One of the most common questions people ask is:
“How often should I see a chiropractor?”
The answer depends on your goals – whether you’re seeking help for pain relief or you’re looking to maintain your spinal health and prevent future problems. Everyone’s body and lifestyle are a little different, so the ideal frequency can vary, but here’s a general guide to help you understand what to expect.
1. When You’re in Pain: The Initial Phase
If you’re visiting a chiropractor because you’re in pain, whether it’s back pain, neck tension, sciatica, or a recent injury; your care will likely begin with a shorter-term, more frequent schedule.
In this relief or acute care phase, the goal is to:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Improve mobility
- Begin correcting the underlying problem
Many people start with 1-2 visits per week for the first few weeks. As symptoms improve, we will reduce the frequency of appointments – moving to once a week or every other week as your body begins to stabilise.
This phase is about getting you out of pain quickly and safely, and it’s tailored to your individual needs and progress.
2. The Corrective Phase: Building Stability
Once your pain has reduced, the next goal is to address the root cause and strengthen your spine and supporting muscles.
During this phase, visits may be spaced out to every 1-2 weeks. Your chiropractor will focus on improving posture, alignment, flexibility, and movement patterns – helping prevent your pain from returning.
You may also receive exercises and lifestyle advice to support your recovery at home.
3. Maintenance and Wellness Care
After you’ve recovered, many people choose to continue seeing their chiropractor on a maintenance or wellness basis.
These visits are designed to:
- Keep your spine and joints moving freely
- Catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems
- Support your overall posture, mobility, and wellbeing
For most people, a visit every 4 weeks works well. Think of it like servicing your car: regular maintenance helps everything run smoothly and reduces the risk of future breakdowns.
4. Everyone’s Needs Are Different
It’s important to remember there’s no one-size-fits-all schedule. We will assess your condition, lifestyle, and goals before recommending a plan that’s right for you.
Factors that influence visit frequency include:
- The severity and duration of your pain
- Your age and overall health
- Physical activity levels and job demands
- How your body responds to treatment
Your care plan will always be personalised – and we will adjust it as you progress.
In Summary
- Pain relief phase: 1-2 visits per week (short term)
- Corrective phase: Every 1-2 weeks
- Maintenance care: Every 4 weeks
Chiropractic care isn’t just about treating pain – it’s about supporting long-term health, mobility, and quality of life. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or simply want to stay feeling your best, we can help design a plan that fits your goals.
If you’re wondering how often you should come in, the best next step is to book a consultation – Dr Laura will assess your needs and create a tailored plan to keep you moving well and feeling great.