Plenty of patients have asked me the same question over the years: ‘Doc, how long does it take to heal?’ It’s a good question, but it differs so much from one patient to the next, that it’s challenging to give a standard answer. The fact is, we all heal at different rates and speeds.
However, with that in mind, I decided to put together a little information about the 3 phases of chiropractic care, which I believe can shed light on the question of how long it takes to heal.
Phase 1 – the relief phase
This is the first step to regaining your health and your life. When most people arrive at the Texas Spine & Wellness office they are suffering from the effects of accidents, falls, injuries, stress and bad posture that they’ve endured over many years. This relief phase of chiropractic care is designed to quickly reduce their pain and discomfort.
During this phase, a patient sometimes comes in two or three times over the course of a week. Scheduling appointments close together helps to reduce the pain and starts putting the spinal bones back in their proper position.
During Phase 1 a patient needs plenty of rest, lots of water, and, most importantly, a positive attitude.
Phase 2 – the correction phase
During Phase 2 we focus on the spinal deviations that are causing pain, the vertebral misalignments. During this phase as your chiropractor, I may choose to diversify the type of chiropractic adjustments you receive. This phase of chiropractic care is much more important than the relief phase as it is designed to put the structures of the spine into correct position and bring the benefits of long-term health. It will also continue to provide pain relief.
Phase 3 – the maintenance phase
Once you have come to Phase 3 you will be feeling much, much better and may not have any more outward symptoms. Your pain is reduced or has gone away completely, the swelling and discomfort is probably gone, and you’re feeling like your ‘old self’ again.
Keep in mind, however, the spinal misalignments, can always come back if you start to fall back into old habits.
The purpose of the maintenance phase is just that, to maintain the excellent results we have achieved and keep your spine healthy for the future. Based upon your unique situation, and my experience as a Garland Chiropractor, I will recommend future visits to maintain the health of your spine.
This is one of the most important phases, because if done correctly, it can mean a lifetime of good health and much less pain. Like your regular dental checkups, maintaining your spine is an important part of staying healthy and preventing future problems. Remember, an absence of symptoms does not always mean an absence of problems. One of the most important things you can do for your health is to maintain your spine, and the best place to do that is right here at Texas Spine & Wellness.
This is a brief explanation of the 3 phases of chiropractic care and how treatment works best. Although the timeline may vary, if you follow the advice I’ve offered and have a little patience, your results will likely be the same.
So take a tip from your chiropractor and schedule an appointment at Texas Spine & Wellness today. We’ll get you back on track as quickly as possible.
