There are many ways to improve your physical well-being, from eating a balanced diet to committing to a daily gym regimen that helps you shed fat and improve muscle tone. You may even schedule regular visits to your chiropractor to have your back adjusted, but how often is too often? Have you ever been told you are addicted to your chiropractor? If so, asking yourself a few common questions about your visits can set your mind at ease.
- Who Should Set the Pace of My Care?
You may have heard that chiropractors set up multiple appointments that keep you coming back for adjustments you might not need. However, in most cases, the patient has most of the control when it comes to how often he or she requires adjustments. Chiropractors and their patients generally set the pace together depending on how often the adjustments last and their patients’ pain levels, both of which can vary from case to case.
- Do Adjustments Cause an Addiction?
Some people believe that the adjustments performed by a chiropractor permanently change your spine and make your body dependent upon further treatment. This is generally false information and is perpetuated by those who do not understand the nature of chiropractic care. If you suffer from back pain and the adjustments relieve that pain, it is likely you will want to return for further care if and when that pain returns. However, it is unlikely that any adjustments trigger an addictive response in the brain or body.
- Am I Seeing a Chiropractor Too Often?
You may have been told by a friend or family member that you are addicted to chiropractic care and go much too often. However, since everyone goes to their chiropractor for different reasons, only you can decide how often care is needed. For example, if you experienced an injury earlier in life that gives you trouble now and is relieved with monthly adjustments, then these visits are likely sensible. If you are concerned about making too many appointments, then discuss the issue with your chiropractic center and fine tune your needs.
- Are Back and Joint Popping Addictive?
There are many myths related to joint and back popping or cracking. Some claim it can cause arthritis, while others assert that the feeling becomes addictive. Neither of these myths has been proven by medical fact, so you can make your next chiropractic appointment without having to worry about becoming addicted to the treatments.
Chiropractic care can be a non-addictive way to ease joint pain. Call your local chiropractor today for more information about available treatments, payment options and insurance requirements.
Source: Neck Pain Doctor Glen Burnie, MD, Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab and Chiropractic