How Many Chiropractic Sessions Are Needed? Managing Expectations

How Many Chiropractic Sessions Are Needed? Managing Expectations

Introduction

Before starting chiropractic care, a very common question is: “How long will this take?” or “How many sessions will I need?” Unlike buying a product with a fixed outcome, healthcare is individual. The number of chiropractic sessions depends on many factors such as the condition, the person’s health history, how their body responds and many more. This blog explores the main factors that influence treatment duration, what the research says, and how patients and practitioners can work together to set realistic expectations.

What Determines the Number of Sessions?

1. Nature of the condition

• Acute conditions (e.g: a sudden episode of low back pain) may improve more quickly, sometimes within a few weeks.
• Chronic or recurrent conditions (e.g: long-standing neck stiffness, degenerative changes, or repetitive strain) often require longer-term or periodic care.

2. Severity and complexity

• A simple muscle strain may need fewer sessions compared to complex conditions like disc herniation or sciatica.
• Conditions that involve multiple areas (e.g: low back pain with referred leg pain) can take longer.

3. Lifestyle and contributing factors

• Sedentary work, poor ergonomics, inadequate nutrition or lack of exercise may prolong recovery if not addressed.
• Active individuals who follow adhere to recommendations and home exercises often recover more quickly.

4. Patient goals

• Some people seek pain relief and more mobility.
• Others want functional improvement (e.g., being able to return to sport or work).

What Does Research Say?

• Low back pain: Reviewed 26 RCTs on acute low back pain. Found that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) provided modest short-term improvements in pain and function compared to other interventions. Side effects (like increased soreness or stiffness) were mostly mild and temporary.

• Neck pain: The 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis by Diao et al. examined randomized controlled trials on spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for acute neck pain. Results showed that SMT provided significant short-term reductions in pain, improved neck range of motion, and lowered disability scores compared to control interventions. Importantly, no serious adverse events were reported, and minor side effects were rare.

• Headache: Compared different manual therapies (spinal manipulation, mobilisation, massage, exercise) for cervicogenic headaches. Found spinal manipulation to be among the most effective for reducing pain and disability in the short term, though effectiveness varied by practitioner expertise.

At Lakeside Chiropractic, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to care. Every patient is unique, so we take the time to understand your health concerns, lifestyle, and goals before creating a personalised treatment plan. This may include a combination of gentle hands-on techniques, modern therapies, and a schedule of visits that suits your condition and progress. We’ll also guide you with specific exercises and stretches you can do at home to support your recovery and prevent future issues. Our aim is to not only relieve your pain, but to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to the activities you enjoy

Pros and Cons of Different Care Frequencies

Advantages of a structured plan:

• Encourages consistent monitoring and progress tracking.
• Gives patients clarity on expected timelines.
• Reinforces home exercise and self-management strategies.

Potential drawbacks:

• Higher time and cost commitment if many visits are required.
• Risk of over-treatment if care continues without clear clinical benefit.
• Some conditions may improve without ongoing treatment once initial goals are achieved.

Managing Expectations in Practice

• Collaborative planning: Chiropractors should explain expected timelines and set review points.
• Reassessment: Progress should be measured (e.g., pain scores, range of motion, function) every few weeks.
• Adjustment of frequency: If goals are met early, care may be reduced. If progress stalls, other treatment options or referrals should be considered.
• Patient empowerment: The aim is not just “number of visits,” but equipping the patient with knowledge and strategies to help themselves.

Final Thoughts

There is no universal answer to “how many chiropractic sessions do I need?” The most appropriate plan balances clinical evidence, patient goals, and ongoing reassessment. At Lakeside Chiropractic, we are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs. If you’re dealing with nerve pain or any musculoskeletal pain in general that just won’t ease up, book in for an assessment to find out what might be the causes behind it.

📍 Find us in Joondalup

📅 Book online: https://www.lakesidechiro.com.au/

While results can differ from person to person, many find that this multi-modal approach supports gradual improvement. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain, call us on 9300 0095 to see how we can help, or visit our website for more information.

📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup. If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.

References

1. Paige, N. M., Miake-Lye, I. M., Booth, M. S., Beroes, J. M., Mardian, A. S., Dougherty, P., Branson, R., Tang, B., Morton, S. C., & Shekelle, P. G. (2017). Association of spinal manipulative therapy with clinical benefit and harm for acute low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 317(14), 1451-1460. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.3086
2. iao, Y., Liu, Y., Pan, J., Chen, J., Pan, J., Liao, M., Liu, H., & Liao, L. (2025). Efficacy and safety of spinal manipulative therapy in the management of acute neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews, 14(1), Article 97. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-025-02855-7
3. Xu, Xueliang, & Ling, Yan. (2025). Comparative safety and efficacy of manual therapy interventions for cervicogenic headache: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology, 16, Article 1566764. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1566764