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How Often Should You See a Chiropractor for Preventative Care?

Chiropractic care is not just for those experiencing acute pain or recovering from an injury. Many people visit chiropractors regularly as a form of preventative care to maintain overall wellness and prevent future issues.

The optimal frequency of chiropractic visits will vary according to individual health needs. By understanding the guidelines discussed below, you should be able to make an informed decision about your healthcare routine.

How Often Should You Go To The Chiropractor?

So, how often should you go to the chiropractor? The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your current health status, pre-existing conditions, and your goals for chiropractic care (How Often Should Someone Get A Chiropractic Adjustment?).

Whether you’re dealing with minor discomfort, chronic pain, or simply looking to maintain optimal body function, chiropractors can help with a suitable care plan.

Minor Pain

If you’re experiencing minor discomfort or the occasional ache, your chiropractor may recommend visiting once or twice a month for maintenance chiropractic care. This frequency helps keep your spine aligned and prevents minor issues from developing into more serious problems.

You might schedule more frequent appointments when experiencing a specific flare-up or discomfort, but once the pain has eased and function has been improved, your visits can become less frequent.

For example, if you work a desk job and experience mild neck or back stiffness from poor posture, regular adjustments can help relieve tension and improve alignment before the symptoms worsen.

Intense Or Chronic Pain

For more intense or chronic pain, the frequency of your chiropractic visits will likely be high at the start of your treatment.

Conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, or long-term back pain require more intensive care. In such cases, your chiropractor may recommend seeing you several times a week for a few weeks (or until the pain becomes manageable).

As the pain decreases and your body responds to the adjustments, the frequency of your visits will decrease. Eventually, you will move into a maintenance phase, where the frequency of your visits will decrease to once or twice a month.

This consistent but less frequent care ensures that your body stays in alignment, preventing any relapse.

What To Expect From Your Visit To Synergy Chiropractic Clinic

First Visit

A new patient appointment at Synergy costs £90 (New Patient Appointment). This basic cost includes your consultation, examination, and report.

Your first visit will primarily be concerned with understanding your symptoms and health history. We will ask about your pain, previous injuries, lifestyle habits, and any ongoing health concerns.

Your chiropractor will then perform an initial assessment, which will include a physical examination, and possibly some diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays).

From this initial assessment, we will create a personalised care plan. The expected frequency of your visits, which is dependent on the severity of your pain or discomfort, will be outlined to you at this point.

Second Visit

Your first treatment session will usually begin on your second visit.

Subsequent Visits

From this point forward, we will follow the schedule outlined in your personalised care plan. The frequency of visits will eventually be reduced as you respond to treatment. At some point, we expect to reach a phase where only maintenance care is required. This typically requires 1 or 2 visits per month.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Work

Chiropractic adjustments are designed to realign your spine and restore proper joint function. Spinal misalignments, sometimes called subluxations, can place pressure on your nerves, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and other health issues.

During an adjustment, your chiropractor will use a controlled force to precisely treat these misalignments. These adjustments realign the spine, restore spinal function, and help your body to heal itself.

Adjustments are typically quick and painless, although you may feel some mild soreness afterwards as your body adapts to the new alignment. During the adjustment, you may hear a “pop” or “crack,” which is simply the release of gas from the joints.

Benefits Of Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic care offers numerous benefits beyond pain relief. Regular adjustments can help improve posture, increase flexibility, and enhance mobility. By keeping your spine properly aligned, you can reduce strain on the muscles and joints, improve overall function, and prevent future injuries.

For those suffering from chronic conditions, maintenance chiropractic care helps to manage symptoms and maintain long-term relief. Regular care can also boost your immune system, support healthy digestion, and improve your quality of sleep.

Many patients also report a general sense of well-being, reduced stress levels, and greater energy with maintenance chiropractic care.

Signs Someone Needs A Chiropractic Adjustment

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to visit a chiropractor, there are several signs to look out for:

  • Persistent or recurring back, neck, or joint pain
  • Stiffness or muscle tightness, especially after periods of inactivity
  • Reduced range of motion in your neck, back, or limbs
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Poor posture, such as slouching or forward head posture
  • Feeling off-balance or having difficulty with coordination
  • Recent injury or trauma

Even if you’re not experiencing these symptoms, regular chiropractic visits can help detect minor issues before they become major problems.

What Happens When You Skip Regular Chiropractic Visits?

Skipping regular chiropractic visits, especially if you’ve been on a treatment plan for a specific condition, can cause regression in your progress. Your body may gradually return to its previous misaligned state, causing pain or discomfort to reemerge.

For those with chronic pain, missing visits can prolong the healing process and prevent you from maintaining the improvements you’ve gained.

On the other hand, maintenance care, even when you’re feeling better, helps keep your spine and joints functioning properly. These regular visits help reduce the risk of future injuries, maintain mobility, and prevent minor aches from turning into major discomfort.

Conclusion: How Often Should You See A Chiropractor For Preventative Care?

The frequency of chiropractic care will always depend on your individual needs, but a general guideline is to visit your chiropractor once or twice a month for maintenance chiropractic care. This regular care routine keeps your spine aligned, prevents pain from returning, and supports overall health.

By working closely with a chiropractor and following a suitable care plan, you can enjoy the long-term benefits of chiropractic adjustments, whether you’re dealing with minor discomfort or managing chronic pain.

Remember, the key to effective preventative care is consistency—maintaining regular visits, even once the pain has eased and function has been improved, is crucial to keeping your body in optimal shape.

If you’ve been skipping your visits or haven’t seen a chiropractor before, consider booking an appointment to ensure your spine stays healthy and you continue to feel your best.

Lee Taylor DC MChiro LRCC

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