The length of time will depend upon how long the vertebrae (spinal bones) have been displaced, how successful the adjustment is in reducing the displacements, how much damage has been done to the nerve tracts and fibers, how well you can retain the correction made by the adjustment, how many falls, jerks, or other injuries you will have during the service period, how well you cooperate with the doctor, your vitality, and the rate of response of the nerve fibers to the adjustment.