As a chiropractor, it has often been my experience that the phone rings and the person on the line is anxious because he/she is struggling with pain. This person may have had this pain for days, months, or even years, but now the situation seems worse because the pain is interfering with their daily life and work, or perhaps there's a particular family event coming, and this will interfere with this important event. Up until this point, the person has been able to ignore the pain, but now he or she is frightened and desperate. …. I begin by asking questions: Is this pain new, caused by some accident, or is the pain being exacerbated at this time of unusual stress? Have you ever had this pain before, and for some reason, it has resurfaced, perhaps due to stress?

Here I would like to highlight a Chiropractic and life principle that gives YOU hope for the remarkable body God has given to each one of us.

Hope, Healing, and Time: The Chiropractic Principle That Changes Everything

In today’s fast-paced world, we expect instant results—whether it’s ordering from Amazon Prime, binge-watching an entire series in one afternoon, or trying to lose those stubborn ten pounds by starving yourself for a week. Too often, we seek immediate rewards and shortcuts rather than pursuing the path that leads to balance and positive consequences. Principle #6 of Chiropractic reminds us of a simple yet profound truth: "There is no process that does not require time." This principle is essential when it comes to healing. The body is designed to repair and regenerate, but just like a broken bone needs weeks to mend, the nervous system and spine need time to restore balance and function.

Healing Takes Time, But It’s Worth It. When patients start chiropractic care, they often ask: "How long will it take for me to feel better?" The answer depends on many factors, including the length, severity, and the body’s ability to adapt. The critical thing to remember is that healing is a process, not an event. Every specific adjustment is a step in that process, and every step matters. Every adjustment builds upon the others. The beauty of Principle #6 is that it works both ways. Yes, healing takes time—but so does illness. This means you can stop the downward spiral and begin a new, upward one. Progress may be slow initially, but it’s progress, and that’s what matters. Every adjustment, every small improvement, every positive emotion and thought you think, do, and say, every better night's sleep, and every new burst of energy is a sign that your body is rebuilding itself, one moment at a time. In short, health cannot be rushed.

The Role of Hope in Healing: Hope fuels the healing process.

Understanding that your body is capable of recovery helps YOU stay committed to the process. Chiropractic care doesn’t just treat symptoms—it restores function at the source by removing interference in the nervous system, allowing the body to heal itself naturally.

• Stay tuned to the next installment of the Role of Stress and Chiropractic.

Trust the Process.

When an athlete is recovering from an injury or someone is struggling with chronic pain, chiropractic care works best when given time. Just as it takes time to strengthen muscles through exercise, correcting spinal misalignments and improving nerve function requires consistent effort. If you or your loved ones are on a healing journey searching for specific clarity to their health problems, remember this: stay patient, stay hopeful, and trust your body’s ability to heal. Specific chiropractic care is here to guide you every step of the way.

Lastly, although I get checked and adjusted regularly and do my best to care for my frame, I do at times have discomfort or pain, and I do my best to, in those times of distress, “sit in them,” reflect, and pray. It gives me a great deal of perspective and compassion as I remember YOU, whom I serve and care for daily, and that you come to experience these ailments daily. It helps me pray for you. My heart desires that I be used, and you may get relief, healing, and never lose hope. -Soli Deo Gloria

PS. —-Health Tip #1: Don’t underestimate the impact small steps, done consistently, have toward a healthier life. Discover the activities you enjoy and dedicate just five minutes a day to them.

Would you like to learn more about how specific Gonstead chiropractic can support your health and particular problems? Schedule a consultation below today!

I look forward to HELPING YOU!