How Often Should You Get Chiropractic Adjustments?

By Dr. Erik Simms

Chiropractic care involves a series of adjustments to the spine and other joints. The frequency of these adjustments depends on the individual patient’s needs. Some people may only need a few adjustments to relieve their pain, while others may need ongoing care to manage their pain.

Getting Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractic patients should consult with their practitioners to determine a personalized care regimen. The care schedule may fluctuate depending on the patient’s condition. Some lesser-known reasons to visit the chiropractor include maintaining alignment, preventing injury, and managing pain.

Chiropractic care is a form of natural pain relief that does not rely on medication. Instead, chiropractors use manual adjustments to improve joint function and relieve pain. Chiropractic care is often used to treat back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

This rule of thumb states that if you are experiencing back or neck pain, it will most likely subside within one day. If it does not, then you probably need an adjustment. Adjusting will help prevent further issues and keep your overall health strong.

3 Categories of Care

The frequency of chiropractic adjustments depends on the care category the patient falls into. Most patients start at an urgent stage and then transition to reparative or preventative care. The chiropractor will adjust the frequency of visits accordingly. 

  • Urgent Stage

Many people first visit a chiropractor when they are experiencing pain and need urgent care. This may require multiple visits per week. You may need more intensive treatment at first if you have experienced a recent injury, such as a fall or car accident. 

The chiropractor will evaluate your condition and create a care schedule that is right for you. Some injuries may only require a short period of corrective care, while others may need months of treatment.

Chiropractic patients move from the urgent stage of care when they no longer have symptoms to the ‘reparative’ stage. This is when insurance plans often cover chiropractic treatment. If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, your medical bills will likely be covered by your settlement.

  • Reparative Stage

A chiropractor addresses the root cause of a patient’s symptoms when in the reparative stage. This means that the chiropractor is working to prevent the symptoms from returning. Regular appointments are still important at this stage to make sure the patient does not experience any more discomfort.

  • Preventative Stage

After the chiropractor has figured out the source of the pain, they can start to focus on preventative care. This part of the treatment involves making sure the patient’s immune system is strong, and they are overall healthy. The chiropractor will recommend that the patient come in for regular, but not too frequent, appointments.

Conclusion

It is generally recommended that people receive chiropractic adjustments every four to six weeks to maintain optimal health and function. However, the frequency with which one receives adjustments may vary depending on individual needs and circumstances.  

Some people may need to receive adjustments more frequently, while others may only need them on an as-needed basis. Ultimately, it is important to work with a qualified chiropractor to determine the best frequency of adjustments for your individual needs. 

Triple Crown Chiropractic is Northern Kentucky’s premier chiropractic and wellness center, dedicated to helping our patients achieve total health. We offer various services to get you functioning at your best and create a treatment plan to maximize your health. We specialize in treating Sciatica, neck pain, and neck misalignment. If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Kentucky, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!

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