Chiropractic Adjustments: How Many Do You Need?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

Chiropractic is very popular these days...as it should be. After all...chiropractors don't use drugs...we don't do surgery...and we have a very high patient satisfaction rate as a profession.

But the thing is...there are hundreds of chiropractic techniques out there...each of them having their own treatment protocols. Some chiropractic patients only see their patients a few times...other doctors require hundreds of visits for maximum correction...and everything in between.

So...how do you decide? Well, just like you decide on anything...you educate yourself. And, you listen to what close friends and relatives have to say about chiropractors that they have had a good experience with. You try to find a chiropractor that has a message that makes sense to you.

Personally, I like the internet because I can research health care providers before I see them. or refer to them. I can go to their websites or read their blogs and see if we have anything in common. Since I am a Vegan...I look for other Vegans...but I don't rule a doctor out because of what they eat.

Anyway, getting back to the subject matter...How many chiropractic adjustments should you need? 

My opinion is...it should depend on how old you are. How much spinal degeneration you have. What your posture looks like and your spinal range of motion. And what your overall level of conditioning is. And...are there any complicating factors like scoliosis, herniated discs, obesity, or fibromyalgia. Everyone is different. I also want to know what the objective is..does the patient just want pain relief. Or does the patient want to correct the problem, which would take longer...and be more permanent.

If pain relief only is the goal...maybe 8-12 sessions would do the trick. If spinal correction is the goal, than anywhere from 20-60 visits over the course of 2-6 months. My typical treatment plan is 18-24 visits. I used to do a lot more long term spinal correction, but this is where we are now...because this visit range is what my patients want.

Then, we encourage patients to come for a check-up every 30-60 days...because life in general causes what we treat. This is called maintenance care...kind of like getting your oil changed. You do it even if you are not in pain. Just like you change your oil even though the car is running OK...it helps to keep it that way.

Or, you can just come on down if you feel you need an adjustment. This works well too. Hey, anything is better than just leaving the spine unchecked and out of alignment. This leads to early spinal decay and potential herniated discs down the road.

So, do your homework...maybe go in for a complimentary consultation if the chiropractor offers this...and decide for yourself. That's what I would do.

If you live or work in San Francisco and would like to find out if you are a candidate for care at our Financial District Back and Wrist Pain Center...please fill out our online appointment request form and we will contact you right away for a complimentary consultation. 

For a Free Copy of The Report On Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression that everybody is talking about...goto www.SanFranciscoSpinalDecompression.com. 

Comments

[hey]

Our goal is to educate the community on how you can reduce stress and live a happier and healthier lifestyle through the benefits of wellness chiropractic care. We plan to publish our latest research on wellness chiropractic and sports topics. And, we also wanted to create a place where you could leave us your comments and start a conversation!

[chicago chiropractor]

This article answers my questions. How many adjustments do I need? Now I know what to do if I am going to a chiropractic clinic.

[Chiropractor Hove]

How many adjustments do you need is an interesting question and one that you will find has many different answers as it all depends on your belief system.
We are a Chiropractic family and our five children were all born at home and have been raised with the natural first philosophy. All the children received their first adjustment during their first day on this planet. These same children are now 21, 24, 26, 27, and 30 years old and they have had a weekly adjustment since the day they were born and they have never been to a medical doctor. I think this tells it's own story - do you want a nervous system free of interference?? That determines how often you should see your chiropractor, but remember subluxations are often painless, so you wouldn't know you had them. A chiropractor knows, though. Give you health a chance!

[Dr. Chad Woolner]

Great post! I am a Boise Chiropractor and this question is one that comes up quite a bit. You have presented a very well thought out and rational approach towards answering it. Thanks again!