In total, the average person requires 18 to 24 adjustments over approximately 9 to 14 weeks to complete all three phases of chiropractic care (pain relief, stabilization, and rehabilitation). After the initial correction has been performed, the spine returns to a normal, balanced position. If the patient maintains the correction, the acute symptoms will begin to disappear. The body will then enter a recovery cycle in which it will begin to stabilize in a new balanced position. As long as the correction is maintained, once the body stabilizes and begins to maintain its alignment, recovery takes approximately one month for each year that the spine is misaligned.
Once the patient has seen how much better they feel when properly aligned, they will schedule appointments to have the atlas aligned checked every few months. According to guidelines from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), spinal alignment is prescribed to treat back pain, prolonged neck pain, chronic or repetitive headaches, and sciatica. Treatment may include several alignments per week and last several weeks, depending on the condition. The time it takes for the spine to decompress varies greatly depending on the type of treatment and the person's specific condition.
Non-surgical methods, such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and decompression therapy, can take several weeks to show significant improvement. For those who undergo spinal decompression surgery, the initial recovery period lasts a few weeks, while full recovery may take several months. Ultimately, factors such as the severity of the condition, general health status, and adherence to treatment play a crucial role in how quickly the spine decompresses and symptoms improve. If you have persistent back pain or neurological symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider can help you determine the best course of action for your decompression needs.
One way to determine how long it will take you to realign your spine and optimize your recovery is to see a chiropractor. If you have poor range of motion, chiropractic adjustment can help realign bones and joints to ensure they are working at an optimal level. In addition to realigning the spine, a chiropractor can offer many additional services that improve your well-being.
