Back pain is an extremely common issue that affects millions of people. While there are many potential causes of back pain, misalignments in the spine called subluxations are a major contributing factor. Chiropractic adjustments are an effective way to correct these subluxations and provide relief from back pain.
But how often should you visit a chiropractor for adjustments? There is no universal answer, as the optimal frequency depends on the individual and the severity of their condition. However, there are general guidelines based on expert recommendations and scientific research that can help determine the best interval for chiropractic care.
What is Chiropractic Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a core treatment in chiropractic care. It aims to improve spinal alignment and restore mobility by applying controlled force to joints using the hands or a device. This is done to relieve pressure on nerves, restore range of motion, and reduce pain.
During an adjustment, the chiropractor will palpate along the spine to find areas of concern. Once the problematic segments are identified, the chiropractor will apply a quick, targeted force to move the joint into a better position.
There are many different adjustment techniques chiropractors may use including:
- Instrument adjustments: Uses a hand-held device that delivers force
- Manual adjustments: Uses the hands and body in different ways to apply force and move the joint
- Drop-table adjustments: Uses a special table that drops slightly to help mobilize the joint
- Activator adjustments: Uses a spring-loaded device to deliver a gentle impulse to the spine
Loud popping or cracking sounds are often associated with chiropractic adjustments but are not necessary to achieve results. The goal is to target areas of decreased mobility or irregular motion patterns to improve spinal function.
How Often Should You Get Adjusted?
There are many factors that determine how often someone should get their spine adjusted by a chiropractor including:
- Severity of symptoms: Those with intense, debilitating pain likely need more frequent adjustments.
- Cause of pain: The underlying condition contributing to the pain plays a role. Those with chronic conditions may need lifelong adjustments.
- Type of pain: Sharp, radiating pain may need urgent attention while aches may require less frequent adjustments.
- Time since onset: New injuries or pain may need more intensive early care to help the healing process.
- Age: Older individuals may not be able to tolerate frequent adjustments as well.
- Overall health: Compromised immune systems or conditions like osteoporosis are considerations.
While these factors mean frequency should be adapted to the individual, there are general recommendations based on scientific literature:
Acute Pain
For new onset, severe, or debilitating pain, the suggested frequency is:
- 3 visits per week for 1-2 weeks
- 2 visits per week for the following 2-3 weeks
- 1 visit per week until the pain resolves
Seeing a chiropractor multiple times per week can help speed recovery and relief. This intensity is often needed for short-term pain flares or new injuries.
Chronic Pain
For those with chronic back pain or long-standing spine conditions, the recommended frequency is:
- 1-2 visits per week for the first month
- 1 visit per week for the next month
- 1 visit every other week thereafter
Getting adjusted more regularly when beginning chiropractic care for chronic pain allows the body to respond and start healing. Spreading visits out over time can maintain improvement.
Maintenance Care
Some people get adjusted on an ongoing basis to promote spinal health. Recommended frequency for maintenance is:
- 1 visit per month
- 1 visit every 2 months
This maintenance helps maintain motion and alignment to prevent future problems. It may be enough for those with minor symptoms or previous injuries.
Maximum Benefits
To gain maximum benefits from chiropractic in terms of pain relief, improved function, and enhanced quality of life, the ideal frequency is:
- 3 visits per week for the first month
- 2 visits per week for the next few months
- 1 visit per week for several more months
- 1 visit every other week lifelong
While this intensive approach is not practical for everyone, getting adjusted up to 3 times per week followed by regular monthly visits can have profound impacts on back pain.
Factors That Influence Frequency
Along with the severity and cause of back pain symptoms, there are other important factors that help shape appropriate chiropractic visit frequency including:
Patient Lifestyle
A stressed, sedentary, or unhealthy lifestyle filled with poor ergonomics often means more frequent adjustments are needed. Making positive lifestyle changes like managing stress, exercising, using proper movements, and quitting smoking supports fewer chiropractic visits.
Body Mechanics
Proper body mechanics, posture, and movement patterns while performing daily and recreational activities helps maintain spinal alignment between visits. Poor mechanics and ergonomics exacerbate problems faster.
Type of Work
Occupations involving lots of sitting, repetitive movements, lifting, vibrations, or awkward positions may increase the forces placed on the back that lead to more frequent subluxations. Discussing workplace ergonomics with your chiropractor is important.
Diet
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet high in nutrients supports proper joint function and recovery from injuries and pain. Poor nutrition leads to accelerated spinal degeneration.
Exercise Routine
Having a consistent exercise program with flexibility, strength training, and cardiovascular work helps maintain range of motion and function between visits. Being sedentary and weak hastens the development of back pain.
Stress Levels
High stress speeds up spinal dysfunction and subluxation. Manage stress through lifestyle adaptations and mind-body practices to help chiropractic work better.
Supplements
Some supplements like glucosamine, turmeric, fish oil, and magnesium support joint and spinal health. Work with your chiropractor to see which supplements are right for optimizing your bone, muscle, and nerve function.
Sleep Patterns
Good sleep posture and getting adequate rest each night allows the body to heal faster. Poor sleep puts more demands on the back and causes pain to return sooner.
What Research Says on Adjustment Frequency
While more studies are still needed, current research provides some insights on appropriate chiropractic frequency:
- Most studies on chiropractic show patients being treated 1-3 times per week. Benefits have been demonstrated across this range.
- Trials show greater improvements in disability when patients are treated 3 times per week compared to once per week.
- Randomized trials find improvement in pain and function with as little as 6 total adjustments over 2-4 weeks.
