What Does It Mean to Hold a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Have you ever been at your Chiropractic Center and heard your chiropractor say, “You’re holding your adjustment!”—but had no idea what that actually meant? It sounds like a good thing, and it is, but let’s break down what it really means and why it matters for your well-being.

First, What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

The objective of chiropractic care is to locate, analyze, and correct areas in your spine that are out of alignment and causing interference in the nervous system. These misalignments are known as vertebral subluxations.

Think of subluxation like a short circuit—it causes resistance and malfunction in the body’s communication pathways. A chiropractic adjustment reopens those pathways, restoring proper neurological function between brain and body.

So, What Does It Mean to “Hold” an Adjustment?

Not all chiropractic adjustments last the same amount of time. When your chiropractor says you’re holding the adjustment, they mean your body is maintaining the restored alignment and function from your previous visit.

This is a good sign—it indicates that your body is adapting and creating cohesion within the system. Chiropractor R.W. Stephenson defined this beautifully in his chiropractic textbook:

“Cohesion is the holding together of the parts. To have cohesion, it is necessary to have unity… Incoordination results in unsound tissue—hence dis-ease.”

Holding the adjustment means you’re maintaining that state of unity and harmony within your physiology.

What Factors Affect How Long You Hold an Adjustment?

• How long the subluxation has been present

• How consistently you receive adjustments

• Your overall state of health and well-being

• Your ability to adapt to stress

The less interference in your nervous system, the better your body functions. And better function means you’re more likely to hold your adjustments.

Why Consistency Matters

Chiropractic care is most effective when it’s proactive, not reactive. Regular visits help your body adapt to physical, chemical, and emotional stress. Over time, this leads to:

• Better spinal structure

• Improved neurological communication

• Stronger resistance to daily stressors

• Enhanced overall quality of life

The longer you maintain a consistent care routine, the better your body adapts and the longer you hold your adjustments.

The Takeaway

Holding an adjustment is a sign your body is functioning at a higher level. If you’re looking to optimize your well-being, schedule regular chiropractic care—even when you feel great. Because true wellness isn’t just about how you feel—it’s about how well your body is functioning from the inside out.