This is a common question we are asked as a Danville VA chiropractor. Before answering, we first need to discuss the 2 phases that are part of any Chiropractic treatment program: 1) Active Care and 2) Maintenance Care.

Types Of Chiropractic Care In Danville VA

Active Care is delivered at the beginning of a treatment program when an injury is fresh or when there is a flair-up of acute symptoms. History and examination are used to rule out pathology and identify both chronic and acute conditions. A functional evaluation is used to quantify deficiencies in terms of spinal function, muscle length, and muscle strength. Treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying functional deficiencies, correcting the causes of pain, and supporting chronic or permanently damaged tissue.

Maintenance Care refers to the ongoing chiropractic treatment that aims to maintain and improve spinal health and disc function once the initial symptoms or pain have been resolved. While the frequency of maintenance care can vary depending on individual circumstances, there are several reasons why it is so critically important.

The discs and cartilage that line the joints of the spine are avascular tissues. This means they have no direct blood supply and they rely on diffusion for all of their nutrition. Diffusion of extracellular fluid normally occurs when there is proper movement in the spinal joints. When a spinal joint catches or locks down there is no pain initially. It's only once the inflammation has set in and the closest nerve becomes irritated that anything is felt. Much like a cavity that is not painful until it eats all the way through the outer tooth, patients can go months and months with more and more spinal damage developing before even the slightest pain is triggered.

Chiropractic maintenance adjustments focus on optimizing spinal alignment, joint mobility, and overall nervous system health while reducing disc wear and tear, and preventing the recurrence of symptoms or injuries.

After a course of active care has resolved a patient’s painful condition, routine maintenance care should be a top priority to maintain optimal spinal health. It’s important to note that Chiropractic care is not solely focused on addressing pain or symptoms but also on optimizing overall health and performance. Maintenance care can also help enhance athletic performance, improve range of motion, promote better sleep quality, boost immune function, and support overall well-being.

Your customized maintenance plan should be developed in conjunction with a qualified Doctor of Chiropractic. Ask one of our Doctors which BoostChiro plan would be right for you!