A back adjustment can work very well for getting rid of, or at least alleviating, your back pain. The feeling of less tense muscles, smoother back joint movements, and less overall pain after an adjustment is definitely something that you want to maintain. The problem is that your spine may not remain adjusted and aligned, which means the pain might return. The following tips can help prevent this from happening.
Tip #1: Follow your treatment plan
Most chiropractors will provide you with a treatment plan. This may include daily exercises that should be completed to strengthen weak back muscles, or it could be a list of activities to avoid or habits to modify. For example, if your upper back and shoulders were the issue because you have weakened the muscles by always staring down at your phone, your plan may include modifying the habit to hold the phone up to eye level along with some exercises to strengthen those weakened shoulder and back muscles.
Tip #2: Stay hydrated
Your muscles require proper hydration to heal after a back adjustment. Dehydration will just further weaken your back, as well as make you tired. When you are tired and dehydrated, you are more likely to slump down or fall into the old posture habits that caused your back paint in the first place. Dehydrated muscles are also more prone to pain and discomfort, which can force you back into your old posture habits.
Tip #3: Exercise lightly
Most chiropractic adjustments are relatively immediate and have minimal recovery times, which means you can exercise immediately. It's a good idea to go for a walk or jog, paying close attention to posture as you do so. This immediate physical activity while practicing good posture habits immediately after an alignment goes a long way toward strengthening the muscles that were just adjusted.
Tip #4: Change your sleeping habits
Stomach sleeping can make back problems worse. It's best to sleep on your back, which helps maintain a straight back and keeps everything aligned after an adjustment. Failing this, sleep on your side, since this is less likely to cause curves in the spine. You may also want to invest in a better pillow that support your head while conforming to your neck's curve so that your head and spine are better cradled when you are asleep.
For more help with avoiding further back pain after an adjustment, contact a chiropractor in your area.
