Question
Hi Dr.,

I went to get an adjustment this morning, and coincidently I had a conversation with the dr. about the risks of injury to the artery due to manipulation. Since I d/n have the symptoms we deemd it fine for them to continue. When I walked out of the office I felt a sharp pain to the base of my head on the right side. About 30 mins later I began feeling sore through the back of my neck which turned into a headache. Now I feel cold spells (not too significant) and I feel very sleepy. I don't know if it's psychological (after having just talked about it) or normal to feel this after an adjustment ( I wanted to get an independent opinion before I talked to my Dr. about this. This was only my 3rd adjustment. Should I be worried or am I paranoid? Thank you for any input.

saskia

Answer
Dear Saskia,

Don't be worried.  It is no uncommon to have these side effects from neck joint manipulation.   Some people seem prone to it.  Sometimes it has to do with the force or technique skills of the practitioner.  For some patients, it is very important to do a little pre-manipulation massage or use heat after manipulation in order to prevent these post treatment symptoms.   If you are tense and resist at all during the manipulation-thrust, then there is greater odds your muscles will get strained, and this will cause soreness.   Just mention to the DC that you had these symptoms and ask if he/she would do a little massaging or heat.   Skilled neck joint manipulation should be comfortable if you are relaxed and the doctor has good (and fast) hands.

'Hope this helps.  

Dr. G