Phases Of Chiropractic

Phase One

The first phase of care is symptomatic relief. The goal is obviously to relieve you of your symptoms. Symptoms are typically the last thing to show up and the first to go away.  Once your adjustments begin to hold and the integrity of your nervous system begins to be restored, your symptoms will start to go away. But this is all we have accomplished up to this point. We have just taken enough pressure off the nerves and the joints to start to alleviate your symptoms.  If you stop care at this point you will most likely return to the office in a month or two with the same exact problem. This is why it is so important to continue through the second phase of care, the corrective phase.

Phase Two

The Corrective (or Reconstructive) phase is the most important phase of care. The goal is to make global and permanent changes to your spine. This phase is equivalent to putting braces on your teeth. We are retraining the joints (bones, nerves, muscles, and other soft tissue) to accept and hold their new position.  Since joints have memory and because most individuals have been subluxated for years prior to starting chiropractic care, it takes time to rehabilitate the spine. But once the change has occurred it becomes necessary to enter the third phase of care. 

Phase Three

 This phase of chiropractic care is the supportive or maintenance phase.  Once the spine has been corrected, it is important to maintain this improvement. Spinal hygiene is paramount.  We readily accept these concepts when it comes to our teeth. We brush daily, floss, and go to the dentist for regular cleanings; however, your teeth do not house and protect the very system that controls and coordinates every function in your body. Yet, your spine does. In fact, one of the primary functions of the spinal column is to house and protect the nervous system - the master control system of the body.  Once you finish the reconstructive phase of care, it is not like the effects of gravity and the negative effects of your daily activities do not cease to occur. Your spine is constantly subject to negative forces. It is so much easier to maintain a healthy spine than it is to treat one that is sick or unhealthy.