Chiropractic care is highly personalized, and what works for one person won’t necessarily work for someone else. If you’re wondering how often you should see the chiropractor, it will depend on a few factors. Like any kind of health care, there are variables unique to the individual, and your course of treatment and accompanying number of visits to the chiropractor will depend on the nature and extent of your condition or injury.
While millions of people see a chiropractor each year, more than half – some 65% – are going for help with issues not relating to back problems. Instead, they go to the chiropractor because of joint pain, headaches and pain management solutions for specific conditions.
Minor Injuries
It’s not uncommon for people to deal with back or neck pain, even without chronic conditions or injuries. Other issues, like headaches and joint pain, are also common. When we receive these pain signals, it’s a sign that something is out of alignment. Chiropractic care can help relieve these minor aches and pains and hasten the healing process. Adjustments help align the vertebra so that the nervous system can function correctly and allow your body to heal itself.
For these kinds of chiropractic treatments, your number of visits will vary. One adjustment may be just what you need in some cases, or you may do better with a course of two or three visits. In some instances, you may need treatment for a few weeks before the problem is resolved. At your initial visit, Dr. McSweeney will make a recommendation about your care.
Severe Injuries and Chronic Conditions
Chronic back pain, which is defined as pain lasting three months or longer, affects less between 2 and 8% of Americans. Severe injuries, like those from car accidents, can also cause protracted back pain. In these instances, chiropractic treatment over an extended period may be necessary to help re-establish your body’s equilibrium and stimulate its natural healing process.
Again, the course of treatment will depend directly on your specific injury or condition. Dr. McSweeney will develop a treatment plan designed to reduce pain and get you back on your feet, and she will monitor your progress during treatment, adjusting as necessary.
Preventative Chiropractic Care
Some people see the chiropractic for regular adjustments, whether they’re in pain or not. There are several reasons to for preventative chiropractic care:
- To stay in good condition and help prevent injuries
- To assist with ongoing pain management for those patients with chronic conditions
- Because it makes some people feel healthier and better and so assists with ongoing wellbeing
Chiropractic care is intended to be customized to you and your needs. If you’re wondering how often you should see the chiropractor, ask! Dr. McSweeney is here to answer your questions and offer her recommendations. The rest is up to you.