After a short two-week break from swimming, I returned to training expecting an easy session. I checked the set, worked out the pace, and thought, this will be fine.
Halfway through the main set, I was exhausted.
I could still make the times, but my shoulders and arms were burning. Two weeks was all it took to push my body backwards.
Why Two Weeks Without Movement Matters
Two weeks doesn’t sound like much, but it can have a profound impact on the human body.
Research shows that even two weeks of joint immobilisation can trigger early changes associated with arthritis, including:
- Mild joint inflammation
- Early cartilage changes
From a chiropractic perspective, joint immobilisation is similar to what we call a subluxation — a joint that has lost normal movement and neurological input.
These are the tight, tender, “locked” areas of the spine that chiropractors assess and adjust.
Can These arthritic and degenerative Changes Be Reversed?
In many cases, yes.
When movement is restored early — including through chiropractic adjustments — these changes are often reversible. However, if restricted movement continues for longer periods, or if an underlying injury exists, the damage can become harder to reverse.
What Causes Joint Restriction and Subluxation?
The most common cause is micro-trauma, not major accidents.
Micro-trauma develops gradually from:
- Poor posture
- Repetitive strain
- Prolonged sitting
- Screen use and tech neck
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Work stress and fatigue
That’s why so many people say, “Nothing happened — it just started hurting.”
The Modern Lifestyle Problem
Today’s biggest contributors to joint restriction include:
- Desk work and computers
- Mobile phones and tablets
- Long commutes
- Netflix and gaming
- Reduced daily movement
It all adds up — often faster than we realise.
Regeneration or Degeneration — Your Choice
Your body is constantly adapting.
With regular movement and healthy habits, it regenerates.
Without them, it slowly degenerates.
- Restoring motion to restricted spinal joints
- Improving movement between spinal segments
- Reducing joint stress and stiffness
- Enhancing neurological communication
But chiropractic works best when paired with active participation.
Your Role in Staying Well
Your role is simple, but powerful:
- Move regularly throughout the day
- Break up long periods of sitting
- Improve posture and daily habits
- Support your spine with consistent care
At Family Chiropractic Chatswood, we see this pattern every day.
Many patients don’t come in because of a single injury — they come in because weeks, months, or even years of reduced movement, poor posture, and daily stress have quietly added up.
Our role is to help restore healthy spinal movement, improve nervous system communication, and support your body’s ability to adapt and heal.
Your role is to stay engaged, move regularly, and build better habits outside the clinic.
Chiropractic care works best when it’s a partnership.
Because in a busy, sedentary world — two weeks really can be all it takes.
References
- Akeson WH et al.
Effects of immobilization on joints.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1987 Jun:(219):28-37. - Woo SL-Y et al.
The effects of immobilization and subsequent low to high intensity exercise on morphology of rat calf muscles.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports July 1998. 8(3):160-71 - Videman T.
Connective tissue and immobilization. Key Factors in musculoskeletal degeneration.
Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1987 Aug:(221):26-32. - Korr IM.
The spinal cord as organiser of disease processes.
