What results can I expect to see as we start improving my brain-body connection?
As you can expect, results may vary on a case-by-case basis. Because of this, there are 3 typical results we see people experience as they begin their care.
Worse. Yes, it is possible that your symptoms may elevate as you begin care. While this possibility is uncommon, it is a good indicator of how bad things really are. If scar tissue has developed around the injured or damaged joints of your spine, it will take time to undo this damage – and it could possibly lead to more inflammation as your body starts the healing process. Also, as your spine starts to move properly again, your spinal muscles will have to get stronger and adapt to the new movement patterns. This can give you the feeling like you just went to the gym for the first time in a while.
Nothing. Sometimes, in the beginning, people don’t notice any changes. Whether its because of how long-standing their issues have been, or because they have become so out of touch with their body – the end result is that it will take time for enough healing and change to happen before they actually notice it.
Better. Some practice members are fortunate enough to see their symptoms go quickly as they begin care. This is always great to see – however we often find that these people tend to try and go back to their regular activities a little too quickly (because they think the problem is solved) and end up re-injuring themselves. Remember, symptoms are not the primary core problem – they are the collateral damage.
No symptoms ≠no problem
Having less symptoms means that your body is healing; not that the problem has gone away. Unfortunately, symptoms usually go away well before the damaged area has fully healed.
Once my spine is adjusted back to ‘normal’, shouldn’t I be done?
During each visit, we go through a process to look for and if necessary, adjust any structural shifts in the alignment of your spine.
But these shifts in the alignment of your spine are like bad habits that have hung around way too long.
Each adjustment reminds your spine and nervous system what proper alignment is so that it can eventually break the old unhealthy habits and establish new healthy habits.
Why does the Doc keep checking my feet?
If your nervous system is experiencing interference or is being irritated, it will react to this issue in different ways.
One way it reacts is by causing one leg to appear shorter than the other.
If there is an alignment issue in your spine, it triggers a reflex to some of your spine and postural muscles, causing them to tighten up on one side of your body.
This uneven pull of muscles on one side of your body will cause that same side leg to hike up and appear shorter than the other.
Throughout the checking and adjusting process, I use your leg lengths to give me insight into whether or not your body has reached a state of balance. Each adjustment brings your body closer and closer to balance until the final adjustment leaves you with even leg lengths on both sides.
Once your leg lengths are even or balanced, then it is time to leave your body alone so it can use its enhanced brain-body connection to heal and function optimally.
How often should I get adjusted?
The only reason a person needs to get adjusted is if they have an abnormal shift in the alignment of their spine that is affecting their nervous system (brain-body connection).
When someone begins care, depending on their history and results from their detailed examination, they may need to be checked and adjusted upwards of 3-5x/wk.
This is because their spine has unfortunately gotten used to its shifted alignment. Like most bad habits, it takes time and energy to retrain your body to get rid of the old habit, and take on the newer, healthier habit of proper spinal alignment.
As your body holds its ideal spinal alignment longer, then how often you need to be checked and adjusted will decrease accordingly.
Is it better to get adjusted before or after going to the gym?
Have you ever tried to hammer in a bent nail?
The nail typically gets more bent; it doesn’t go in as far as you want it to – it usually doesn’t work out so well, does it?
The same can be said for your spine. If your spine is shifted out of alignment and you decide to go for a run or lift weights etc. you are risking aggravating the issue.
This is because your joints need to be in proper alignment in order to move well. If they aren’t, then they grind instead of glide, leading to irritation and inflammation of the joint and causing the surrounding muscles to tighten up and brace the area.
Getting adjusted before the gym gives your spine the best chance to move and function the way it is designed to – potentially even reducing your risk of injury.
Of course, if something happens while you’re at the gym, it is always better to get it checked sooner rather than later.
What is that ‘popping’ sound?
Sometimes when people get adjusted, they might hear a ‘popping’ sound coming from their joints.
While this may sound alarming, it is actually completely normal and ok!
During an adjustment, the joints of the target area are being moved or opened up. As this happens, it can cause small pockets of air or bubbles within the joint fluid to pop – making the sound you hear.
This is the same sound you hear when someone ‘cracks’ their knuckles, and is similar in concept to when you when you blow a bubble with your gum and pop it.
What happens if we have to go away for a week?
I like to joke by saying, depending on where you are going, I would be willing to go with you – be your personal chiropractor like an elite athlete!
Joking aside, we would most likely try to make up the missed appointments either before and/or after your absence.
This is because the frequency of your care and the momentum you have built up are very important in helping you get the results you desire.
Give us a heads up as soon as possible, and we will make the necessary schedule changes!
What should I do if I don’t like a particular type of adjustment?
Let us know right away! We aim to do everything we can to make your office experience pleasant and enjoyable. But we also want to make sure that we get you the results you desire.
This is why we have trained in several different techniques – because we realize and respect the individuality of our practice members, along with their likes and dislikes.
If there is one technique or style of adjusting you are not fond of, let us know and we will adapt to your needs as best as we can.
What should I do if my situation changes?
Whether it’s your financial situation, your work hours, commitments or even just your priorities – we understand that life happens and changes are inevitable.
All that we ask is for you to be open and honest with us. We can set aside time to discuss your situation and get a better understanding of what is going on.
Sometimes having a simple conversation may not only lead to clarity, but also resolution.
Didn’t find the answer you need?
Send us an email, use the form on our contact page, or give us a call!