There are varying public views on, and perceptions of, chiropractic care.
Some people fear that once they start chiropractic care they must continue getting treatments, and paying for them, indefinitely.
Some expect to eventually stop benefiting from chiropractic care.
And some believe one visit is all they need.
The truth is more nuanced.
The reality of chiropractic is that the frequency of visits and duration of care varies from one person to the next depending on the type of pain needing treatment.
A single visit typically is no longer than 15 minutes, making chiropractic care a comfortable fit with any schedule.
Treatment for a chronic condition can be much different from that used for acute pain resulting from a recent injury. You would work with your chiropractor, such as one of the licensed health care professionals at O’Dell Family Chiropractic, to design a treatment plan for your individual needs.
Should you seek chiropractic care? If you do, what can you expect? How often must you go, and for how long?
What is a chiropractor?
Let’s start with the basics. Chiropractors are trained medical professionals who use spinal manipulation to reduce pain stemming from the neuromusculoskeletal system, including soft tissues and muscles. Rather than offering medical advice like a traditional doctor, they focus on designing treatment plans that reduce pain and increase range of motion.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments are procedures wherein chiropractors use their hands (or small instruments) to apply a sudden and controlled force to a patient’s spinal joint. The goal of the procedure—called spinal manipulation—is to increase spinal mobility and ensure the body’s musculoskeletal structure is aligned correctly. Proper alignment helps reduce pain and the risk of reinjury in the future.
While targeted chiropractic adjustments often improve spinal alignment since pain often stems from spinal misalignment, your chiropractor may suggest a full-body chiropractic adjustment.
Full-body chiropractic adjustments involve body parts in addition to the spine, even if those parts don’t appear to be the source of pain.
How is the frequency of chiropractic visits determined?
You and your chiropractor determine how often you will visit as part of your personalized care plan. Most treatment plans progress from a higher to a lower frequency of adjustments as treatment transitions from repair to maintenance.
Most patients need four to 12 sessions to obtain maximum alignment and reduction of symptoms. The maintenance stage then prevents pain from returning and reduces the risk of additional injury.
Here is a sample treatment plan for a neck injury caused by a car accident:
- Weeks one and two: three to four adjustments (appointments) weekly
- Weeks three through 10: two to three adjustments weekly
- Weeks 10 and beyond: one adjustment weekly or semi-weekly for maintenance
Each adjustment is much less time-consuming than a typical doctor’s appointment. The first, which takes up to 29 minutes, is the longest, as it includes physical exams and a discussion with your chiropractor about your care plan.
As your pain is reduced, the length of each appointment will shrink, with most sessions lasting about 10 minutes. In the maintenance stage that follows, adjustments last only about five minutes each.
Should I go to a chiropractor?
With 77% of people who received chiropractic care describing it as “very effective” in reducing pain, there’s no reason not to at least consult with a chiropractor about your options. Whether you’re suffering from acute pain stemming from an injury or chronic pain that comes and goes or persists continuously, chiropractic care can help treat the underlying cause of your pain and get you back to business-as-usual, as soon as possible.
Furthermore, chiropractic care is a natural and non-invasive treatment. It is an alternative to pain medication, which only masks the pain and can lead to worse symptoms or dependency, and to surgery, which can take much longer to recover from or even hinder full recovery.
Chiropractic care addresses the root of your pain and focuses on returning your body to its natural state.
So don’t worry about your treatment plan or how frequently you’ll need adjustments. At O’Dell Family Chiropractic, we offer an initial discussion with NO OBLIGATION! Fill out this form or call us, at (585) 671-9210, to start your inquiry today.
What’s more? We’re offering initial assessments to new patients at an 82% discount, for only $37!
