Why Breathing Matters During a Chiropractic Adjustment

If you’ve been to a chiropractor, chances are you’ve heard them remind you to “take a deep breath in” and then ask you to let it out before adjusting you. It might seem like a small detail, but your breathing actually plays a role in how effective and comfortable your adjustment is. Not just a mere relaxation cue, proper breathing patterns help your body and nervous system respond to treatment.

When you breathe deeply, you’re doing more than moving air in and out of your lungs. The large muscle which actively engages during breath is called your diaphragm. The diaphragm separates your chest cavity from your abdomen, and is both a voluntarily and involuntarily-controlled muscle. This means you can purposefully contract it to take a deep breath, but you also will continue to contract it when you’re not thinking about it. 

Engaging the diaphragm stimulates the vagus nerve, which promotes relaxation in the parasympathetic nervous system. Your parasympathetic system can be referred to as the “rest and digest” part of your body’s control center. It’s basically the opposite of your “fight or flight” response. In a calm state, your muscles loosen, your heart rate slows, and your body becomes more receptive to physical adjustments.

Comparatively, when you hold your breath—especially if you’re anxious or anticipating a sudden movement—your body shifts into fight-or-flight mode. Muscles tense, your heart rate increases, and your joints stiffen. That stiffness makes it harder for a chiropractor to perform an effective adjustment and can increase your discomfort during the process. Breathing through the adjustment, particularly during the exhale, helps release that tension and allows the body to move more naturally.

Your breath also supports alignment in a mechanical way. During an exhale, your rib cage drops and your spine subtly changes position, giving the chiropractor a moment when your joints are in their most relaxed state. Many chiropractors time their adjustments precisely with this release of tension. Think of it like unlocking a door—breathing out turns the key so the adjustment can happen more smoothly.

Beyond the adjustment itself, breathing helps integrate benefits afterward. Deep, rhythmic breathing enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles and tissues mobilized. This can reduce soreness, improve recovery, and support better posture and body awareness in the hours and days following your visit.

The next time you’re on a chiropractic table and hear “take a deep breath,” know it’s not just a cue—it’s part of the treatment. Breathing is your body’s way of cooperating with the adjustment, helping you release tension, align more effectively, and leave feeling balanced from the inside out.