When I was in high school, my family dentist recommended we visit an orthodontist due to my “cross-bite.” After an examination, the orthodontist explained that lasting change would require a special device to expand the roof of my mouth gradually, adjusting the alignment over time as I grew. The orthodontist emphasized how much easier it was to address alignment issues while I was still developing, noting that waiting could mean requiring reconstructive surgery later. This approach is why kids now often begin orthodontic treatment early—aligning teeth as they grow is far easier and more effective than waiting until their structures are more set.
Chiropractic care works similarly for the spine. Many adults come to my office for help with spinal discomfort or dysfunction that can be traced back to injuries or postural issues in their developmental years. Without early adjustments, these subtle misalignments grow with them, creating stress patterns and making the body more vulnerable to injury, pain, and other health challenges later in life.
Early chiropractic care allows us to address alignment and nerve function before these patterns set in, making it far easier to support the spine and nervous system in maintaining optimal function as kids grow. That’s why I am so passionate about adjusting kids—caring for a child’s spinal health now has a profound, lasting impact on their wellbeing for years to come.
The Journey to Lasting Change
When I received my orthodontic device, I was instructed to make gradual adjustments over several weeks. While wearing the Rapid Expansion Apparatus, I faced a unique challenge—I was part of my high school’s drama production, and enunciating with the device was difficult! My drama instructor even suggested I take it out temporarily, but the orthodontist cautioned that doing so could cause my mouth structure to revert. The adjustments needed time to “set” and make a lasting change.
Similarly, the process of making lasting changes in spinal alignment takes time and consistent care. The misalignments or tension patterns in your spine and nervous system didn’t happen overnight, and they can’t be corrected in a single adjustment. Often, patients are eager to find relief, and while a single adjustment may provide temporary relief, true, lasting change comes from working with the body over time, allowing it to integrate these changes naturally.
Why Lasting Change Takes Time
The spine is not only the framework for your body’s posture but also houses the central nervous system, which connects to every function in your body. When we experience misalignments (also known as subluxations) in the spine, it can create a cascade effect on your health, from posture and muscle function to organ health, mood, and even immune function.
Think of spinal alignment like building a strong foundation. Just as a house needs a solid base, your body’s health depends on a properly aligned spine and a well-regulated nervous system. When we make adjustments, we are working to create a lasting foundation that supports your health long-term. In my work, I use the NetworkSpinal technique, which focuses on relieving the tension that builds in the spinal cord due to stress, injuries, and daily life challenges. By reducing spinal cord tension, we enable the nervous system to communicate and adapt more effectively, supporting holistic health and resilience.
Consistency and Adaptation: Key Factors in Lasting Change
Consistency in chiropractic care helps create a solid foundation for lasting change. It’s common for patients to stop care as soon as they start feeling better, thinking the problem is solved. However, the initial adjustments are only the first step. Stopping care too early is like stopping orthodontic treatment after only a few weeks—the changes aren’t yet set, and the spine is likely to return to its old patterns if care is discontinued prematurely.
With each adjustment, your body adapts, learns, and builds on previous work. For lasting change, chiropractic care encourages this adaptation over time, allowing your body’s natural healing processes to work alongside the adjustments to reinforce stability, function, and alignment. As your body integrates these changes, it gains resilience against future stresses, reducing the likelihood of recurring issues and helping you maintain your health goals.
Chiropractic Care: Empowering You on Your Health Journey
Unlike braces, which follow a strict timeline, chiropractic care is flexible and empowering. My goal as a chiropractor is not to put patients on a permanent treatment schedule but to educate, support, and empower you to make the best decisions for your health. Lasting change means supporting your body’s natural abilities to heal, adapt, and thrive, so you’re not dependent on care but can use it as a valuable tool when needed.
NetworkSpinal care encourages your body to move toward self-correction, promoting positive shifts in both physical and emotional health. This isn’t just about “fixing” pain; it’s about empowering you to achieve a level of health and vitality that might surprise you. With each adjustment, your body grows more connected, resilient, and equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Are You Ready to Create Lasting Change?
If you’re ready to explore how chiropractic care can support lasting health for you or your family, let’s start the journey together. Whether you’re seeking a healthier spine, more energy, or better resilience, our practice is here to help you achieve thriving health at every stage of life. Connect with us to schedule a consultation and learn more about what a personalized chiropractic care plan could look like for you.
Take that first step towards lasting change today—your spine, nervous system, and future self will thank you.