After experiencing persistent neck pain and stiffness for several weeks, John started researching how chiropractic care could alleviate his symptoms. However, he was unsure how often he should see a chiropractor and what to expect from the treatment. John had heard that chiropractic care effectively treated severe pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Still, he didn’t know how often he would need to schedule appointments or how long the treatment would take to produce results.
But after one quick consultation with Dr. Doerr, John became one of the 35 million Americans seeking the help of a chiropractor each year! Now, he sees his chiropractor regularly enough to notice a consistent improvement in his neck pain. Not all patients require the same amount of care, which is why only talking to an expert chiropractor will help determine the right treatment plan for you. You’re one step away from being like John — pain-free!
Why Do People See Chiropractors?
We see chiropractors for various reasons, the most common including back or neck pain. Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those affecting the spine.
Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to spinal manipulation and other techniques to provide pain relief and improve the function of the musculoskeletal system. As a result, the body can heal itself, and by addressing the root cause of the problem, chiropractors help the body achieve healing.
In addition to back pain, neck pain, and headaches, we also see chiropractors for conditions such as sciatica, whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sports injuries. Chiropractic care is also a complementary physical therapy for other conditions like asthma, allergies, and digestive disorders!
Chiropractic care is considered safe and effective, but you must consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine if it is appropriate for your needs. If needed, chiropractors work with other healthcare providers to provide a comprehensive approach to patient care.
What is Chiropractic Maintenance Care?
Chiropractic maintenance care is an ongoing treatment plan designed to help maintain and improve spinal health even after the initial symptoms have been resolved. It involves regular visits to a chiropractor, typically once a month or every few months, to receive adjustments and other forms of necessary treatment.
The goal of chiropractic maintenance is to prevent the recurrence of pain and promote optimal function of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors believe that regular adjustments and other forms of care help correct spinal misalignments, improve joint mobility, and reduce muscle tension, thus preventing injuries and boosting overall health.
Chiropractic maintenance is often recommended for patients with chronic pain or recurrent musculoskeletal problems or those with physically demanding jobs or participating in high-impact sports. It is also commonly used as a preventive measure for patients who want to maintain their overall spinal health and wellness.
Chiropractic maintenance treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach and may not be appropriate for everyone. The frequency and type of treatment will vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and health goals. It is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if chiropractic maintenance treatment is appropriate for you!
How Often Should You Get a Chiropractic Adjustment?
The frequency with which you should see your chiropractor depends on your health goals. Chiropractic treatments are tailored to each patient, and the frequency of visits will depend on factors such as your condition’s severity, overall health, and your response to treatment.
For acute conditions, such as a recent injury or flare-up of a chronic condition, you may need to see your chiropractor more often — i.e., two to three times per week. Once your symptoms have improved, you can reduce the frequency of visits to once a week, then once every two weeks, and so on.
For chronic conditions, such as ongoing back or joint pain, you will benefit from regular ongoing chiropractic care — i.e., a month or every few months. Regular visits will help prevent flare-ups and maintain spinal health and function.
Ultimately, the frequency of visits to your chiropractor’s office depends on your health issues and goals. Your chiropractor will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and adjust the frequency of visits based on your progress.
Can You Go to the Chiropractor Too Much?
While considered safe and effective, chiropractic care can turn from friend to foe when done in excess, just like any other form of medical care. Excessive or unnecessary chiropractic treatment can lead to discomfort, pain, or injury.
The frequency of chiropractic visits should be based on your specific medical needs and should be determined during a chiropractic appointment. For example, for patients with acute conditions or injuries, more frequent adjustments may be necessary initially to help manage serious pain and promote healing. But for patients with chronic conditions, less frequent visits may be sufficient for maintaining proper health.
It is also essential to ensure that the chiropractor uses appropriate techniques and provides appropriate treatment. If a chiropractor uses overly aggressive or forceful techniques or provides unnecessary treatment, you will run a higher risk of injury or discomfort.
Communicate any pain or discomfort experienced during or after treatment with your chiropractor. They can adjust their techniques and treatment plan to ensure you receive the appropriate level of care!
How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Work?
Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are the primary treatment method chiropractors use to address musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in the spine. The aim of chiropractic adjustments is to correct spinal misalignments, improve joint mobility, and reduce muscle tension, thus working to relieve pain and other symptoms.
During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor uses their hands or a specialized instrument to apply a controlled force to a joint in the spine. This force involves a quick, low-impact thrust, or a slower, more gentle movement, depending on the patient’s specific needs.
The adjustment may result in a cracking or popping sound caused by the release of gas bubbles from the joints. This sound is not harmful and is similar to the one heard when cracking your knuckles.
Chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment and function to the joints and muscles of the spine. This process improves nerve function, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors use techniques such as soft tissue therapy, stretching, and exercise to address specific musculoskeletal conditions.
Ready for Excellent Chiropractic Care? Dr. Doerr Can Help!
At the Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Gregory Doerr, follows the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care and services in a comfortable healing atmosphere. Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic services! Our chiropractic offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD, areas. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic treatments!
References
- “Should You Keep Seeing a Chiropractor When Your Pain Is Gone?” Active Health KC, 19 May 2020, activehealthkc.com/chiropractic-maintenance-care/. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.
- Smith, Laura. “25 Chiropractic Statistics (and Facts): Crunching the Numbers.” The Good Body, www.thegoodbody.com/chiropractic-statistics-facts/. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.
