Chiropractic is a process of changing the way the joints, ligaments, and muscles of the body move. One adjustment is not enough to change a body that has moved incorrectly for years. Just like going to the gym to lose weight or gain muscle mass, frequent visits are needed to make the initial change. Each adjustment is a reinforcement of proper movement of the joints of the spine. If reinforcement occurs on a regular basis the spine achieves a state of correction and your body is able to restore its health.

Initially, it is recommended to check the spine every other day until a significant change is achieved (50% better). This can take any where from 3 to 12 visits depending on the condition of the joints involved. Often times the healing process is prolonged or complicated by old injuries, degeneration of joint surfaces, age, poor nutrition, improper exercise, and stress - physical and emotional. The muscles have a memory of this improper movement/position of the joints. It takes time to retrain the muscles, ligaments, and joints to move correctly again. Once the body is in a more balanced state, adjustments are needed less often. Ideally, maintenance care is once every 4-6 weeks. Some people choose to come in for a check only when they have symptoms. The choice is yours, however, it may require a few more adjustments after 6 months or more - sort of like starting over again.

Do I have to come for the rest of my life?

Do you shower or bathe regularly? How often do you brush your teeth? Why do you do these things?

Because you like the benefits! Like any healthy habit: exercise, good nutrition, proper rest, etc., the more regular it is, the better you feel, and you get sick less often. You are the boss of your body and you can stop any activity, including chiropractic, whenever you choose. Most people who have benefited from chiropractic care choose to continue with maintenance care.

When will I be "fixed"?

We constantly have stresses in life. Stress from family, work, the news, poor posture sitting in traffic or at the desk at work. All of these things increase muscle tension and can impair proper movement of the spine and entire body. Regular chiropractic adjustments help to counteract the changes in the body due to stress. Chiropractic is only a part of a healthy lifestyle. You are "fixed" until the stresses come back and change the body again. The great thing about maintenance care is that, with a balanced spine and nervous system, the stresses are easier to handle and cause less problems.

Another chiropractor told me to come every week for a year. Why?

There are a number of different techniques of chiropractic that require a different frequency of checks. With the Gonstead technique it is preferred to get checked once every 4-6 weeks with maintenance care. However, an adjustment is not always necessary every time.