Undoubtedly, most of our patients begin care because of some ache, pain or other back issue. Certainly, they want it resolved as quickly as possible.

This is why pain relieving medications have become so popular. Within minutes, the drugs disperse throughout your body, numbing the symptom, allowing the individual to go about their day… at least until they have to take more medication. And on… And on… And on.

We have become accustomed to a culture of expediency.

But physical health works differently.

Whether it's diet, exercise or learning a new skill… there's no quick fix to achieving long lasting health.

Chiropractic Care Works Differently.

Rather than suppressing the symptom, chiropractic adjustments are aimed at reducing nerve interference. Your body is then better able to function as it was designed and over time your symptoms resolve.

But how long does that take?

It depends.

Here's 7 major factors that can impact healing potential.

7 Factors That Impact Your Healing Potential

What Kind of Problem Do You Have?

Certain types of health issues resolve more quickly than others.

That’s because instead of focusing on the problem in the person, we focus on the person with the problem.

• Sprain/Strain injuries can take 3 to 8 weeks to heal
• Muscle or ligament tears can take 8 to 12 weeks for full recovery.
• Disc problems such as bulges and herniations can take 8 weeks to 24 months.
• Spine misalignments including short legs, rotated hips, uneven shoulders and forward head posture can take months to years to correct.

How Long Have you Had This Problem?

Another factor to consider is how long you've been dealing with the problem.

What makes this more frustrating is that symptoms may not show up until for years or even decades.

So while the ache or pain you're having today may have only shown up last week, it's highly likely that it's been festering for some time.

That said, more recent problems tend to resolve faster than long-standing issues.

How's Your Overall Health?

Is your immune system compromised to begin with?

Do you tend to do a lot of sitting? Are you overweight?

Do you get enough restful sleep?

Are you a smoker?

Are you consuming enough nutrients to rebuild broken down tissues?

All of these questions are important to consider with your ability to heal. Those who lack vitality often find it takes longer to recover.

How Old Are You?

It's no secret that as we age, we heal much slower. But that doesn't mean you won't heal. It just means things may take a little longer.

In your teens or twenties a little cut on your hand might heal in three or four days. With each passing decade it takes longer and longer.

How's Your Lifestyle?

Over the last 15 years, genetic scientists have discovered that while genes have an impact on our life, lifestyle and environment play a much bigger role.

What are you willing to do (or stop doing!) between your chiropractic visits to give your body the best opportunity to heal?

Here's where it's important to optimize your diet, start exercising, increase water intake and incorporate other restorative lifestyle habits.

How's Your Stress Levels?

There are three types of stress.

• Physical stress, such as trauma from a car accident.
• Chemical stress, such as drugs, alcohol or a poor diet.
• Emotional stress from worry, depression, anger or fear.

Those with a greater stress burden take longer to heal.

How's Your Attitude?

The mind-body connection plays an important role.

So it's important to be proactive and take part in your care.

Believe your body can heal and stop blaming circumstances you have no control over. Having a positive mindset can absolutely speed up your recovery. So make the decision to become personally invested in your health and do the things required to heal your body!

Are You Following Through?

Anyone can sign up for a marathon. And anyone can show up to the race and start.

Whether or not they are prepared is a different story.

Your care plan is designed to produce the best results in the shortest amount of time. Results come from the momentum of regular, periodic chiropractic adjustments.

The same is true when eating healthy, exercising or practicing for a new skill.

Repetition and consistency are key.

This means that missing your chiropractic adjustments or allowing too much time in between can certainly decrease its effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Our primary interest at Family Health Chiropractic is your health and well-being.

We have several services aimed at improving overall health and optimizing healing potential.

If you have questions about your recovery, need help in certain areas that are not being addressed elsewhere, then please ask!