For example, most people consider themselves fairly healthy. Yet, statistics report approximately 1 in 4 adults admits struggling with brief periods of sadness, angst, sluggishness or insomnia. One of the most influential aspects of this data has to do with current environmental factors that create chemical imbalances in the brain.

These days, there are a host of things that stimulate the brain to create too much of one chemical and not enough of another. Exposure to additives in processed foods and toxins in pesticides are known to adversely affect serotonin levels in the brain. Smoking, drinking and certain prescription drugs have an effect on the brain’s hormone levels, as does a lack in the appropriate amount of sleep.

For many, constant exposure to these elements is what prompts the brain to get stuck in a cycle of misfiring the necessary amount of one or more chemicals. Low serotonin levels are known to cause depression, behavioral problems and pain disorders. Low dopamine levels are associated with the inability to focus and are often behind a poor attention span. The prolonged release of adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) is found to spur hyperactivity and high blood pressure, while low levels of the neurohormone results in fatigue and lethargy.

Reducing one’s exposure to harmful environmental factors can help improve physical health; yet, with the brain stuck in a cycle, it often continues to struggle with bringing hormone levels back into balance. Combining reduced exposure with massage therapy, however, has produced remarkable results in these types of cases. This is because, in addition to changing neural pathways in the brain, massage therapy masterfully stimulates and regulates not only serotonin but other neurohormones such as dopamine, endorphins and adrenaline.

Therefore, the elevated mood that comes after a massage is essentially the physical stimulation of the brain’s neurotransmitters and a rebalancing of chemicals that may have been offset by poor eating habits, daily exposure to environmental toxins, smoking, drinking or a lack of sleep. With time, a regular routine of massage therapy and a reduced exposure to adverse environmental factors can greatly reduce or even alleviate periods of depression, anxiety or stress.

Improved mental faculties invariably leads to improved physical function— and vice versa. With the body in constant pursuit to keep itself in balance, it is no fluke that it responds so powerfully to the physical and mental reinforcement massage therapy provides.

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To put it simply, there really can be no definite answer as to how often a person should see their chiropractor. DC’s see many people with many different types of musculoskeletal health issues— and since they work with the body’s healing process rather than just treating symptoms, the answer largely hinges on the patient, the injury or issue and the course of treatment.

Two people with the same health issue or injury can receive the same treatment, yet their bodies may respond very differently. While one coasts into recovery, the other may need to move on to a new treatment altogether. Other factors, such as the extent of the issue/injury and how long it has been a condition can matter as well. It can also rely on the patient’s rate of healing, if there will be a combination of treatments (such as ultrasound or massage therapy) and if the patient is following their Bozeman chiropractor’s advice between visits.

One thing that is for sure is that communication matters. A patient should be fully advised as to what the best course of treatment is for their injury or issue and what other options are available if there is no improvement by a certain period of time. Just the same, restoring proper function should be the main goal and that is something that shouldn’t—and can’t— be dictated by a set number of visits.

An honest and reliable Bozeman chiropractor includes the patient in the treatment plan and generally doesn’t require patients to come on a fixed schedule unless there is a course of treatment for a specific injury or problem. A reassessment after the course of treatment is finished can establish if any additional therapy or maintenance care will be necessary or helpful.

Most people who continue chiropractic care after being treated for an issue do so because they find maintaining their nervous system to be a valuable component for balanced health. Patients who are unclear as to why they are visiting their chiropractor at the frequency they are have a right to ask questions and/or get a second opinion. Those who feel they are being intimidated into what they suspect are unnecessary visits or care have a right to voice their concerns to their state health professional licensing board.

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When is it time to see a chiropractor and what can it help with?

Back pain. The most common complaint that DC’s treat, back pain can be acute (short duration) or chronic (persisting). Symptoms range from general discomfort and stiffness to sharp pain and burning sensations. A combination of symptoms is not uncommon. Chiropractors spend a significantly larger amount of time learning about the spine than medical doctors; therefore, pain that occurs daily, persists, progressively worsens or interferes with the ability to be productive or perform basic daily tasks should be evaluated by a licensed chiropractic provider.

Headaches. Although there are some types of headaches that cannot be helped with chiropractic treatment, misaligned vertebra is often the cause of most headaches, making spinal manipulation remarkably effective in reducing their occurrence and severity. It is wiser to seek out chiropractic care for recurring headaches from their onset; however, most individuals wait until they have exhausted all other treatments (and their pocketbooks with costly medications) before doing so. It is important to note that a good chiropractor is adept at gauging the warning signs of headaches and when it is time to refer a patient to other medical professionals for further treatment.

Repetitive motion injuries. Repetitive motion injuries are a result of repeated movements or tasks, vigorous exertions, consistent exposure to vibrations, bearing against hard surfaces or maintaining awkward positions. This often leads to a range of ailments such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and other disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system. As chiropractors are experts in the structures affected by repetitive motion injuries, it is essential to seek out early treatment with a licensed practitioner. The damage that occurs in repetitive motion injuries do not heal on their own and will likely persist or worsen over time left untreated.

Whiplash. Whiplash occurs when there is an abrupt movement of the head that is so forceful it results in an involuntary rebounding of the head or neck in the opposite direction. While this type of injury is a common result of car accidents, it can happen in other situations with little or no indication of physical impairment. Either way, injuries to the supporting tissues of the neck and head occur in a certain progression. This is why it can take time to experience resulting pain and discomfort. In instances of whiplash, it is imperative to see a licensed chiropractor as quickly as possible— even in the absence of immediate pain.

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