How Often Should You Get Adjusted? It Depends More Than You Think

It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

One of the most common questions chiropractors hear is, “How long should I wait between adjustments?” There’s no cookie-cutter answer. The answer depends entirely on you. Are you in your 20s or 60s? Do you work at a desk all day or stay physically active? Your spine’s needs are as unique as your daily habits.

There’s a general care model that many people follow, broken into three phases: relief, corrective, and wellness-focused care.

The Three Phases: Relief, Recovery, and Ongoing Support

Relief care is often the starting point when someone is dealing with pain, tension, or discomfort. The goal here is usually to help reduce those initial symptoms. Most people notice improvement within 5 to 6 visits, though timing can vary.

Corrective care may follow once you’re feeling better. “We look at how your spine moves and functions, and if we find areas that aren’t moving as well as they could be, we aim to improve that motion. Some people find it helpful to think of it like dental braces—not because the spine needs to be ‘perfect,’ but because ongoing care can support better alignment and function over time,” explains Dr. Pascal.

This phase often involves working on posture, alignment, and muscle balance. Your chiropractor might suggest home exercises and stretches to support your progress.

Ongoing or wellness care is about maintaining mobility and function. Some patients prefer to check in every few weeks, while others come monthly or seasonally. The frequency depends on your goals, lifestyle, and how your body responds over time.

Lifestyle Plays a Big Role

How often you choose to get adjusted may depend on factors such as stress, sleep, nutrition, and movement habits. Someone who spends long hours sitting or doesn’t get much rest might feel better with more frequent visits, while others maintain well-being with less frequent care.

Dr. Dan puts it this way: “I sometimes joke that if you’re a yoga instructor with low stress, drinking water, and eating spinach, you might feel great with just one adjustment a month. But if you’re running on no sleep, eating poorly, feeling inflamed and stressed, and your posture isn’t ideal, you might benefit from more frequent care to stay feeling your best.

“It’s kind of like brushing your teeth—if you’re eating candy all day, you might want to brush more often. The same idea applies here: the more stress you’re putting on your body, the more support it might need to keep things working well.”