When you go to a chiropractor, you may experience something called toxic release or toxic relief. It’s the same effect a physical therapist, acupuncturist, massage therapist, or medical doctor is helping you avoid when they tell you to drink plenty of water after therapy. It sounds scary, but it is a really good thing. This is a sign that the body is working to respond to the spinal adjustment.
What is Toxic Release?
When your spine has a misalignment (or subluxation) toxins build up inside the capsules that surround the joints. During the chiropractic adjustment, the joints are realigned and these toxins are released. Toxic relief is the same effect that some have when visiting a massage therapist. By drinking plenty of water, you are helping flush and detox the body of those toxins.
What symptoms occur with toxic release?
The symptoms of toxic release are very similar to dehydration, because your body is working to get rid of the toxins. With toxic release, your body may experience flu or cold-like symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Tight muscles
- Lack of focus or concentration
Why does this happen?
Think about a spinal misalignment and the nervous system like a traffic accident. The misalignment is the accident and the nervous system is the roadway. If there is an auto accident, it may cause other car accidents or symptoms to occur from the wreck. First responders will be called to help clear the accident, but it takes time for the roadway to become clear and traffic to get back up to speed.
Your nervous system and spine work the same way.
Before the chiropractic adjustment, your nervous system was most likely blocked from performing at optimal levels due to spinal subluxations. The spinal subluxations, or spinal misalignment, interrupt the nervous system and can cause a number of health problems from migraines to constipation. When the block is cleared, the nervous system’s energy flow is working to get back up to its ideal levels.
Remember, the #1 thing you need is water.
Your brain is 80% water and being dehydrated by just 2% can affect your body’s performance. Hydration is key as your body relearns how to perform at its best and is vital to minimizing or eliminating the side effects of toxic release after a chiropractic adjustment.
Chiropractic adjustments may be able to help you if you are experiencing back pain, migraines, headache, digestive issues like constipation, or a wide range of other health issues. Our team at Loehr Chiropractic & Acupuncture can help you create a health plan tailored to your specific health goals. Schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you.
