Wondering How Often Should You Go to the Chiropractor?

The reasons people seek chiropractic treatment are many.  Some use a chiropractor's skills for spinal manipulation of vertebrae for preventive care. Others want help to manage staid pain conditions, such as scoliosis.  The goal of a chiropractor is to help you return to your optimum state of health, in other words, achieve health wholeness.  

This may involve a regular preventive maintenance program that might range from a visit each week--with an adjustment done only if you want it--to a visit once every month.  The number of treatments required depends on the nature of the condition, how long it has been present, and the desired result of the treatment.

Before performing any type of treatment, a chiropractor will want to know your full and detailed medical history.  They will commonly perform tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans as wanted.  They will discuss the results with you and then recommend a course of treatment prescribed specifically for you.  The number of prescribed treatments will depend on the nature of your condition, how long it has been present, and the ultimate goal for your body.

Treatments may entail as many as two or three spinal adjustments a week, gradually decreasing the number of weekly visits. As stated previously, this length of time will depend on your condition, how severe your body's damage is, and your level of pain, combined with how well you respond to chiropractic care.  The goal will be to reach a maintenance level of treatment, usually a spinal adjustment once a month.  This will keep you free of subluxations so that your spine and discs can move freely without nerve interference.

Wondering how often should you go to the chiropractor?  Call McKim Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation and examination. The licensed and certified staff at McKim Chiropractic is committed to helping the residents of  Nampa, ID achieve health wholeness. 

Do you know Why Do I Wake up with Neck Pain?

If you’re waking up in the morning with neck pain, there may be something you can do to improve your night’s sleep.  Some cause—like the wear and tear of aging, arthritis, like a slipped disk—may be out of your control.  But there are some things you can control.  Take a look at the four problems described below to see if you recognize anything that could be the cause of your “pain in the neck.”  

• Pillow -- One of the most common causes of neck pain is having your neck twisted or bent too far in any direction for a long time. If you wake up in the morning with a painful neck, it may be because your pillow is not supporting your head and neck in the right situation. If you sleep on your side, pick a pillow that just fills the space between your ear and your mattress without tipping your head. If you sleep on your back, your pillow should keep your head from tipping backward or forward.  When choosing what type of pillow to buy, consider a feather one that molds comfortably to the shape of your neck. Since we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, one of the best investments you can make is a good pillow.
• Sleeping Position -- A mistake that many people make is not supporting their head properly while reading or watching television in bed. Avoid propping yourself up on some pillows with your head bent forward. If you are reading, make sure your arms are supported and your head is in an impartial position. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, because this forces your head to be twisted into an unnatural position, which can put pressure on nerves. Converting yourself to side sleeping may help you to wake up pain-free.
• Muscles are Stiff/Weak -- If you still are having issues, find a chiropractor for neck pain.  Learning exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the neck may help improve the quality of your sleep.
• Sleep Habits -- There are some things you should try to avoid during the evening a couple of hours before going to bed, such as caffeine, alcohol, and your electronics.  If you need help with your pain, take your medication as needed.

Research suggests sleep can play a role in musculoskeletal pain, including neck and shoulder pain.  People who report sleeping issues are likely to develop chronic musculoskeletal pain. One probable explanation is that sleep disturbances disrupt muscle relaxation and healing that generally occur during sleep. 

For more information about neck pain that is robbing you of a pain-free day, we invite you to visit a chiropractor for neck pain.  Call McKim Chiropractic for help with your question, “Why do I wake up with neck pain?”  Their offices are conveniently located in Nampa, ID.