Do I Have To Keep Going To The Chiropractor?

The "Once You Go, You Always Have to Go" Misconception

One of the most common misconceptions about chiropractic care is the belief that “once you go, you always have to go.” Ironically, this complaint often comes from people who have never been to a chiropractor. Those who do see chiropractors regularly will tell you that this isn’t true at all. If you miss an appointment, no one is going to show up at your door, and stopping chiropractic care won’t cause your spine to "break down." Chiropractors themselves will tell you: you don’t have to keep going forever unless you choose to.

So why does this myth persist? It comes from a misunderstanding about how chiropractic care works. Many people assume it’s only for pain or that it’s a commitment you have to make long-term. But chiropractic care can be used for many different reasons—not just pain relief. The issue is that chiropractors haven’t always done a great job explaining this, leading to confusion and hesitation about trying it.

Short-Term Care: "Like Training for a Specific Goal"

Think of chiropractic care like working out to prepare for a specific event. Maybe you’re training for a 5K, trying to lose weight for a vacation, or getting in shape for a wedding. You’re focused on a specific goal for a short period of time—something that will help you get to the finish line. Chiropractic care works in much the same way. If you're dealing with a specific issue like a sore back, neck tension, or a recent injury, you might seek chiropractic care for short-term relief, just like you'd hit the gym for a few weeks to prepare for a particular event.

But just like you wouldn’t expect a single workout to get you in shape for life, you wouldn’t expect chiropractic care to completely resolve long-term issues in just a few visits. Short-term chiropractic care is designed to help you recover from an acute problem, but it’s not meant to be a cure-all for chronic conditions. It's a focused solution for a specific need, just like a focused workout routine for a temporary goal.

Long-Term Care: "Like Making Fitness a Part of Your Lifestyle"

After preparing for a specific event, many people end up making fitness a regular part of their life because they start seeing the broader benefits: more energy, better sleep, improved mood, and overall health. They don’t just stop after the event—they continue working out because they’ve realized it’s good for them in the long run.

The same can happen with chiropractic care. Some people start with short-term visits to address an issue like neck pain or sciatica, but then they continue care because they notice how much better they feel overall. Chiropractic care can become a long-term part of their wellness routine, just like regular workouts. It’s about maintaining good spinal health, preventing future problems, and ensuring the body stays in peak condition. No one is forcing them to keep going—it’s their choice because they enjoy the benefits.

Wellness Care: "Like Going to the Gym to Stay in Shape, Even When You Feel Fine"

There are people who don’t go to the gym because they’re trying to lose weight or train for an event—they go because they want to stay healthy and keep their bodies in top shape. They don’t wait until they’re injured or out of breath to start working out. They know that regular exercise helps them feel better, stay strong, and prevent problems down the road.

This is where wellness chiropractic care comes in. Some people visit a chiropractor regularly, even when they aren’t experiencing pain, simply to maintain their body’s optimal health. Just like regular exercise is part of a “wellness lifestyle,” so can chiropractic care. These people aren’t trying to fix an injury—they’re using chiropractic care to prevent issues, stay flexible, and keep their bodies performing at their best. It’s about maintaining health proactively, not just reacting to problems as they come up.

Chiropractic Care, Like Working Out, Is Personal

When you compare chiropractic care to working out, it becomes clear that it can be used in different ways depending on your goals. Whether you need short-term relief, long-term care, or ongoing maintenance, chiropractic care can be tailored to your needs.

It’s a mistake to think that chiropractic care is only for people who are in pain or that it’s something you have to commit to forever. Just like working out, chiropractic care is a personal choice. You decide how it fits into your life—whether it’s to recover from an injury, maintain good health, or stay ahead of future issues. We will be there to help you along the way, but the decision is always yours.