How Often Should You Get a Chiropractic Adjustment?

If you're experiencing chronic pain or just want to stay proactive about your health, you might wonder: How often should you get a chiropractic adjustment?

The answer depends on various factors, such as your current pain level, lifestyle, and personal health goals.

We create personalized treatment plans to ensure you get the right balance of chiropractic care to feel your best.

Whether you’re dealing with acute injuries, managing chronic pain, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, let's explore how often you should get adjustments to optimize your well-being.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Work

Chiropractic care begins with a thorough evaluation of your condition, including a review of your medical history and any diagnostic reports, such as X-rays or MRIs. For added precision, our clinic offers on-site digital X-rays.

Once the evaluation is complete, your chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs, typically involving chiropractic adjustments. These adjustments help realign your musculoskeletal system to reduce pain and improve mobility.

During treatment, you’ll be positioned comfortably on padded tables, and the chiropractor will apply controlled pressure to realign your spine and joints. The amount of force used varies based on your condition, age, and pain level.

A popping sound may occur during the adjustment—this is simply gas being released from the joints.

Chiropractic adjustments, performed by a licensed professional, promote relief and better function.

How Often Should You See a Chiropractor?

The frequency of chiropractic adjustments depends on your specific needs, health goals, and lifestyle.

Here’s how different factors play into your personalized care plan:

Acute vs. Chronic Pain

• Acute Pain: If you’ve sustained a recent injury, such as from sports or an accident, you may need 2–3 adjustments per week for the first 4–6 weeks. This helps manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
• Chronic Pain: For ongoing issues like chronic back or neck pain, weekly or bi-weekly adjustments are recommended at first, with frequency decreasing as your condition improves.

Preventative Care

Chiropractic care isn’t just for when you’re in pain. Many patients choose monthly or bi-monthly adjustments to maintain their spinal health and prevent future problems. For some, 6–8 weeks between appointments may suffice to ensure long-term well-being.

Lifestyle Factors

Your activity level plays a significant role in determining how often you need care:

• Athletes or Active Individuals: Those who lead active or physically demanding lifestyles might benefit from 2–4 adjustments per month to maintain joint alignment and prevent injuries.
• Sedentary Lifestyles: Even if you’re not physically active, regular adjustments can help prevent issues like poor posture or pain from prolonged sitting. Periodic check-ups can help keep your spine aligned.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Every patient is different, and chiropractic care should be tailored to your unique needs. Dr. Murdock will assess your condition, pain level, and lifestyle during your consultation to create a personalized treatment plan.

Whether you’re managing acute or chronic pain, or simply seeking preventive care, we’ll ensure that your adjustment schedule supports your overall health.

As your body heals and stabilizes, the number of adjustments will likely decrease. Some patients only need once or twice a month, while others may visit just a few times a year for maintenance.

Real Patients, Real Results

Patients in Santa Rosa Beach trust Dr. Murdock for his expertise and personalized approach. Here's what one of our regular chiropractic patients, Kianna, had to say:

"Best chiropractor I’ve ever been to. Dr Murdock is so kind and made me feel very comfortable. He took his time to get to know the needs for my back and neck without just going in and adjusting me right off the bat. This family is genuinely so welcoming and deserve all the stars."

Chiropractic care isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about staying healthy long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Adjustments