At CORE Chiropractic, we want every patient to get the best possible results from their care. But here’s the truth: not everyone does. It’s not because chiropractic doesn’t work—it’s because patients sometimes unintentionally sabotage their own progress.
That’s why we use the analogy of the 3-legged stool when explaining chiropractic care. A stool only stands strong if all three legs are solid. Knock out even one leg, and the stool wobbles—or falls over. The same goes for your chiropractic results.
Here are the three legs of the stool—and how patients often mess them up:
1. Chiropractic Adjustments Done in Rhythm
Adjustments are most effective when done in sequence, building on each other over time. Think of it like going to the gym: one workout won’t get you in shape, but a consistent routine will create lasting change.
Some patients miss appointments or spread them out too far, breaking the rhythm that allows the spine to heal and stabilize. When you skip adjustments, it’s like hitting the reset button—you lose progress and it takes longer (and often costs more) to reach your goals.
The Fix: Stick to your recommended schedule. Your chiropractor sets it for a reason, and consistency here is the foundation for lasting results.
2. Breaking Bad Habits
Many spinal problems come from daily habits—slouching at your desk, sleeping in poor positions, looking down at your phone for hours, or repetitive movements at work. If these habits continue, they undo the improvements made during your adjustments.
It’s like trying to fill a bucket with water while drilling holes in the bottom. No matter how much water you pour in, it keeps leaking out.
The Fix: Identify the bad habits that caused or are worsening your problem. Then work with your chiropractor to correct them. Small changes—like adjusting your workstation, improving your posture, or changing how you sleep—can make a huge difference in how well your adjustments “hold.”
3. Doing Your Home Exercises & Stretches
Your home care plan is designed to strengthen weak muscles, stretch tight areas, and support your adjustments. But too often, patients skip their exercises or do them only once in a while. Without this support, the spine struggles to stabilize, and symptoms are more likely to return.
Skipping your stretches is like planting a garden but never watering it—you simply won’t see the growth you were hoping for.
The Fix: Treat your exercises as part of your care, not an optional extra. Just a few minutes a day can dramatically improve your results and help prevent future issues.
Consistency Creates Results
The 3-legged stool is simple: adjustments, breaking bad habits, and home care. Neglect any one of these, and your results will suffer. Stay consistent with all three, and you’ll give your body the best chance to heal, stabilize, and feel great for the long run.
At CORE Chiropractic, we want you to succeed—not just feel better for a few days, but stay better for years to come. The power is in your hands. Keep all three legs of the stool strong, and your results will follow.
👉 To dive deeper into how the 3-legged stool works and hear real examples, be sure to watch the video below, where I explain exactly how patients mess up their chiropractic care—and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.