“How often should I get an adjustment?”

I get asked this question frequently. My answer varies from time to time, but usually sounds like this. “It depends. Everyone is different.” What do I mean by this answer? Let’s break it down…

Chiropractic care is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ healthcare model. By this I mean, not everyone is the same, has the same job, does the same activity (or inactivity), etc. Therefore, each person may need a different approach, adjustment, treatment plan, etc.

So here is my simplified wellness approach:

Ages 0-5 years: Quarterly (every 3 months/4x per year)

• This age group is developing at a fast pace (physically and mentally). It is important to ensure that kids are reaching their milestones and are not becoming developmentally delayed (thus, putting them at a higher risk of being uncoordinated, or developing ADHD, ADD, ASD, etc.). This age group is also an active one; full of falling downs, wrestling, and bumps and bruises. In fact, studies show that approximately 80% of newborns have a spinal misalignment immediately following the birth process. These little ones respond very quickly to chiropractic care.

Ages 5-18 years: Quarterly (every 3 months/4x per year)

• This age group is “supposed to be” an active one. With kids sitting in school for long periods of time, P.E. being cut out of a lot of public schools, and sports only being offered to a limited group of students, chiropractic care is a must. Whether your child is sediment (forming poor postural habits) OR athletic (being plagued by sports injuries), it is better to address these issues early on before they become chronic.

Ages 18+: Monthly – Quarterly

• Frequency of visits in this age group varies widely, and is mostly dependent on their activity/career. People who sit for extended periods throughout the day will usually have poor postural habits that lead to pain (M-Q). Those with a more active lifestyle are at a higher risk of traumatic injuries that cause pain (Q). Young parents are likely to have both traumatic injuries and poor postural habits (M). The older population is likely to be sediment and have other complicating factors like chronic diseases that will prolong healing (M).

Health Saving Tip: See your chiropractor as soon as the signs and symptoms appear. Do NOT wait to see if they go away on their own.  *The brain will adapt > relieving the pain without removing the problem > creating a muscle imbalance (weak, tight, or tender muscles) > creates joint misalignment > allows for improper motion > arthritis and degeneration of the joint.

Money Saving Tip: Bigger Problems = Longer Treatment = More Expensive.