As a chiropractor I can tell you that each person is an individual and all will respond to chiropractic care differently. So far you have been treated 16 times and the doctor is looking for another 24 treatments, which is a total of 40 treatments. This is not unheard of but is definitely in my opinion getting to the max of how many times I would see patients. Typically the patients I see that often are older and have underlying complications such as degenerative arthritis. When it comes to chiropractic treatment it is not the number of treatments that is key, it’s how often you go in the beginning. Frequency is what causes change. We start patients out daily for 3-4 days and then the following week move into 3X weekly for 3-4 weeks. Then we reevaluate and treatments are then decreased to 2X weekly for another 3-4 weeks. You could compare correcting the spine to what orthodontists do for the teeth. The braces are what does the work and once installed you don’t see the orthodontist as much, just routine check-ups to monitor the correction. The braces do the treatment as does the chiropractor. The adjustments are what demands change in the spine like the braces do for the teeth. With the medical approach the medication is the treatment and you follow set protocol of taking the medication over time. The thing is you do the treatment yourself by taking the medication. You do not have to go in for treatment. Chiropractic treatment is done by the chiropractor in the office and at times can seem like it’s a lot treatment when really it’s not. If this chiropractor was telling you that you need a year of care I would tell you to run. Or if initially he said you need 88 visits or something ridiculous like that. You cannot put a number on the total amount of treatments unless you have a crystal ball. Sounds like you chiropractor laid out a good start to your treatment; he then re-evaluated and determined more treatment was needed. I think your chiropractor is following a good protocol which is within the standard of care.
Many times postural problems cannot be permanently corrected. The goal is to stabilize them or correct the problem as much as it can be corrected. Maintaining correction is key and that is seeing the chiropractor one time every one or two months. This is similar to orthodontics and wearing a retainer once the braces are removed. Your job does not help the situation, this is why in your case you are being seen quite a bit and maintenance care is something that will work for you.
You are thinking “what the heck, another 12 weeks? Is this guy looking out for his wallet or my neck”? It is easy to think that way with any treatment and having to pay out of pocket doesn’t help. Tell him what you can afford and if you can’t do it then you can’t. If that is the case I would cut treatment to 2X week for 3 weeks. Then come in once a month.
What is his reasoning for another 24 visits?
Posted By doc4bax on March 21, 2007 at 14:15:18:
In Reply to: Forward neck curve, very minor sublaxation correction
posted by Jarrad on March 19, 2007 at 20:13:39:
