Why does it take more than one adjustment?

Patients often wonder, either to themselves, or out loud to me, why it takes more than one adjustment to move a subluxated bone back into the proper position. There are several factors that can influence how many adjustments it can take to properly align the spine.
Age-Young people generally take fewer adjustments that older people, because their spine is more flexible and they have less degenerative changes in their spine.
Gender- Woman tend to need more adjustments than men, because they tend to have less muscle mass to stabilize their spine.
Chronic vs. Acute Condition- The longer a subluxation has been present, the longer it takes to work out of the spine. Muscles, ligaments and nerve endings become accommodated to the misalignment, and must undergo changes to restore a healthy functioning spine.
Lifestyle-Patients that are deconditioned, sedentary and overweight tend to have a harder time staying in alignment, than patients who are active and fit.
Occupation-Jobs that make it difficult to maintain good posture, or tasks that demand repetitive or one-sided motion will usually have a negative effect on maintaining alignment.
Stress- Patients that are subject to high levels of mental or emotional stress will have a harder time holding their adjustments. Emotions can trigger neurochemicals that hamper tissue repair, and increase muscle spasm and tension.
Other Diseases-Spinal and non-spinal diseases can both effect alignment. Spinal arthritis, disk degeneration, facet arthrosis are examples of spinal diseases that can undermine the lasting effects of an adjustment. Diabetes, thyroid disease, connective tissue diseases are conditions that can slow down the healing process and make more adjustments necessary to achieve healthy alignment.

What can you do? Follow your chiropractor's recommendations on your schedule of care, so you get the right number of adjustments for your condition. Also make sure you do any exercises that have been prescribed for you. Get the right amount of rest, and make sure you are using proper body mechanics. These will help you maintain your alignment in between your visits.