Why Does My Chiropractor Want Me to Come in if I'm Not in Pain?
You've just finished your lunch and are about to head back to work. Your phone buzzes and you see it's an automated text notification from your chiropractor reminding you of your upcoming appointment tomorrow. A few weeks ago, when you were last there, you and your chiropractor set up a schedule to keep you pain free. Once a month appointments, possibly more frequently if your treatment needs change. But today, your back feels absolutely fine - so why should you keep the appointment? A lot of people share this sentiment.
Why Should I Keep My Appointment If I'm Not In Pain?
To answer this question, think about your car. How often do you do anything to it other than put in gas? You probably have your oil changed every 3,000 miles or so, along with rotating your tires. Maybe you have some other tune ups done routinely. What about going to the dentist? Do you do that every six months or every year?
Take a minute to think of all the preventative care you do in your life. Not necessarily just on your body, but on anything. How often do you do something not necessary at the moment to prevent bigger problems in the future?
You could even compare it to paying a credit card bill to prevent interest charges. It's easier to take care of things before they get bad, rather than have to go back and fix a mistake or problem after it's already appeared.
Being Proactive Versus Being Reactive
When it comes to your body, It's especially easier (and cheaper) to practice preventative care, or be proactive, rather than wait until there's a problem. If your great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother all have high blood pressure, are you going to wait until you develop high blood pressure, too, to start looking for ways to lower it? Or are you going to work to try and prevent developing high blood pressure?
When it looks like you're almost out of toilet paper, you run to the store and get some. You don't wait until you have NO toilet paper left to go get some. There are tons of examples where proactive care is better than reactive care.
Understand the WHY Behind Your Treatment Schedule
People assume that no pain means no problem, but that's not always the case. Often, pain is the last one to the party, and by the time they show up, the problem's already made itself home in your body. If you think you're seeing your chiropractor too often, talk to them about it! It's always better to be open and honest with your doctor. They'll explain to you why your scheduled course of treatment is the best option, and if you still feel uncomfortable, you can talk about moving your appointments further apart.
Your Chiropractor is On Your Side
Your chiropractor just wants to make sure you live a healthy and pain free life. To accomplish that, you might need monthly "tune ups" to release stiffness in your back and joints before it becomes a problem, as opposed to someone else who may need less frequent care to stay pain free. In the end, your chiropractor has your best interest in mind! So be open and honest in your communication with us, we want to help!
If you have pain, we have help! Click below to try some targeted stretches with our guided videos.
Did any of these facts surprise you? Let us know in the comments below.
We hope this holiday is relaxing and rejuvenating! If you are ready for a summer "tune-up" to keep you feeling great, click below to schedule an appointment at Sioux Falls Chiropractic!