As a general rule, most chiropractors suggest seeing two to three times a week after a whiplash diagnosis. It may seem like a long time, but don't worry. You only need to stick to this schedule for a short period of time (about two weeks). The average whiplash recovery can take between 6 weeks and 6 months, with regular visits to a chiropractor during that time.
It is extremely important to finish the treatment plan that your doctor draws up, because stopping it soon can allow the injury to return or even worsen once treatment ends. Your plan will be designed to meet specific goals that must be met before you stop visiting a chiropractor in Atlanta. A good general rule of thumb is the 1-day rule. If you have back or neck pain, does it go away in a day? You probably don't need an adjustment.
If it persists, you'll probably need to. And making an adjustment to correct this persistent pain prevents long-term problems from occurring and keeps your overall health strong. To achieve maximum benefits, most types of injuries and pains will need between four and twelve sessions. Ongoing maintenance is used to prevent pain from returning and to prevent additional injuries from forming due to misalignment of the spine.
Knowing the many ways a chiropractor could help relieve a patient's pain is the first step in identifying when and for how long they should follow chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors are highly trained doctors who will make recommendations based on your individual problems, your needs, and what he or she believes will be needed to relieve your pain and return it to normal (or better than normal). Preventive StageFinally, once the chiropractor has addressed the source of a patient's pain, they can move on to “preventive” care. If the pain becomes cumbersome, talk to your chiropractor about relaxing techniques, such as temperature therapy.
Your chiropractor will work out a reasonable schedule with you that is designed to relieve pain and help your body recover between sessions. For someone used to traditional healthcare, it may seem strange to have to revisit their chiropractor. Although not the most common problem addressed by chiropractors, chiropractic care has proven to be effective in treating this fairly common problem. If you experience hip pain after an adjustment, be sure to talk to your chiropractor as soon as possible.
If you find that you are suffering from discomfort that doesn't go away after a couple of days, or if you experience headaches and dizziness, scheduling an appointment with an Atlanta chiropractor should be your next step. Chiropractors are committed to maximizing the benefits of each patient's experience and ensuring that they achieve a full and sustainable recovery. Your chiropractor will likely recommend at least one follow-up visit after your initial evaluation to ensure that nothing else becomes apparent as your body begins to heal. This is the result of the body's reaction to the realignment, not an indication that a patient has seen the chiropractor too often.
While a chiropractor is an important part of your healthcare team, there are situations that aren't for chiropractic care.