We often are asked the question, "When should I come back?" by our chiropractic patients as they attempt to gain understanding about how to best care for their spinal health and best conserve their time and financial resources. If you are an existing patient, you will often be given a recommendation at the end of your visit, but life has a tendency to creep up and disrupt our best laid plans. If you have missed your recommended follow up for any reason, understanding when your body is in need of a chiropractic adjustment can help you take control of your health. In this article, we'll explore the signs that suggest it's time to schedule a chiropractic visit with myself or Dr. Hannah at Wolfe Family Chiropractic.
Prolonged discomfort during normal daily activity is a sure sign that it is time to have an evaluation with your doctor.
Lingering Discomfort: If you experience persistent discomfort, especially in the spine, neck, or joints, that persists for a period of 36 hours or longer, it might be an indication that your musculoskeletal system is misaligned and your body is struggling to self-regulate back to a neutral position. Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper alignment, alleviating pain and discomfort, and decrease the likelihood of compensatory changes that set the stage for more significant issues down the road.
Limited Range of Motion: Have you ever woken up or stood up and noticed a significant difficulty in moving your neck, shoulders, or other joints? This could be a sign of joint restrictions related to misalignment. Chiropractic adjustments in our office are targeted to improve flexibility and restore normal range of motion, promoting smoother, pain-free movement. Waking up with a stiff neck that takes days or weeks to resolve is typically a great cue to call and schedule an appointment.
Recurring Headaches: Frequent headaches, especially tension headaches originating from the neck, can be a result of spinal misalignments. Chiropractic care focuses on addressing the root cause to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. If you are a migraineur (someone who suffers from frequent migraines), an increase in the intensity or frequency of your migraines would also be an indicator that spinal evaluation is necessary. Remember, there is no such thing as a "normal" headache.
Post-Injury or Accident: Whether it's a sports injury, car accident, or a fall, any trauma to the body can lead to misalignments. Seeking chiropractic care promptly after such incidents can aid in preventing long-term issues and promote faster recovery.
Post-Dental Work/Cleaning: We love dentists! Unfortunately, the strain to the cervical spine that comes along with protracted periods of neck rotation, jaw opening, and extension often creates a recipe for misalignment of the cervical spine. Take good care of your teeth, but don't forget to care for your spine just as diligently!
Disrupted Sleep Patterns: If you find it challenging to get restful sleep due to discomfort or pain, it's time to consider a chiropractic evaluation. Sleep is an integral part of our daily healing and repair cycle. Disruptions can cause decreased immune function, poor cognitive performance, and delayed recovery from injury. Adjustments can improve sleep by minimizing discomfort and neurological irritation.
Chronic Stress: Stress can manifest physically, leading to muscle tension and spinal misalignments. If you are enduring a period of increased stress related to work, family, school, etc., more frequent visits to the office may be necessary to ensure your body is not succumbing to chronic stress.
Prevention and Maintenance: Even when not experiencing acute pain, scheduling periodic chiropractic check-ups is a proactive approach to maintaining optimal overall health. Prevention is key to avoiding potential issues in the future and it is much easier to address problems in the spine when they are small vs. waiting until you have significant pain/dysfunction.
Why Choose Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic adjustments offer a non-invasive, drug-free approach to addressing musculoskeletal issues. Our patient-centered approach to chiropractic care ensures precise and tailored adjustments for each individual.
If you recognize any of these trends in your own life, it's time to prioritize your spinal health. Schedule a visit at Wolfe Family Chiropractic, and let's work together to keep you moving, functioning, and feeling your best!