Chiropractic care is a treatment that manipulates the spine to align it with healthy, normal curves. The goal is to restore mobility and relieve pain so patients can live life fully without limitations. If you have back or neck pain, going to the chiropractic clinic may be the best way to manage the situation. But how frequently should you go for chiropractic adjustments? This blog post sheds more light on the issue.
Why should I visit a chiropractor?
Various physical conditions will send you to the chiropractic clinic. The main ones are:
– Neck and back pain
– Strained or torn muscle
– Pinched nerves, especially if a nerve has been compressed for a long time and at the same location
– Arthritis, which causes joint pain in your body, including in the spine
However, there’s a lot more that you can get from a chiropractic adjustment other than pain relief from the conditions mentioned above. Most professionals will try to identify the root cause of the pain or the situation that triggered it. The chiropractor will then create a plan to help you eliminate these issues for good. You can also get valuable information about maintaining your body to keep these conditions from recurring.
How often should I see a chiropractor?
Chiropractic adjustments are not a one-size-fits-all process. Some patients will benefit from more frequent visits than others when receiving chiropractic care. If you are new to this type of treatment, you should visit the clinic for an initial assessment before starting any plan or schedule. During your initial consultation, the specialist will look at your medical history and current situation, then do some diagnostic tests to create a personalized treatment plan.
Once the chiropractor understands your medical background, they will recommend how often you should visit to get adjusted. Generally speaking, patients in severe pain will need more frequent adjustments, but you must listen to what your doctor recommends based on their findings. While some people will see a chiropractor once a week, some can even stay a month before going for an adjustment. How often you need to visit the clinic depends on a variety of factors:
-If you suffer intense pain, it’s advisable to go for frequent adjustments
-If you have a medical condition that requires more specialized treatments, visiting the chiropractor more often is recommended
-If you’re going for body maintenance, your visits will be more spaced
Ultimately, the most important thing is to listen to what your body says. If the pain recedes after your first few visits, you can decide whether to visit a chiropractor regularly in the future.
How often is too often?
While there is no limit to how often you can go for a chiropractic appointment, make sure that the frequency doesn’t exceed your body’s tolerance. If you feel uncomfortable after every chiropractic adjustment session or take longer than usual to relieve pain, something is wrong with your treatment plan. The best way to know when “enough is enough” is by listening to your body. Talk to your treating chiropractor if treatment is not giving you the expected results.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Your first chiropractic visit will be a little longer than usual. You shouldn’t have an appointment right after work or any activity because it can take time to go through the process. On your first session, expect:
-The doctor to ask about your medical history and current situation
-A thorough examination of your spine and any other affected areas
-Diagnostic tests to understand the root cause of your condition before creating a treatment plan
-A discussion about what you can expect from this type of care
You will then go on with more sessions that include:
-Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy (massage, stretching)
-Training on how to take care of your body and avoid triggering any condition
-Discussions about lifestyle changes that can help you prevent future problems
Some patients may also get other therapies, such as cold or hot compress during their sessions. While chiropractic care is generally safe, always remember to check with your doctor if you have any medical conditions or allergies before getting started.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care?
A chiropractor can change your life in the following ways:
Managing chronic conditions
If you are suffering from recurring pains, chiropractic treatment can help you get pain-free. It can bring long-term benefits, which will also help in maintaining proper health and wellness.
Improving body function
Did you know that your pelvis controls the movement of everything from head to toes? If it is not aligned correctly, this could affect how well other parts of your body function. A chiropractor can help reposition your pelvis so you avoid chronic pain and other problems in the future.
Reducing stress levels
Almost everyone experiences some muscle tension or tightness associated with anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, headaches, low energy level and more. When you visit a chiropractic clinic, the doctor might recommend massage therapy to help you work through these issues.
Stopping pain at its source
Using chiropractic care, your doctor can locate and treat the cause of your condition rather than just providing temporary relief for symptoms or putting you on medications. This is why many patients experiencing chronic symptoms are advised to use chiropractic care as part of their treatment plan.
Conclusion
A chiropractor is an excellent option if you’re experiencing muscle or joint pain. So if you are suffering from nagging pains and want to avoid medications and surgery, chiropractic care is the right choice for you. Visit our chiropractic clinic in Portland, Backs on Burnside, to find out how we can help better your quality of life! We offer a variety of different services tailored to your needs.