How often should you get a chiropractic adjustment?
AZ Marketing+Masters • August 4, 2025
One of the most common questions we hear at Kishbaugh Chiropractic is, “How often should I come in for treatment?” The honest answer: it depends. Just like no two people are exactly alike, no two chiropractic care plans should be either. Factors like your pain level, the condition being treated, your lifestyle, and your long-term health goals all influence how often you should see a chiropractor.
That said, there are general guidelines and patterns we follow to help your body heal properly, restore alignment, and create a healthier foundation for movement. In this blog, we’ll explain how often you might visit a chiropractor, what factors influence the frequency, and why regular visits can be beneficial even after your pain subsides.
Acute Pain or Injury: Frequent Visits at First
If you’re visiting the chiropractor for acute back pain, neck pain, or a specific injury (like a sports injury or car accident), you’ll likely need to come in more frequently at first—often 2–3 times per week for the first few weeks. Why?
Because your body has likely developed compensatory movement patterns that are contributing to the problem. In these early stages, our goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and retrain your muscles and joints to work the way they’re supposed to.
At Kishbaugh Chiropractic, we don’t just adjust your spine and send you on your way. We take a comprehensive approach that includes identifying underlying causes, giving you corrective exercises, and working with you to get your body into a new, healthier pattern of movement. Frequent visits in the beginning help reinforce these changes and keep your progress on track.
When the Pain Starts to Improve: Tapering Off
As your body begins to adapt and the pain subsides, the frequency of your visits will typically taper. For many patients, this happens after the first 4–6 weeks. You may go from multiple sessions a week to once a week, then every other week.
This doesn’t mean the problem is fully solved yet—it simply means your body is starting to stabilize. During this phase, chiropractic care focuses on improving range of motion, reducing tension, and making sure the improvements you’ve made stick.
We often describe this stage as building a new movement pattern. Your body is learning how to move correctly again, and just like learning any new skill, consistency is key.
Maintenance and Wellness Care: Once or Twice a Month
Once your symptoms have resolved and your body is functioning well, we recommend entering a maintenance phase. This usually means visiting once or twice a month.
Think of it like going to the dentist or getting your oil changed—chiropractic care works best when it’s proactive, not reactive. Regular visits help:
- Prevent re-injury
- Catch small misalignments before they turn into bigger issues
- Reduce stress and muscle tension
- Keep your nervous system functioning optimally
Many of our long-term patients at Kishbaugh Chiropractic
come in monthly or every 3–4 weeks, even if they’re not in pain. They’ve discovered that regular chiropractic adjustments help them feel better, move better, sleep better, and perform better in daily life.
Factors That Influence Chiropractic Frequency
There’s no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to chiropractic care. Some of the factors that influence how often you should go to the chiropractor include:
The severity of your condition: Chronic pain or major injuries may require more frequent visits.
Your age and overall health: Older adults or those with underlying conditions may need different care schedules than younger, active individuals.
Your activity level: Athletes or physically active people may benefit from regular adjustments to maintain performance and prevent injury.
Your goals: Are you looking for pain relief only, or do you want to improve posture, mobility, and long-term health?
Your response to treatment: Everyone heals at a different pace. We monitor your progress closely and adjust the plan as needed.
The Bottom Line: Let Your Chiropractor Guide You
At Kishbaugh Chiropractic, we create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals. While some people may only need a few sessions to feel better, others benefit from longer-term care.
Our goal is not to get you “hooked” on chiropractic adjustments—but rather to guide your body through a natural healing process, help you establish healthier movement patterns, and give you the tools to maintain your results.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or just want to stay feeling your best, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
When Should You Schedule an Appointment?
If you’re experiencing:
- Back pain
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Frequent headaches
- Tingling or numbness in your arms or legs
- Poor posture
- Joint stiffness or discomfort
…it may be time to come in for an evaluation. Even if the pain is mild or infrequent, it’s better to address it early than let it develop into something more serious.
Ready to Feel Better, Move Better, and Live Better?
Whether you’re new to chiropractic or looking to return to care, Kishbaugh Chiropractic is here to support your health journey. With compassionate care, personalized treatment plans, and a focus on long-term wellness, we’ll help you find the right frequency of care for your body and goals.
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