Common chiropractic adjustment frequencies To achieve maximum benefits, most types of injuries and pain will require four to twelve sessions. Ongoing maintenance is used to prevent pain from returning and to prevent additional injuries from forming due to spinal misalignment. There is no simple, universal answer to the question of how often a person should undergo a chiropractic adjustment. The individual needs and general health of each person must be taken into account.
That said, a short and reasonable answer to this question is “whenever you have developed spinal misalignment.” However, knowing when this happened (since a subluxation can be completely painless) can be difficult. A good rule of thumb is the rule of the day. If you have back or neck pain, does it go away in a day? It probably doesn't need an adjustment. If it persists, you probably should.
In addition, making an adjustment to correct this cause of persistent pain prevents long-term problems and keeps your overall health strong. The frequency of visits to the chiropractor will depend on your specific needs. For some people, weekly sessions will be the most beneficial. For others, bi-monthly consultations will work just as well.
You'll need to incorporate other routines to get the most benefit. Keep in mind that you'll need more care if you have severe pain, so your chiropractor may recommend weekly and biweekly visits. Then, the frequency may decrease once your condition improves. While costs vary by location, it's important to remember that chiropractic care is an investment in your health.
Some patients, such as those undergoing cancer treatments, seek chiropractic care to treat intercurrent pain or “exacerbations” of pain. Chiropractic patients move on from the emergency stage when they no longer have symptoms and begin their “restorative” care. If a patient is concerned that they will see their chiropractic doctor too often or too little, they should start a conversation regarding their care schedule. Fortunately, people with these conditions can treat their attacks with chiropractic care appointments.
The reason a patient seeks chiropractic care is another determining factor in the number and frequency of their appointments. New patients will first be evaluated by a chiropractic doctor to determine an appropriate care program for their condition or injury.
