5 Dangerous Words: Why “Maybe It Will Go Away” Can Harm Your Health

I know you’ve said it before. I’ll admit, as a doctor, I’ve been guilty of saying it too. But the longer you live with this mindset, and allow these five little words to dictate your health, the more likely it is you’re going to find yourself on a path to big problems: 

“Maybe it will go away.” 

Whether it’s a stiff neck, dull low back ache, numbness in your hands, or shooting pain down your leg, it’s tempting to hope discomfort will simply fade on its own. But ignoring pain often allows a small issue to become a much larger one.

Pain is your body’s warning system. Think of it like an email. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s communication. When something hurts, pain is your nervous system’s way of sending you a message alerting you that something isn’t functioning properly. Saying “maybe it will go away” is like putting tape over your car’s check engine light, or sliding your bills into a drawer for later, you might not see the problem anymore, but it’s still there and probably getting worse.

Many spinal issues begin as minor joint restrictions, muscle tension, or nerve irritation. When left untreated, these can progress into chronic pain, decreased mobility, and even degeneration. What could have been addressed with a few gentle adjustments might later require months of care, or worse, invasive procedures.

Chiropractic care focuses on early intervention and prevention. It can function as a responsive treatment–meaning that it can be used to deal with established conditions and acute injuries, but it’s meant to stop pain before it starts. By restoring alignment, improving joint motion, and reducing nerve compression, chiropractors help the body heal itself naturally. Beyond pain relief, regular care enhances posture, strengthens function, and helps you move through life with less restriction.

If your body is sending you an email, listen. Don’t wait for pain to become unbearable or for your “maybe” to turn into “I wish I had done something sooner.”

Instead of hoping it will go away, take action. Schedule a chiropractic evaluation–it takes a lot less time than you think, address the root cause, and give your body the chance to truly heal. Those five dangerous words don’t have to define your story. Healing begins the moment you decide to stop waiting.