3 Common Reasons Chiropractic Isn’t Working (and What to Do Instead)

It can be incredibly frustrating when you’ve committed to a course of chiropractic care but don’t feel any different. Maybe your back still aches after several visits, or your neck tension keeps returning no matter how many adjustments you’ve had.

If that’s you, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t necessarily mean chiropractic can’t help. But it might mean that the approach needs to shift.

After years in practice, here are three common reasons we see chiropractic treatment fall short, and what we recommend instead.

1. Your Care Plan Isn’t Being Reassessed

Chiropractic care doesn’t always produce immediate results, especially for more chronic or complex conditions. It often takes a few sessions for the body to respond. That’s perfectly normal. But if weeks go by, and you still haven’t noticed any change, and your chiropractor hasn’t suggested reviewing or adapting the plan, it’s worth asking questions.

At Sevenoaks Chiropractic, we build in review points to reassess how things are going. We look not just at symptoms, but also at objective tests to track changes. If something isn’t shifting, we adapt. Sticking with the same plan indefinitely, without evidence that it’s working, often leads to patient frustration and missed opportunities for better care.

2. Only the Spine Is Being Treated

This one surprises a lot of people: back pain doesn’t always come from the back. In many cases, it’s a compensation pattern caused by issues elsewhere in the body, like the knees, hips, or even the feet. Similarly, neck and shoulder problems can be sometimes traced back to the arms or posture habits.

While all chiropractors are trained to assess and treat the spine, not all have in-depth training or experience treating the arms and legs. If your practitioner isn’t at least checking the limbs, they might be missing part of the puzzle.

Especially if your symptoms have been around a while, it’s worth asking: “Could something else be contributing here?”

3. Your Chiropractor Is Trying to Do It All Alone

As chiropractors, we can do a lot, but we can’t do everything. The most effective care plans are often team efforts.

At our clinic, we frequently co-manage cases with massage therapists, Pilates instructors, or acupuncturists. We share notes, collaborate on treatment, and work together to help your body respond more fully. Sometimes releasing deep tension with massage helps adjustments hold longer. Sometimes acupuncture calms the nervous system so we can make more meaningful progress.

You don’t need to see three practitioners a week, but having the right support at the right time can make all the difference.

Still Feeling Stuck?

If your chiropractic care isn’t getting results, take a step back and reflect:

• Is your plan being reviewed and updated?
  
• Is your whole body being assessed or just one area?
  
• Could co-managed care help unlock better outcomes?
  

We believe that lasting relief comes from a personalised, flexible, and collaborative approach. And we’re here to help you find the combination that works best for you.