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How Often Should I See a Chiropractor?
According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the average number of annual visits to a chiropractor per patient is 8. Because of the hands-on nature chiropractic treatment, a patient must be in a chiropractor's office to be treated, and often must make multiple visits before results are attained.
The number of times that you must visit your chiropractor's office really depends on your body. If you see a chiropractor for an acute injury, it make only take a couple of visits for your treatment to be complete. In some cases however, it is necessary to make regular visits and get regular body adjustments in order to maintain proper function and prevent injuries or pain in the first place.
According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, clinical research has demonstrated that people with chronic health conditions such as osteoarthritis, recurrent back and neck pain and headaches experienced a decrease in the frequency and intensity of symptoms when under regular chiropractic care. This may also apply to people living in high stress conditions or those who experience regular physical or postural strain from their daily activities (ie. physical labor or athletic training).
You must decide what exactly you want to get out of your chiropractic visits - do you simply want to fix a current problem, or do you also want more of a preventative approach to your health? For some people, chiropractic treatment is like a regular check-up, to help deal with the daily wear and tear of life, work, or training. For others, it's simply an effective treatment when pain or discomfort strikes. Once you have decided this, you can consult your chiropractor and discuss a treatment plan that's best for your needs.
Stages of Care
According to the Ontario Chiropractic Association, there are several stages of care associated with chiropractic. The stage you fit into will have a large impact on how often you must visit your chiropractor.
1. Relief Care
This is often the first or initial reason for seeking out chiropractic care. It provides an immediate relief of pain, restricted mobility and discomfort. Depending on your diagnosis, age, physical condition, previous injuries, and how long you have experienced the current complaint, it may be necessary to make a few or many visits to your chiropractor over a relatively short period of time.
2. Corrective Care
This type of care often occurs after relief care. It treats conditions that are more severe, recurrent, or have existed (with or without pain) for a long time. These conditions may require longer and more complex care. Once the severity of your condition has decreased through relief care, corrective care helps restore normal function to your spine, muscles, supporting tissues, and the nerves affected by them.
3. Supportive/Maintenance Care
This type of care occurs after the relief and corrective cares stages, to help maintain and preserve the benefits you've achieved. Chiropractors are also able to detect new conditions in their early stages, often before you feel pain or restricted mobility. Maintaining regular visits with your chiropractor will ensure a healthy spine and body, Your chiropractor can work with you to determine a maintenance schedule that is appropriate given your condition, healthcare goals, and lifestyle.