When people make positive lifestyle changes—like improving posture, moving more, or ditching unhealthy habits—it’s a mWhy Adjustments Don’t Hold at the Beginning
Many people start chiropractic care expecting immediate, lasting results. While it’s common to feel relief after your first few visits, you may notice that the effects don’t seem to “stick” in the early stages. This doesn’t mean chiropractic isn’t working—it simply means your body is still adapting.
Over time, your spine and nervous system develop patterns of movement, muscle tension, and posture that become “normal” for your body. These patterns can be the result of daily habits, stress, injuries, or even repetitive work positions. When a chiropractor adjusts your spine, it restores proper motion and communication between the joints and nervous system. However, at the start, your body naturally tends to revert to the old patterns it’s used to.
Think of it like learning a new skill or retraining a bad habit—progress takes repetition.
Why We Recommend 2–3 Visits per Week to Start
In the early stages of care, chiropractors often recommend coming in two to three times per week. This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building momentum. Frequent adjustments help reinforce proper movement before the old habits can fully return.
A helpful analogy is orthodontics: when you first get braces, the teeth constantly try to move back to their original position. Only with consistent, repeated adjustments do they begin to stabilise into healthier alignment. Your spine and nervous system work the same way—consistency creates change.
Research supports this approach. Studies show that spinal manipulation improves mobility, reduces pain, and helps restore function, but that these benefits are maximised with repeated applications over time rather than one-off sessions .
The Long-Term Goal: Stability and Resilience
As your body adapts to adjustments and learns healthier movement patterns, the results start to “hold” for longer. This means you’ll need fewer visits over time, moving from correction towards stability and maintenance care.
Long-term chiropractic care has been shown to reduce the recurrence of back and neck pain , improve posture, and support nervous system function. By committing to a care plan in the early stages, you’re giving your body the best chance to create lasting change—not just short-term relief.
Takeaway
At Limitless Chiropractic, our mission is to help people live with more energy, movement, and freedom. If you’re starting care, don’t be discouraged if your adjustments don’t “hold” at first—it’s all part of the process. With consistent care, your body learns to stabilise, adapt, and thrive.
If you’re ready to take control of your health and build a stronger foundation for the future, book an appointment with your local chiropractor in Wellington today.
References
- Goertz CM, et al. (2018). “Effect of chiropractic care on pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized clinical trial.” JAMA Network Open, 1(6): e183985.
- Bialosky JE, et al. (2009). “Spinal manipulative therapy-specific changes in pain sensitivity in individuals with low back pain.” Journal of Pain, 10(9): 886–892.
- Descarreaux M, et al. (2004). “Maintenance care in chiropractic – a review of the literature.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 27(6): 438–446.
Experience Limitless Movement Chiropractic Care in Wellington
If you’re in Wellington and looking for expert chiropractic care, we’re here to help. At Limitless Chiropractic, we focus on helping you move better, feel stronger, and live without limits. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more mobile you!
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