How come it takes more than one adjustment? For protection, your body tries to defend against any change that it does not initiate, be it an accident or chiropractic adjustment. Too much extreme movement, even from a gentle adjustment can cause a muscle spasm and swelling. This is why chiropractors do not try to force change all at once. Instead, your chiropractor will be able to restore normal function to your spine after a few treatments. You will find it well worth the wait.