Ahhhhhh, if only there was a single, simple answer for that. Actually, I guess that there is: It depends! Ha, ha. OK, so I do need to go into more detail.
It depends on WHAT? Well, several things...
1. How much does what you do on a daily affect your spinal issues? Somebody who works on a computer for 8 hours a day, then surfs ‘for fun’ for another hour, well, probably just needs to bite the bullet and realize they need to get adjusted regularly to “undo what you do to yourself.” (as I frequently say here in the office!) Are you a healthcare worker who is frequently leaning over bedridden patients and helping lift people up or ease them down? Do you regularly lift or tug on heavy objects? Then that’s you too.
2. Do you REGULARLY (notice the bold+italic+caps+underline!) do some form of exercise? Walk? Run? Yoga? Work out? ZUMBA??? If you want your body to work for you, you need to TAKE CARE OF IT. This is especially true the ‘higher your odometer reading is’, if you get my drift. REGULAR exercise, keeps your muscles strong and toned, and you will hold your adjustments longer. As you age, nothing will take the place of regular, consistent exercise. Not more adjustments, more massage, more wine, or more ibuprophen. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the sooner you come to terms with this, yes, shall I say harsh truth of being a human being and make a fitness plan, the better you will feel...for the rest of your life. Don’t wait until you body doesn’t work to try to fix it!
3. Unavoidable spinal challenges: these will always happen despite all of our good habits and intentions because, well, life happens. Stumble over a curb while carrying something heavy? Spend the weekend taking care of your rowdy 2- & 4-year old grandkids? Deadline at work with crazy computer overtime? (these are actual recent experiences from patients) For another example, recently I helped out with computer entry for scores at Katherine’s Irish dancing school’s competition. For 8 hours. On a laptop. Then I drove to Charlotte and back in one weekend. Over the past 2 1/2 weeks, it has taken four adjustments and a massage to get me almost back to normal. And one day I did NOT go straight home and rest and put ice on my neck afterwards like I knew I should have. Don’t worry...I yelled at me. Even I don’t listen to myself sometimes! ;)
Whenever I suggest a treatment plan for a patient, whether they are new to Chiropractic, new to me, or if they are a long-time established patient experiencing a condition flare-up, keep in mind that it is always my best recommendation for what I think it will take to help you feel your optimal best in the shortest time possible. Does that always happen to work with your work schedule, childcare schedule, or finances? No, not always. Just realize that the results you hope to see will be affected by this. I will do my best and give suggestions for what else you may be able to do on your own to cope with your particular challenges. At the same time, realize that there may be sacrifices you have to make for a period of time and make an investment in yourself to keep your body healthy and strong. Problems that you tolerate, or that linger, for a long period of time, often can become degenerative and have long-term or permanant effects.
FOR THE RECORD: I do not schedule people by some rote system that I force upon everyone (the “you need to come 3 times a week for 3 weeks then 2 times a week...blah blah blah”) I base my suggestions to my patients on 20+ years of working on spines, which give me some idea of what it takes to get certain things better, depending on a patient’s history, what they do, how long they have been hurting, how likely they are to follow instructions, etc.
One last thing: If you have ever been hurting and realized we haven’t seen you in, oh, let’s say, over 2 years, and then think “Dr. Ellen’s going to yell at me and get on my case” (OK, so I have been known to stand with hands on hips saying where have YOU been?”), PLEASE don’t let that stop you from calling! In a perfect world, I want everyone to feel great ALL of the time. But the world is not perfect, and if you’re hurting, I want to see you!