How Long Does Chiropractic Treatment Take?

Patients who are starting Chiropractic care often want to know how long it will take before they feel better. Unfortunately there is not a single, simple answer that will be true for everyone.

Many factors can influence how quickly a patient will heal. I have seen some patients experience instant relief after one adjustment, whereas others take weeks to months before they notice a significant improvement. In general most patients tend to notice some relief within the first few Chiropractic adjustments.

Many factors can influence how quickly a patient will heal. I have seen some patients experience instant relief after one adjustment, whereas others take weeks to months before they notice a significant improvement. In general most patients tend to notice some relief within the first few Chiropractic adjustments.

Here are just a few factors that can influence the healing process.

• AGE – younger people tend to respond the quickest to therapy. From middle age onwards the body’s capacity to heal tends to diminish.
• LENGTH OF TIME – a person who has had a problem/pain for many years will tend to heal slower and may notice gradual improvements with time. People who have only had pain for a few days tend to notice big improvements within a short time. If you have any pain, it is best to have it assessed as soon as possible, as ignoring it, will often allow the problem to get worse.
• LIFESTYLE – People who have a healthy lifestyle, who exercise regularly and eat healthy foods tend to heal quicker. Exercise keeps the joints and muscles moving well, and promotes blood flow which aides in healing. Good nutritious foods give the body the building blocks it needs in order to heal.
• AGGRAVATING FACTORS – If you have a neck problem but spend all day, every day hunched over a desk you will take longer to respond to care. Patients who remove any aggravating factors tend to respond better.
• COMPLIANCE – If your Chiropractor gives you any exercises or stretches or any advice…Follow it.  Patients who follow their Chiropractors suggestions generally tend to respond quicker.

Perhaps the most important factor is, “what do you hope to achieve with Chiropractic care?” If you only want to feel better, this can often be achieved in a short space of time. If you are looking to fix the problem that is causing the pain, this can often take a lot longer. In most cases if you do not fix the underlying cause of the pain, the pain will inevitably return. Chiropractors will often recommend adjustments or specific postural exercises even when you aren’t in pain. This ensures that you spine stays in the correct position and the joints keep moving properly so that your problem can be fixed.

There are many factors that play a role in how quickly you will respond to Chiropractic Care. Whether you are looking for short term pain relief or to fix the problem long term, Chiropractic can help you.