Chiropractic Treatment Program Guidelines

Depending on the nature and extent of the specific back problem, a few visits to the chiropractor should help the patient feel noticeably better. Within one to four weeks of a chiropractic program of treatment, the pain for non-complex musculoskeletal conditions should typically be reduced by 40 to 80%, and the frequency of visits to the doctor of chiropractic should decrease as the patient’s pain and function improve.

Considerations beyond a Chiropractic Treatment Program

If the patient’s symptoms are not improving within one to four weeks, then other treatment possibilities beyond a chiropractic program should be explored, such as:

• There may be another mechanical problem that is being overlooked
• There may be repeated ergonomic stress that reproduces the back pain and/or neck pain
• There may be a complicating condition that may need further diagnostic evaluation or may benefit from some other form of treatment besides the current chiropractic program.

Common Chiropractic Program Plans

Good chiropractors do everything in their power to help their patients feel better as fast as possible with as few chiropractic treatments as necessary, and also give advice on how to avoid future problems by evaluating lifestyle ergonomics, implementing an exercise approach and reducing care to an as-needed chiropractic plan.

In general, in the absence of progressive worsening of a condition in spite of chiropractic care, a common chiropractic program is 3 times per week for 2 to 4 weeks, followed by a re-evaluation. If improvement is noted, a tapering of treatment frequency is appropriate while introducing a self-help, home-based exercise program and/or ergonomic modifications to activities of daily living.

If the patient is not getting relief after the first 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the specific case, the chiropractor should consider one of the following:

• Change the therapeutic/treatment approach for an additional 2 to 4 week trial period
• Co-manage the patient with other allied healthcare providers (such as a medical doctor, osteopath, and/or physical therapist)
• Refer to another practitioner – either another chiropractor or another type of spine specialist, such as a physiatrist, physical therapist, pain medicine specialist or spine surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.

Chiropractic Treatment Program Questions

Questions to ask about the specific chiropractic treatment for back pain, neck pain or other symptoms may include the following:

• What is the chiropractor’s typical practice pattern or treatment program?
• What chiropractic services does the chiropractor offer? Some chiropractors offer additional services such as massage, exercise instruction, rehabilitation and strength training, and nutritional counseling.
• What is the chiropractor’s recommendation if the chiropractic program doesn’t seem to help? A good chiropractor will recommend that the patient consult another practitioner if these or other methods of treatment (such as medications or surgery) are indicated.

In terms of treatment plans, it is advisable for patients to avoid practitioners who tend to find the same thing wrong with every patient and treat every patient identically. Also, be cautious if a chiropractor recommends a lengthy (e.g. a 3, 6, or 12-month) chiropractic program after just one or two consultations.

• Article written By:
• Kelly Andrews, DC

September 21, 2009

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