Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on the top two vertebrae of the spine, namely the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These bones play a crucial role in overall spinal health and the health of the nervous system, as they’re situated near the brainstem—a vital communication hub between the brain and body. The frequency of visits to an upper cervical chiropractor can vary based on several factors. Here’s how to determine what’s right for you:
Initial Assessment and Acute Care Phase
When you first visit an upper cervical chiropractor, they will perform a comprehensive assessment to identify misalignments and understand your specific needs. Based on this evaluation:
Acute Symptoms: For those with significant discomfort, inflammation, or acute symptoms, the chiropractor might recommend more frequent visits, possibly 2-3 times a week, to initiate the healing process.
Chronic Issues: If you’ve been dealing with a longstanding issue, the approach might be a bit different, with visits spaced out to once a week or even bi-weekly.
Corrective Care Phase
Once the acute issues have been addressed, the next step is corrective care. The goal here is to ensure that the spine maintains its optimal alignment and any adjustments made are holding.
Frequency typically reduces at this stage to once every 2-4 weeks.
Maintenance Phase
After the corrective care phase, when the spine is holding its position well and symptoms have significantly reduced or disappeared, the focus shifts to maintenance.
Visits might reduce further to once a month or even once every two months.
The aim during this phase is to ensure the spine remains in its optimal position and prevent any future issues.
Lifestyle Considerations
Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in determining the frequency of visits:
Physical Activity: If you’re engaged in strenuous physical activity or a sport, you might need more frequent check-ups.
Work Environment: Those with sedentary jobs or jobs that require heavy lifting might benefit from regular adjustments.
Accidents or Injuries: Any accidents, slips, or falls can necessitate an additional visit to ensure no misalignments have occurred.
Financial and Time Constraints
Practical aspects like finances and time can also influence your visit frequency:
Some insurance plans might cover a specific number of chiropractic visits per year.
Personal schedules and commitments can also determine how often you can realistically visit the chiropractor.
Personal Comfort and Belief
Lastly, how you feel plays a significant role:
Some individuals prefer the feeling of being adjusted regularly and might visit more frequently for that reason alone.
Trust in the process and understanding the benefits of upper cervical care will also play a part in determining frequency.
Determining the frequency of upper cervical chiropractic visits is a blend of professional recommendations based on your specific health needs and personal considerations. It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your chiropractor, discuss any concerns, and adjust the care plan as needed. Remember, the goal is holistic well-being, and the journey towards it is as individual as you are.
We Are Here To Help
At Los Angeles Upper Cervical, Dr. Alex Bello specializes in upper cervical care, mastering the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This method combines cone-beam computed tomography scans, X-rays, and hands-on examinations to accurately assess the upper cervical spine’s alignment, enabling precise, gentle adjustments.
Upper cervical care presents a natural, non-invasive remedy for various health challenges. If you suspect your ailment or injury is linked to your upper cervical spine, reach out to Dr. Bello for an evaluation. He provides his expertise to residents of Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and neighboring regions.