When Can You Stop Seeing a Chiropractor?

An estimated 35 million Americans go to chiropractors for pain management every year. Through spinal manipulation, these alternative medicine clinicians treat ailments of the musculoskeletal system. Typically, chiropractors will put patients on a recurring adjustment schedule, whether for healing or maintenance. 

If you’re seeing a chiropractor, when do you know that you’re safe to take a break from treatment? First, you should determine why you wanted to see a chiropractor in the first place. People typically seek chiropractic care for one of three reasons. 

Chronic Pain

Some people experience intense pain that makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as working, walking and sleeping. This pain, which requires urgent care, is usually due to car accidents, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, whiplash or herniated discs.

When you first visit a chiropractor to treat your severe pain, you will typically go multiple times per week for several months. As your condition improves, your treatment plan will change, and you’ll likely need weekly appointments until you move into the maintenance phase. 

You will probably experience some relief in the first few weeks, but it’s essential to continue with your treatment so that your pain doesn’t come back. Often, people with chronic pain will benefit from seeing a chiropractor like one at AmeriWell Clinics for their whole lives, even if they go just once per month.

Mild Pain 

Many people visit the chiropractor for pain that comes and goes. Discomfort like this is typically due to strain or incorrect posture. If you experience mild pain in your neck or back, you understand that it can be uncomfortable and hard to live with. Luckily, an adjustment or two may be all it takes for you to start feeling better. Following the chiropractor’s tips on stretching and ensuring that your work environment is ergonomic can prevent further strain. 

Maintenance

As a way to avoid further injury, some people see a chiropractor even when they don’t experience any pain. If you’re in this category, you can visit the chiropractor infrequently and only when you feel the need, whether that be once per month or every three months. 

If you’re not sure when you can stop your chiropractic treatment, talk to your chiropractor for guidance. He or she should put you on an individualized treatment plan that tapers down to the maintenance phase at a time appropriate for your injuries. Also, listen to your body. You may heal much faster than expected, which means you can start seeing the chiropractor less frequently.