as possible. A little preparation before and after your visit can go a long way in helping your body adapt to the positive changes from your care.
Knowing what to expect can make all the difference. Feeling a bit dizzy after a chiropractic adjustment is common and typically not a cause for alarm. It’s often just a sign that your body is responding to the alignment. To set yourself up for a great visit, try to drink plenty of water in the hours leading up to your appointment. Proper hydration supports your body’s functions and can help minimize any lightheadedness.
It’s also a good idea to have a light meal or snack about an hour before you come in. This helps keep your blood sugar stable. Finally, give yourself a few extra minutes to arrive so you can sit and relax, rather than rushing in. Being calm helps your body better receive the adjustment. If you're new to our clinic, getting familiar with what to expect can also ease any nerves you might have about your first new patient visit.
What you do after your adjustment is just as important as what you do before. Your body is working hard to integrate the changes and begin the healing process, so it needs your support. The best thing you can do is drink lots of water to help your system flush out any toxins that were released. Try to avoid stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks for the rest of the day.
Getting plenty of rest is also key. Your body does its best repair work while you sleep, so consider taking it easy for the evening. A gentle walk is fine, but hold off on any strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours. Following these simple guidelines helps your body adapt to the specialized techniques we use and supports lasting results.
Your feedback is an essential part of your care plan. Always feel comfortable sharing your experiences with us. If you’ve felt dizzy after past adjustments, let us know at the beginning of your appointment. We can tailor your session and offer specific advice to help you feel your best. Communication allows us to work together as a team.
If you experience dizziness that lasts for a long time, gets worse, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, please call us right away. We want to know how you’re feeling so we can provide the right support. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and an open dialogue ensures you get the most effective and compassionate care possible. Don't hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions or concerns.
Why do I feel lightheaded after my adjustment? Isn't it supposed to make me feel better? Feeling a little woozy after an adjustment is surprisingly common and is actually a sign that your body is responding to the positive changes we’ve made. For a long time, your body has been used to a certain alignment, even if it wasn't the right one. The adjustment introduces new information to your nervous system, and this feeling is simply your body recalibrating as it adapts to a healthier, more functional state.
How long is it normal for this dizzy feeling to last? Any post-adjustment dizziness should be very brief. Most people find that the sensation fades within a few hours, and it’s almost always gone completely within 24 hours. If you find that the feeling sticks around longer than a day, gets worse instead of better, or feels particularly intense, that’s your cue to give our office a call so we can talk through what you're experiencing.
What are the best things I can do at home to manage the dizziness? The most effective steps are often the simplest. Make sure you drink plenty of water, as hydration is key to helping your body process the changes. If you feel dizzy, listen to your body and sit or lie down until the feeling passes. It’s also helpful to move slowly and deliberately, avoiding any sudden changes in position, like jumping up quickly from a chair.
Are there any serious warning signs I need to look for? While mild, temporary dizziness is typical, you should pay attention to any severe symptoms. If you experience an intense spinning sensation (vertigo) that doesn't stop, or if the dizziness is accompanied by new symptoms like numbness, weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision changes, you should seek immediate medical attention. These are not normal responses to a chiropractic adjustment.
Can I do anything to prevent feeling dizzy at my next appointment? Absolutely. Staying well-hydrated in the hours leading up to your visit is a great first step. It’s also helpful to have a light snack beforehand to keep your blood sugar stable. Most importantly, let us know if you’ve felt dizzy after previous adjustments. Open communication helps us tailor your care and ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.