Several factors are considered when determining your treatment plan, including the results of your examination, when your symptoms began, your daily activities, and your level of stress. Every case is different, but most patients begin to respond favorably within the initial weeks of care. Once pain relief is obtained, many patients choose to continue with periodic visits, to maintain the results they've achieved. By emphasizing patient education, you become as self-reliant as possible. How long you decide to continue to benefit from chiropractic care is ultimately up to you.