Chiropractor Questions Chiropractor

Can I exercise after a back adjustment?

I'm a little sore after my adjustment. Can I exercise the same day or should I wait for the soreness to stop?

7 Answers

Would most likely be best to wait for the soreness to subside.
You can exercise. But I wouldn’t recommend heavy duty .
In general, it's usually safe to exercise after a chiropractic back adjustment. However, it's important to listen to your body and avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

Wait a few hours before exercising: It's usually a good idea to wait at least a few hours after a chiropractic adjustment before engaging in any strenuous exercise or activities.

Start with light exercise: Begin with light exercise, such as stretching or walking, to help your body adjust to the changes made during the adjustment.

Avoid high-impact activities: Avoid high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, for the first day or two after your adjustment, as these can put stress on your spine.

Follow your chiropractor's recommendations: Your chiropractor may recommend specific exercises or stretches to do after your adjustment. It's important to follow their recommendations to ensure the best possible results.

Communicate with your chiropractor: If you experience pain or discomfort during or after exercising, be sure to let your chiropractor know. They may need to adjust your treatment plan or suggest modifications to your exercise routine.

Remember, everyone is different, and what is safe and appropriate for one person may not be the same for another. It's important to consult with your chiropractor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns.
Yes you can, but I would recommend listening to your body and do not do anything new to you or with high intensity if you are not used to it.
I like to tell my patients to wait until the next day to exercise so the adjustment stays in place. There is no specific rule about it though.
Usually wait 20-30 min post adjustment before working out.

Dr Adam Hutton, DC, DAAMLP
Biomechanical Spine Specialist
Soreness after a chiropractic adjustment is not uncommon--especially if it has been a long time since your last adjustment, or after your first adjustment. Your chiropractor would hopefully know your situation better than I do, so it would be best to ask your chiropractor. Most of the time, it is okay to exercise after an adjustment, and usually encouraged to strengthen the core muscles that stabilize your spine.