As a Chiropractor with more years of experience than I care to admit, one of the most common questions I receive from my patients is, “How often should I get adjusted?” This is a crucial aspect of chiropractic care for many reasons. In this blog post, I will provide you with insights on how frequently you should see your chiropractor for optimal results.
First off, lets rephrase the question “How often should I get adjusted?” to “How often should I come in for a check-up?” Why?
Gone are the days of “cracking” the entire spine every time a patient walks in the door just because. Do some patients want or need that? Absolutely. But a one size fits all approach is a red flag to find another chiropractor.
We all have unique needs, wants and goals. Sure, does getting a chiropractic adjustment feel great?! Absolutely! But is it always necessary for everyone? NO.
Understanding Chiropractic Adjustments
Before delving into the recommended frequency of chiropractic adjustments, it’s important to understand what they entail. Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal or joint manipulations, involve the application of controlled force to your joints in the spine or other parts of the body. The goal is to improve mobility, alleviate pain, and improve the function of your neuromusculoskeletal system.
But there is so much more to chiropractic than just manipulation!
Muscle moves bone. So, a proper comprehensive care plan should involve in-office and at home exercise instruction for your specific situation in addition to manipulation.
Factors Influencing Treatment Frequency
- Initial Condition and Severity of Symptoms: The frequency of chiropractic adjustments can vary depending on the initial condition and the severity of your symptoms. Patients experiencing acute pain or discomfort may require more frequent visits initially.
- Individual Health Goals: Some patients seek chiropractic care for pain relief, while others may have long-term health goals, such as improving posture, enhancing athletic performance, or achieving better overall wellness. Your chiropractor should tailor the frequency of adjustments to align with your specific health objectives.
- Response to Treatment: Each person’s body responds differently to chiropractic care. Some individuals may experience rapid improvements and require fewer treatments, while others may take longer to see progress and may need more frequent sessions.
- Lifestyle Factors: Your lifestyle plays a significant role in determining how often you should get adjusted. Factors like your occupation, level of physical activity, and nutrition can influence the frequency of chiropractic visits.
Recommended Frequency Guidelines
While individual circumstances vary, here are some general guidelines to consider:
- Initial Phase: For patients seeking relief from acute pain or discomfort, it’s common to start with more frequent visits. This may involve 1-3 sessions per week initially.
- Recovery Phase: As your condition improves, the frequency of visits should be gradually reduced. This phase may involve weekly or bi-weekly visits.
- Maintenance Phase: Once you have achieved your desired level of improvement, maintenance visits can help reinforce good movement habits, remind you of what you should be doing at home as well as modify any exercises you are already doing. If manipulation is warranted this will occur on these visits as well. These visits can occur from once a week to once a year.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels. If you start to experience discomfort or a return of symptoms between visits, do not hesitate to reach out to your chiropractor for guidance on adjusting the frequency of your visits
The frequency of chiropractic treatments should be personalized to your unique needs and goals. Open communication with your chiropractor is essential to ensure you are receiving the right level of care. Remember, chiropractic care is a comprehensive approach to health that focuses on optimizing the function of your entire neuromusculoskeletal system. By following a tailored treatment plan, you can experience the numerous benefits of chiropractic care and enjoy improved overall well-being.
Do you have any specific concerns or questions about your chiropractic care? We are here for you!