A common question I encounter from patients is the question of how long will it take to get better. While most people get better in a matter of days or a couple of weeks, some will require more time. There are many factors that affect how a person heals – such as:
- How long have you had the condition
- Diet/Nutrition
- Lifestyle
- Work habits
- Stress levels
- Arthritis or degenerative changes
- Posture
- Sleep
The list could go on and on. Naturally the longer you have had a problem, the longer your body has had to adapt to an abnormality. This requires more time to treat, due to re-training muscles to hold adjustments properly. Good nutrition is critical, so the body will have the building blocks it needs to repair and heal. If your job is stressful or physically demanding, that could also slow down your progress.I’ve had patients come in complaining of a certain condition for over 20 years, and be upset or disappointed when they are not cured in one treatment. This would be the equivalent of a person being 100 pounds overweight and being mad that they didn’t lose the 100 pounds after their first day at the gym!
It is important to have realistic expectations when you begin chiropractic care. Yes, we see miraculous changes in people’s lives, but some just take a bit more time than others. Be patient and do your part – get some sleep, eat in a healthful manner, rest the injured area and give it a chance to heal, reduce stress, and have a positive attitude! All of this can go a long way in speeding up your recovery and improving your health!