How Often Should You Go To A Chiropractor

Chiropractors have been around for a long time and they’ve developed many different techniques over the years. The one thing that hasn’t changed much is their dedication to helping their patients heal themselves naturally through spinal adjustments.
When you go in for an appointment with a chiropractor, it’s not uncommon to find yourself feeling sore or stiff after your session. If you’re experiencing this problem then chances are that you’ll want to continue going back every week because you feel like you really need the help. However, if you’re able to walk out of the office without any discomfort than there may not be a reason to keep up with that schedule. In fact, sometimes it might even be more comfortable for you to cut down on the number of times you visit per month.
If you ask around about how often you should see a chiropractor, you might hear something along the lines of “once per week” or “every two weeks.” While these recommendations can certainly be helpful, they aren’t necessarily the best ones. It all depends upon what type of person you are and what kind of health issues you’re dealing with. Here at MUO, we talk quite a bit about chiropractic care, so I wanted to take the opportunity today to offer a few tips on when you should visit your chiropractor.
The Frequency Of Your Visits To The Chiropractor Will Depend On What Your Specific Needs Are
It’s true that there isn’t always a set answer to this question. As mentioned previously, the frequency of your appointments will vary from patient to patient depending on your particular situation. Some people could use weekly treatments while others would do fine with monthly visits. You will also probably want to consider your overall lifestyle and medical history when determining how frequently you should visit your chiropractor.
For example, if you live an active lifestyle and regularly participate in sports or exercise activities then you might want to consult with a chiropractor who specializes in injury prevention rather than someone who focuses primarily on pain relief. Similarly, if you suffer from allergies or asthma problems then you might find that visiting once per month instead of twice per week will make things easier for you.
Another factor to consider is whether you have insurance coverage for chiropractic services. Most insurance companies cover these types of services but some only provide partial coverage. Again, you will want to speak to your doctor about this before making any decisions.
In addition to considering the frequency of your treatment plan, you will also want to think about the amount of time needed between each visit. This is where scheduling becomes important. How long does it usually take for a muscle to become adjusted? Is your body capable of healing itself enough such that you don’t need frequent visits to the chiropractor? These questions will play a big part in deciding how often you should come in.
Some people might suggest that you see a chiropractor once every couple of months. That way, by the end of the year you’d have had six visits total. Others might recommend that you schedule appointments every three months. By doing this, you give your body adequate time to heal without having to wait too long to get another session.
You will also want to pay attention to your lifestyle during this period. If you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, you should avoid them prior to your next appointment. Smoking and drinking coffee can cause dehydration which can prevent the growth of healthy cells. Also, if you’re working or studying hard, try to relax and unwind a little before your next appointment.
Finally, you might want to consider the cost of your chiropractor. Are you paying full price or taking advantage of discounts? Some chiropractors will charge less if you agree to multiple visits within a certain timeframe (such as four visits in eight weeks). They believe that this helps reduce your overall costs since you won’t need to keep coming into the office as often.
So now that you understand the factors involved in how often you should visit the chiropractor, let’s take a look at a real life scenario. Last summer my wife was pregnant with our second child. We were excited to welcome our new baby boy into the world and decided to start planning his nursery right away. When we went to pick out paint colors for the walls, however, we found ourselves running into a wall.
Our local hospital didn’t allow pregnant women to receive chiropractic adjustments. So we called up our local chiropractor and explained the situation. He told us that he rarely saw pregnant women anymore due to the nature of the practice. Instead, he recommended that we switch doctors to an orthopedist who specialized in treating pregnant women. Fortunately, we were able to locate a good doctor near us in nearby Olympia, Washington.
We ended up switching chiropractors and seeing him every two weeks. My wife felt much better afterward, especially when she started walking again. Because her pregnancy was uncomplicated, she experienced no complications whatsoever. Now both of our boys are happy and thriving.
Don’t Let An Illness Stop You From Getting Better!
I hope that sharing this story has helped shed light on when you should see the chiropractor. Obviously, everyone’s case is unique and there isn’t one single correct answer. But if you’re facing chronic pain or suffering from an illness, remember that you shouldn’t stop trying to improve your condition until you see a specialist. Don’t let your illness stop you from getting better! Find a practitioner who understands your specific needs and treat yourself accordingly.
Have you ever visited a chiropractor? Do you find it useful? Share your experiences in the comments section below.