It’s one of the most common fears people have before their first visit.
And we get it — especially if:
• You’ve already been in pain for a while
• You’ve got something like a disc bulge or sciatica
• Or you’re just nervous about anyone touching your spine
When your body already feels vulnerable, the last thing you want is to make it worse. So let’s break this down clearly.
Where the fear comes from
Most people worry because they don’t fully understand what an adjustment is — or they’ve seen dramatic YouTube videos with loud cracking and fast movements that look intense.
Others may have had a bad experience in the past — or know someone who said it didn’t work for them. And if you’ve tried everything else already, you might be bracing yourself for more disappointment.
The fear is valid. But let’s look at what really happens.
First: A Proper Assessment Comes First
No ethical chiropractor will ever just lie you down and start adjusting.
Before anything is done, you should have a full consultation and physical assessment — including a thorough case history, movement tests, postural checks, and neurological screening if needed.
If anything in your history suggests you’re not a good candidate for care (for example, if you need imaging first or referral to another professional), you shouldn’t be treated — and a good chiropractor will tell you that.
No one should be guessing with your spine.
What an Adjustment Actually Does
A proper chiropractic adjustment isn’t about forcing something that’s already inflamed. In fact, it’s the opposite.
It’s about correcting the parts of your spine that are stuck in a position your body can’t fix on its own — often the deeper, more subtle misalignments your body has been compensating around for years.
These areas aren’t just stiff — they’re interfering with how your whole system works. Including how your muscles fire, how your joints move, and how your nerves communicate with the rest of your body.
But What If I Have a Disc Problem?
We hear this concern a lot.
If you have a disc bulge or herniation, you might be worried that any kind of spinal work will make it worse. But here’s the thing. Chiropractors are trained to work with your body, not against it.
And some techniques — like the Advanced Biostructural Correction™ (ABC) technique one that we use at The Backstory— don’t involve direct adjustment to the injured area at all.
Instead, ABC works by correcting the rest of the body around the problem — helping to take pressure off the injured disc, and allowing your body to function and heal more effectively.
We also use soft tissue techniques, postural support, and structural rebalancing to reduce the strain on your spine without aggravating sensitive areas.
Could I Feel Sore After?
Possibly — but it’s usually mild and temporary.
Some people feel a little achy, tired, or “off” after their first adjustment. That’s normal. Your body’s been holding itself in compensation for a long time, and change can feel strange — like taking off a tight shoe.
But it shouldn’t feel worse. And if it does, your chiropractor should always be available to check in and adjust the plan.
So… Can Chiropractic Make It Worse?
In very rare cases, a poorly chosen or incorrectly applied treatment might aggravate symptoms.
That’s why proper assessment, communication, and technique matter so much.
But when delivered by a trained, regulated professional who’s chosen the right approach for your body — chiropractic care is extremely safe.
And for many people, it’s the turning point toward long-overdue relief.
