How Long Do Chiropractic Adjustments Last?

Dr. John Wagner, DC
Chiropractor
Chiropractic care is a non-surgical healthcare treatment that can help you with nervous system issues, musculoskeletal injuries, and more. Most chiropractic treatments target the spinal cord using a series controlled thrusts called adjustments or manipulations.

How long does a chiropractic adjustment last?

Most chiropractic treatment plans will last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. When you first start your program, you might notice that your chiropractic adjustments don’t last very long; however, as you get repetitive chiropractic adjustments, the overall alignment of your spine will improve and your adjustments should last longer. The good news is that there are ways that you can improve the duration of your chiropractic adjustments as well.

Chiropractic Adjustment

What Determines How Long an Adjustment Will Last?

Similar to the results and improvements you notice, there are a few factors that will impact how long chiropractic adjustments last as well. Some of the factors that will play a role include:

1) The Alignment of Your Spine: One of the most important factors that will play a role in how long chiropractic adjustments last is the alignment of your spine. If your spine is extremely misaligned, then your chiropractic adjustment might wear off sooner. On the other hand, if the degree of misalignment in your spine is minor, then the chiropractic adjustment should last longer. Some of the most common reasons why a spine might be misaligned include sleep problems, poor posture, extended screen time, and acute injuries. Even if your spinal misalignment doesn’t cause pain, it can still lead to functional determinants because this will impact the function of your spinal cord, which supplies nerves to the rest of your body.

2) The Type of Injury: The type of injury you have suffered will also have an impact on how long your chiropractic adjustments will last. If you have suffered a severe injury that has weakened the vertebrae, then the chiropractic adjustments might not last a long as it would otherwise. In addition, if you have suffered repetitive blows to your head, neck, and back, this can shorten the duration of chiropractic adjustments as well.

How Can Chiropractic Adjustments Last Longer?

The best way for you to improve the longevity of your chiropractic adjustments is to strengthen the muscles and ligaments in your neck and back. After all, chiropractic adjustments focus on shifting the vertebrae in the spine to better suit the spinal cord and the nerves it contains. Therefore, if you want to keep your spinal vertebrae in place longer, then you need to strengthen the muscles and ligaments that keep the vertebrae in check.

Fortunately, a chiropractor can help his or her patients come up with exercises that can strengthen the muscles and ligaments in the back! Even if you have suffered a serious head, neck, or back injury, there is always something that you can do to improve the paraspinal muscles and ligaments. Then, your chiropractic adjustments will last longer.

When Do The Results Become Noticeable?

While it depends on the nature of the injury, most patients will notice improvements in their overall health and wellness between one and four weeks after starting chiropractic adjustments. If you experience severe pain from your injuries, you should notice some degree of pain relief immediately. As your chiropractic treatment continues, you should notice your pain gradually decrease until it disappears completely. In addition, you should notice significant functional improvements.

Chiro Adjustment Treatment

Common Chiropractic Treatment Plans

When you first start your chiropractic treatment plan, your adjustments might not last any longer than a few days. That is okay! The goal of chiropractors is to help you reduce your pain and restore your functionality as quickly as possible. The initial goal is not to make your chiropractic adjustments last a long time. The goal is to help you recover.

Therefore, your chiropractic treatment plan will include stretches, exercises, and physical therapy to address your injury or discomfort from a well-rounded comprehensive manner. Therefore, your chiropractor might use pillows, belts, back supports, and more to not only adjust your spine but also strengthen your muscles and ligaments. In this manner, chiropractors strive to eliminate the underlying cause of your injury and discomfort instead of just treating the symptoms on the surface. The goal is to help you get better and stay better!

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is not intended to be medical advice.
Please contact and consult with your doctor before beginning any health treatments.

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.
This website is intended to be accessible and usable by people with and without disabilities. Please message us if you encounter an accessibility or usability issue.
Finding chiropractors near you...