Bloating and abdominal pain after adjustment

by Kristin
(Maryland)


Went to a chiropractor for the very first time on Friday afternoon. I felt great afterward until right before midnight that night. I had pain in my upper abdomen and nausea. After a while it went away but the abdominal pain keeps coming back; I have noticed it's worse when I am lying down.


It is now two days later and I am still having abdominal pain. I have also had some pain in my breast bone area and have to frequently take deep breaths to feel like I am getting enough oxygen.

Hello Kristin,
My first thought was that the pain in the abdomen was 'incidental'. True, but unrelated to the treatment.

However, if the treatment has affected the joint between the rib and the sternum, then it's not impossible that it has also affected your tum; the diaphragm attaches to the underside of the ribs and can be affected by a heavy adjustment in the middle of the back.

Talk honestly to your chiropractor when you go back for the second consultation. Explain that you've been very uncomfortable. If he takes it seriously then accept that it's part of the discomfort after any treatment. Had your wisdom teeth out?

But if he pooh-poohs your concerns, then I would decline further treatment, pay for the consultation and leave. Vote with your feet and go elsewhere.

Ask him not to give a heavy thrust in the midback, but rather to do an 'anterior thoracic' adjustment; lying on your back; it's much easier on the rib cage.

Our treatment is fairly physical and some discomfort for a day or two after the adjustments is not uncommon. Mostly it's temporary provided the chiropractor takes it seriously and adjusts his technique and power.

Good luck, let me know how you get on.

Dr B

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