Some people regularly see a chiropractor for preventative care. This is a smart approach, but it is not entirely necessary for everyone. If you don't like the idea of seeing the chiropractor every couple of weeks for regular, preventative care, you can still benefit from scheduling the occasional appointment, as needed. Here are three times in your life when chiropractic care can be especially beneficial.

After a car accident or similar event.

After a car accident, it's common to have minor musculoskeletal injuries like sprains, strains, and whiplash. These injuries don't necessarily require complicated treatments, but they can be annoying and painful. A chiropractor can adjust your spine to relieve pressure on the injured area and on nerves related to the injured area, which will bring you some comfort and help speed healing. They can also use protocols like cold laser therapy and massage to treat minor injuries naturally. This kind of care is also helpful after a 4-wheeler crash, after falling off a horse, or after any other type of traumatic event.

During pregnancy.

It's also a good idea to see a chiropractor a few times while you are pregnant. The increased weight on the front of your body can pull your spine out of alignment, leading to back pain. A chiropractor can put your spine back in alignment, which will make it easier for you to sleep and get around while pregnant. Being properly adjusted can also make it easier for you to give birth. Many women can benefit from being adjusted once or twice after giving birth since the process is hard on the spine and pelvis, too.

During a period of stressful change.

When you have something stressful and traumatic happen in your life, it can cause you to carry tension in your muscles. Over time, this can pull your spine out of line, which only serves to make your pain worse. Eventually, your muscle stiffness will make it harder for you to sleep, which is not what you want or need when you're already stressed out. Whether you're going through a divorce, facing the death of a family member, or dealing with job loss, visiting the chiropractor is a good way to bite this cycle of stress, muscle tension, and spinal misalignment in the bud.

Even if you do not see a chiropractor on a regular basis, there are times in life when you really should see one. Pregnancy, stress, and accidents are three of those instances. Contact a chiropractic clinic for more information.