Feeling Tired After a Chiropractic Adjustment? Here’s What Your Body Is Telling You

Fatigue after treatment is commonly reported

This is something I hear pretty often in the clinic: “Why am I so tired after my appointment?”

While you might expect to feel an immediate burst of energy, feeling tired after a chiropractic adjustment is actually a very common response. The answer can vary from person to person, but let’s break down some of the most common reasons why your body might be asking for a nap.

1. Breaking Old Patterns

Our brains are great at memorising patterns—whether those patterns are helpful or not. If you’ve been dealing with a chronic issue (anything lasting more than three months), your body has likely adapted to it. So, when we introduce a positive change through treatment, it can feel like a bit of a shock to your system. That shift is a primary reason you might feel tired after a chiropractic adjustment. The good news? This usually settles as your body adapts to the new, healthier pattern.

2. Understanding Why You Are Tired After a Chiropractic Adjustment

Spinal adjustments can have a powerful effect on your nervous system. Most of us live in a constant state of low-grade stress—deadlines, poor sleep, or wrangling kids. This puts us in “fight or flight” mode (sympathetic dominance) more than we realise.

When we adjust the spine, it helps activate the “rest and digest” part of your nervous system—the parasympathetic side.

That shift can leave you feeling deeply relaxed... or just plain tired. It's your body’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s take a breather.” If you find yourself tired after a chiropractic adjustment, it’s often just your parasympathetic system finally taking the wheel to prioritize healing.

3. The Relief "Crash"

Chronic pain is exhausting. It’s a constant drain on your energy and focus. When that pain finally eases up, your body can finally drop its guard. That crash of fatigue is often your system resetting, like a deep exhale you didn’t know you needed.

So what should you do about it?

The key thing to remember is that being tired after a chiropractic adjustment is usually a sign that your body is adjusting in the right direction. It won’t last forever.

Stick with the process, give yourself some grace, and stay focused on the long game. Your system is learning a new, better way to function—and that’s something worth being patient for.

More info for Dr. Thomas Jarka, DC