Before visiting a chiropractor, it is important to understand what to expect. Many people who deal with chronic neck or back pain consider seeing a chiropractor. They provide complementary healthcare where they make adjustments to the spinal column to bring it into alignment. It’s important to note that they are not medical doctors but they can help treat pain or other conditions that affect your muscles and bones.
Chiropractors treat joints, muscles, and muscle attachments
Chiropractors will be able to help people who suffer from muscle pain, tendon pain, and even joint pains. Many people originally make an appointment with a chiropractor to treat their neck or back pain. The hands-on care allows them to manipulate the bones and joints to create more alignment in the body.
They focus on using controlled force to create more movement in your joints and realign your spine. They do not prescribe drugs or medications. They may offer lifestyle counseling or exercise advice to ensure you maintain your alignment after the appointment. They can also treat referred pain. However, they work best for people who suffer from joint problems in the arms or legs, back pain, headaches, whiplash, and neck pain.
Chiropractors Have Training and Edcuation
Chiropractors are often doctors of chiropractic meaning they need to attend college and take a premedical route. They then have to go to a chiropractic college for up to 5 years. The studies they are required to take include bone disorders, nervous system disorders, manipulations, X-rays, anatomy, and exercise therapy. Many also study nutrition. They have to pass a national exam after they have finished studying at the accredited chiropractic college. They will then have a license to practice in their state.
You’ll Do a Physical Exam Before Your First Appointment
The chiropractor you see will often ask you questions about your problem before performing any adjustments. The start of your visit will be filled with a physical exam and possible X-rays or laboratory tests. They might require you to see a different kind of doctor if your ailment isn’t suitable for chiropractic care. However, if spinal manipulation will help, you may get treated during your first appointment. They may ask you to return for more treatments depending on your condition. Don’t forget to ask your chiropractor how many visits you will need.
How Often Does a Spine Chiropractor Need to Manipulate Your Back for the Pain to Stay Away?
There’s no simple answer. There are many variables that need to be considered by the chiropractor to determine how often you will need treatment. The first thing that will need to be taken into account is what you’re receiving your care for. If you have neck or back pain, you may need more treatments than those who are using chiropractic care as preventative maintenance.
Adjustments for Neck & Back Pain
The most common reason people go to a chiropractor is to treat neck and back pain. Getting adjustments for these problems can require two visits a week for two to three weeks to get the pain under control if it is a disc-related issue. However, those who suffer from strains, sprains, or muscle spasms may only need an adjustment once or twice a week for a few weeks. Chiropractors will provide the best recommendation for the fastest possible recovery and they will often suggest a follow-up appointment to ensure the body responded well to the treatment.
Maintenance Adjustments
Another reason people visit a chiropractor is to prevent any injuries or misalignment in their spine. Many patients will get a preventative adjustment if they have completed a treatment plan or if they have a lifestyle that requires them to sit all day. People who are looking for maintenance treatment should consider their lifestyle to determine how often they want adjustments.
They need to understand what their body is doing for the majority of the day. Do they work at a desk all day looking at computer monitors? Do they lift heavy objects? Do they spend most of their time bent over? This all needs to be considered before determining a treatment plan. Those who have a low-stress lifestyle might only need treatment once a month. Those who have stressful jobs might want to get adjusted every two weeks.
Conclusion
If you are wondering how many treatments you will need to prevent further back pain, you should consider speaking to a licensed chiropractor. Call us today to learn more at 205-637-1363.
