One question we sometimes hear from new patients is, “Why do I sometimes feel worse before I feel better after an adjustment?” The answer often lies in what we call toxic release—a completely natural and temporary process that occurs as your body begins to heal and rebalance. Let’s explore what toxins are released during a chiropractic adjustment and why the symptoms of toxic release, while sometimes unpleasant, are a strong sign that your treatment is working as it should.
What Toxins Are Released by the Body After a Chiropractic Adjustment?
During a chiropractic adjustment, the body can release built-up toxins stored in the muscles and joints. These toxins—byproducts of stress, inflammation, and poor posture—accumulate when the spine is misaligned and movement is restricted. When an adjustment restores proper alignment and mobility, it can trigger a detox response, allowing the body to flush out these stored substances.
Here are some examples of what might be released during or after an adjustment:
Lactic acid: Often builds up in muscles during prolonged tension or poor posture and can contribute to soreness and stiffness.
Cytokines: Inflammatory molecules that may be elevated in chronically tight or inflamed tissues.
Stress hormones: Includes cortisol or adrenaline, which can remain elevated due to chronic stress and affect everything from muscle tone to immune function.
Interstitial fluid waste: Cellular debris and metabolic byproducts that can accumulate in tight or poorly circulated areas.
Carbon dioxide: Can be released from tissues where circulation improves after adjustments.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Toxic Release?
When your spine is adjusted, it doesn’t just affect your joints and muscles. Chiropractic care also impacts your nervous system, circulation, and lymphatic flow. As your body realigns, it may start to flush out stored toxins, leading to what some patients describe as flu-like symptoms after a chiropractic adjustment.
Common symptoms of toxic release after a chiropractic adjustment include:
Mild headaches
Fatigue or drowsiness
Muscle soreness or stiffness
Increased sweating
Digestive changes, including occasional diarrhea
Mild feverish feelings or chills
These reactions can feel a bit surprising, especially if you weren’t expecting them. But the truth about toxic release is that these symptoms are a sign that your body is adjusting, detoxing, and beginning to heal.
Why Does Toxic Release Happen?
Over time, our bodies can accumulate toxins due to stress, poor posture, lack of movement, or even environmental exposures. When you receive a chiropractic adjustment, your nervous system is stimulated, circulation improves, and your body’s natural detox pathways get a boost. This is why you might experience temporary flu-like symptoms after a chiropractic adjustment or notice changes in your digestion, such as diarrhea.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms are typically short-lived, usually lasting anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Most patients report feeling refreshed, lighter, and more balanced once this brief period passes.
How to Support Your Body During a Toxic Release
If you experience symptoms of toxic release after a chiropractic adjustment, be gentle with yourself. Drink plenty of water, get some extra rest, and avoid pushing yourself too hard physically. Supporting your body through hydration, healthy eating, and light movement can help ease the process and speed up recovery.
Ready to Experience the Benefits of Chiropractic Care?
At Healthy Life Chiropractic, we’ve been helping patients achieve better health and balance for 25 years. If you’re curious about chiropractic care or have questions about what to expect—including how to handle symptoms of toxic release—we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and let us help you feel your best!