Question
I recently went to a chiropractor and found out that I have two pinched nerves, one in my lower back which is very painful and then on in my neck.
I was told that I need to do therapy about 3 times a week (that takes about 10 minutes)
and need about 18-24 treatments to correct the problem.  My husband thinks that this is a scam (I do not) and that this Dr. is just making sure that he uses all 20 visits that our insurance allows so that he will get paid.
Is this normal treatment (3-4 times a week) to correct pinched nerves and necessary to go so often?  I am willing to do it for relief but my husband thinks there is a better way and get quicker relief.  Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.


Answer
Sonja,

Thanks for the question. This is a touchy question for me to answer.

I personally do not usually require 18-24 treatments to resolve a problem such as yours.  However, I do not have the advantage of examining you to determine just how severe your condition is or is not.  

I practice in a manner that attempts to achieve maximum benefits as quickly as possible.  Other chiropractors practice in a matter than takes small steps visit by visit.  Sometimes, this is simply a practice management technique to  increase the amount of visits for a patient, thus increasing revenue.  I prefer to help people as quickly as possible and then hope they will refer their friends and family to me later.  I may charge more than other chiropractors, but I am looking to resolve problems in a short amount of visits so that my patients can return to normal daily routine as soon as possible.

I also am very big on educating my patients so that their problems do not return.

My recommendation in your case is that you go with your feelings.  Most of us husbands tend to think we are "getting screwed" rather it be by a doctor, a mechanic, a plumber, or whatever. If you feel comfortable with your chiropractor, then that means a lot.  I would expect that treatment should begin to show relief and feeling better within 3-6 visits.  As for resolving the problem in your neck and lower back, it may take 12 treatments or more. If you feel that you are 100%, and your DC tells you that you need more treatment, then I would question it.  Your DC probably is trying to be on the safe side and recommending more treatment than you may need, that doesn't mean you have to have all 24 visits.

3-4 visits the first week of treatment can be considered normal.  3 visits for 2-4 weeks would be considered normal, then treatment should begin to taper down to 2 or 1 time per week.

I hope I have helped relieve some stress about this situation.  If you have any other questions in the upcoming weeks, just contact me again through this site.

Dr. Boss