With a lot of medical care today, we expect instant results relief from pain. Especially when suffering from something like back or neck pain, we often want to see results as soon as possible so we can resume normal activities. This can make some people skeptical of visiting the chiropractic clinic because treatment is often spread out over multiple sessions. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to predict exactly how much time your recovery will take, but there are some factors that can help you understand your estimated timeline. Read on to understand some of these factors and what you can expect.
General Healing Time
When you visit the chiropractic clinic with general back or neck pain, you will likely feel some relief after just one or two adjustments. This does not mean the root cause of the issue has been repaired or that your treatment is over, but it can help you feel better quickly. In these early sessions, you may be able to better understand what is causing your pain, which can help you begin to estimate the time to fully heal.
Bones are able to mend relatively quickly provided they have a good blood supply and no extenuating issues, and 5-6 weeks is often cited for bone issues. Ligaments and tendons can take a bit longer, starting at 6-8 weeks on average. The issues that tend to take the longest time to heal are those related to the discs and cartilage, which can often take a minimum of three months to resolve. When these issues are combined, it can impact these timelines and extend your recovery. More invasive treatments like surgeries that prevent you from moving for some time may also have this effect.
Factors That Impact Healing Time
A number of factors will influence your time at the chiropractic clinic, some of which you can control and some of which you can’t.
Younger patients without a history of other injuries or conditions may heal faster than their older counterparts. Previous surgeries or injuries can often create scar tissue that makes recovery more difficult, or they may make movement and recovery more labored.
In addition to age and health, your levels of fitness can also impact your timeline for recovery. If you are already active when your pain or injury occurs, you may be in good shape as you begin treatment for better recovery times. However, your activity during treatment can also impact things. Whether you work with a physical therapist or begin a simple exercise routine, movement during treatment can speed your healing as long as it is approved by your chiropractic clinic. Something as gentle as walking for 30 minutes a day or doing simple stretches can help your body respond to treatment better.
Additionally, the earlier you seek treatment, the less time you will typically need to spend recovering. If you are living with an injury, it can often worsen over time as you try to persevere, making healing more difficult. This is a good reason to seek chiropractic care at the first sign of issues.
Treatment and Prevention
For many people, the first session or two of chiropractic care brings some relief and can make you feel you are back to normal. However, this is only true if you are looking at symptoms and not the root cause of your issue. Pain can be addressed quickly, but spinal issues may need more time. Even after the condition is addressed, visiting a chiropractor regularly can offer preventative benefits that help you maintain your pain-free status for a longer time.
The best way to make sure you aren’t spending too much time at the chiropractic clinic is to take preventative measures to protect your spine. Living an active lifestyle, performing gentle stretches, getting enough water, and avoiding injury are all good ways to keep the spine healthy. Where extra help may be needed, a chiropractor can keep your spine functioning properly to avoid more serious issues in the future.
It’s important to know how to pick a chiropractor that will work best for you. At AICA Atlanta, our goal is to work with you to create a healthy spine in a safe and efficient manner. Our specialists are able to perform initial examinations, identify the root cause of your problem, and develop comprehensive treatment plans to help you recover. While we cannot always predict the exact time you will find relief, we will work with you to create plans that work for you and your lifestyle, keeping you informed along the way. Visit our Atlanta chiropractic clinic today to take the first step.