Question
My finance has been going to a chiropractor for quite some time.  He always comes home feeling so much better and more relaxed than ever.  He speaks very highly of the chiropractor that he goes to.  I have been wanting to attempt a visit for my upper shoulder and back pain. However, I'm slightly afraid of any long term effects.  Is there any long term effects?  Can someone really visit a chiropractor once a month or every other month and it be safe long term?

Answer
Sandra,

The only long term effects that I am aware of are that that of getting used to feeling good following treatment.  There's no evidence of any negative effects whatsoever from having monthly treatment.  If I was king, I'd have a chiropractor working on me every few days... so once a month is nothing in regards to too high a dose/frequency of care.  Some feel that once/month has no significant effect on our overall health, which may very well be the case.  We have no proof that monthly treatment has global health benefits, but nobody's done the research to prove or disprove it with two exeptions: The AMI study and the ASHN study, both showing that incorporating chiropractic care into the treatment of those with musculoskeletal problems significantly reduced overall medical expenditures.   The AMI study was profound, showing that those using chiropractors for primary care had dramatic drops in drug use, hospital stays, surgical rates, etc.  In general, many folks that choose to pop in for a tune up.   They find that they build up symptoms over the course of weeks, so the arrange their treatment on a monthly basis, likely as an administrative convenience more than anything else.  But that is how they reduce their symptom build-up.   Unlike a drug, chiropractic joint manipulation in conjunction with some manual soft tissue work can improve the feel and function of the body as well as reduce symptoms.  That's one reason why many people seek the care on a regular basis regardless of whether there is some university study on long term health benefits.  There has been Old Wives Tales about cracking knuckles causing arthritis, but that not only has never been proven, it also was shown to be the opposite based on a recent study that showed that those who cracked their knuckles in their youth had less incidence of arthritis in their adulthood (something to that effect).   In short, Sandra, there's nothing to be concerned of regarding long term effects and safety with treatment on a monthly basis.  

'Hope this helps,

Dr. G