- Studies report positive outcomes with maintenance schedules ranging from 1 visit every 2 weeks to 1 visit every 3 months.
- Research confirms even just a single chiropractic adjustment can provide instant benefits like increased mobility and reduced pain.
Overall, the bulk of the scientific evidence confirms more frequent chiropractic adjustments lead to faster, more substantial relief of back pain.
Discuss Frequency with Your Chiropractor
While the averages shows most people get between 12-20 chiropractic visits per year, the ideal frequency is extremely variable. The number of visits required depends on your specific spinal condition, lifestyle, and goals.
Some important questions to discuss with your chiropractor when determining the right frequency include:
- How severe are your symptoms?
- What is the nature and cause of your pain?
- What are your lifestyle, ergonomic, and health factors?
- How quickly and completely do you want to resolve symptoms?
- Are you looking for temporary relief or long-term care?
Being honest about your health history, symptoms, abilities, and goals will help identify the optimal chiropractic schedule.
Pay attention to how you feel between visits to gauge if you’re going too often or not enough. Ongoing communication with your chiropractor allows you to modify frequency as needed.
Example Adjustment Schedules
To understand how these recommendations might be applied, here are some examples of chiropractic frequencies for different patients:
Acute Low Back Pain
- 35-year old man with sudden low back pain after lifting heavy box at work
- 3 visits per week for 2 weeks, 2 visits per week for 2 more weeks, 1 visit per week for 1 month = 14 visits over 2 months
Chronic Neck Arthritis
- 63-year old woman with neck pain and stiffness from degenerative arthritis for 5 years
- 2 visits per week for 1 month, 1 visit per week for 2 months, 1 visit every other week ongoing = 30+ visits per year
Maintenance Care
- 27-year old man with previous history of low back injury 2 years ago
- 1 visit per month lifelong for optimal spinal health = 12 visits per year
Use Progress Exams to Guide Frequency
Your chiropractor should perform periodic progress exams to assess how you’re responding to care. These may include pain scales, range of motion tests, orthopedic assessments, muscle strength tests, and neurologic exams.
The results of these exams compared with initial findings help determine if current frequency should be maintained or altered. Progress is expected with ongoing chiropractic treatment.
Positive Signs Indicating Adjustment Frequency is Adequate:
- Reduced pain levels
- Improved spinal motion
- Decreased muscle tension
- Enhanced function and ability to perform daily activities
- Increased exercise capacity and performance
- Improved posture and gait
- Better sleep quality and energy levels
Negative Signs Indicating Adjustment Frequency Should Be Increased:
- Unchanged or worsening pain
- Continued movement restrictions
- Ongoing numbness or tingling
- No difference in muscle tension
- Limited improvement in daily function
- Needed frequent use of medications, ice or heat
The results of re-examination help shape the chiropractic plan moving forward.
Look for These Signs You’re Going Too Often
While under-treatment is more common, it is possible to get adjusted too frequently. Signs you may be going more than needed include:
- Symptoms completely resolved
- No perceived added benefits with increased frequency
- Progress exam findings all normal
- Regular worsening of symptoms after visits
- Dependence on constant adjustments
- Do not feel adjustment at all, like body is “used to it”
Discuss spacing out your visits with your chiropractor if you notice these patterns emerging.
Risks of Over-Adjusting
While rare, there are some risks associated with getting adjusted too frequently. These include:
- Joint and ligament laxity – Too much movement at a joint can damage its integrity.
- Disc injury – Excessive adjustment may place strain on intervertebral discs.
- Bone and joint inflammation – Constant adjustment can inflame local tissues.
- Stroke – If neck adjusted too aggressively, arteries can tear, releasing clots.
- Spinal instability – High frequencies may weaken spinal stabilizers.
- Localized pain – Frequent adjustment of one area can cause soreness.
Your chiropractor will monitor for any side effects and adjust approach as needed.
Cost Considerations
Getting adjusted too frequently also comes with increased financial costs. Most insurance plans limit the number of chiropractic visits covered per year, often to 20 or fewer. More visits mean higher out-of-pocket costs.
When paying cash, more visits equal greater expenses for you. Discussing budget with your chiropractor can help plan an optimal schedule.
| Frequency | Estimated Yearly Cost |
|---|---|
| 3x per week | $4,000-$6,000+ |
| 2x per week | $2,500-$4,000 |
| 1x per week | $1,500-$2,500 |
| 2x per month | $1,000-$1,500 |
| 1x per month | $500-$1,000 |
The goal is to use the clinically appropriate frequency while avoiding unnecessary costs.
Take Home Points
Determining optimum chiropractic adjustment frequency involves balancing clinical needs, response to care, lifestyle factors, and costs. Keep these key points in mind:
- More acute, painful conditions often require multiple weekly visits initially.
- Chronic conditions may start with higher frequencies before spreading to maintenance.
- Exams help identify if more, less, or the same frequency is needed.
- Lifestyle changes support longer time between visits.
- Discomfort after adjustment can mean spacing them out more.
- Have open discussions with your chiropractor regarding frequency.
- Allow time for your body to respond before altering schedule.
- The ultimate goal is the least visits needed to get the best results.
The Bottom Line
While some people do best with more frequent chiropractic adjustments, the ultimate goal should be the fewest visits needed to achieve maximum benefits. This prevent over-treatment, side effects, and unnecessary expense.
Being patient, making healthy lifestyle adaptations, communicating honestly with your chiropractor, and tracking progress are key to finding your optimal frequency.
With the right schedule tailored to you, chiropractic adjustments can provide profound relief from back pain and help you thrive for years to come.