What are some things you consider a good routine or habit in your life? Brushing your teeth every morning and night? Flossing once a day? Getting to the gym 4 times a week? What about some bad routines or habits, like smoking, slouching in a chair, or eating fast food?
I’m sure that there are things you are meaning to do more often but just can’t get into the routine of doing. Whether it is posture, working out, getting out of bed in the morning, buying healthy food, or getting adjusted it takes at least 21 days for your body to become create a new habit.
A lot of people come to Absolute Health Chiropractic with pain caused by a chronic problem and are looking for a quick and easy fix. It’s not uncommon for pain to be resolved in a few visits for some people. However they do not realize that it is very probable for it to return if not treated for the right amount of time. If you have a chronic problem, your spine has been out of alignment for a long period of time. It is used to being in this position. If it is adjusted back to its correct position, it will want to go back to where it is accustomed to being. The reason most people need to be seen 3 times a week for the first 3-4 weeks is that we need to make sure that the spine is staying in its correct alignment and not reverting back to its improper position.
Pain is the last symptom to appear and the first symptom to go away. It takes time for the biomechanics to change and for enough inflammation to set in for you to feel it. Sometimes we think that when the pain is gone that we are well. The key is to be sure that we are correcting the biomechanics as well, which can take a bit longer.
I also want to make sure I’m talking about “most” patients we see. We do see people who need less frequent adjustments and some that are more severe who require more. If you’ve been thinking about installing a new routine in your life, the hardest part is the 21 days. Every day it gets a little bit easier, and eventually you will reach your goal. Old habits die hard, but we’re here to help get you through to your goals.
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