Hi seadove ~
If a chiropractor is operating ethically, they will see you [most likely] three times a week in the beginning.
Because our bodies have muscular memory, when the bones [body] are repositioned to a different [appropriate] position, the muscles react with a "that's not where those bones or WE belong... and the muscles gradually move the bones back into the status quo [albeit wrong] position. On the second visit, the muscles are 'reminded' that they need to be holding the bones in 'this' [new!] position... still, the muscles are slow to learn.
Then, on the third visit, the muscles begin to realize that 'maybe' there's a new thing going on here that MIGHT be okay... so they take longer in returning to the bones back to their original [albeit wrong] position.
After two to three weeks of this process, the muscles are adapting to the new position and the strong message that they need to focus elsewhere [on maintaining the NEW ~ and correct ~ position]. Then, the visits become twice a week, with longer periods of the muscles maintaining the body [bones] in the new and correct position. After two to three weeks of seeing the chiropractor twice a week, the chiro should reduce the visits to once a week... after a bit of that, the visits should be done on a "PRN" ["as needed"] basis. There is nothing wrong ~ and much right ~ with being on a maintenance program with a chiropractor. Many other conditions and maladies can be avoided through proper maintenance of the spine, nerves, and all other attendant systems, which begin with the blood supply to them, which come through [and are cut off by misalignment of] the spine.
IF a chiropractor continues a patient on a three times a week or even twice a week schedule, they are going for the money, because they are preventing the body from itself taking up the task of maintaining proper alignment. The body WILL do that, if given the chance. Up to the point of PRN, the body's muscular system is in retraining mode.
I was thrilled to learn that my chiropractor had become a naturopath. He's one of the very few I've encountered who has done this. The alternative approaches to medicine ~ of which chiropractic is only one ~ are far preferable to the allopathic approach of standard, medical doctors, where pharmaceuticals and surgery are the primary modalities. There are times when surgery is clearly needed and warrants full consideration. However, much can be avoided via naturopathic, homeopathic, and other approaches... including plain and simple proper nutrition and exercise.
I get headaches very seldom ~ VERY seldom ~ yet, there is a particular kind of headache that I can go to the chiro and describe as an "atlas/occiput headache" and the chiro knows exactly what areas of my neck need adjusting and a three-day, excruciatingly painful headache will resolve within 5 minutes or less of my adjustments. Many people will walk in bent over, unable to stand up straight due to pain, and walk out pain free and upright.
My first concern with any new health insurance policy I've gotten has been what are its allowances for chiropractic care.
Okay... that's my take on it all
.
~ Lizzy
