How much does a chiropractor cost?
How much does a chiropractor cost?
$80 – $250 average cost for initial consultation
$50 – $150 average cost per follow-up visit
Average chiropractor cost
Chiropractor prices range from $50 to $300+ per visit without insurance. An initial consultation costs $80 to $250 and includes a comprehensive evaluation, X-rays or other diagnostic tests, and your first treatment. Regular follow-up visits cost $50 to $150 on average but may go up to $300+ for specialized treatments.
| Visit type | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | $80 – $250 |
| Follow-up (regular adjustment) | $50 – $150 |
| Intensive or specialized therapy | $100 – $300+ |
Does insurance cover chiropractic care?
Many health insurance plans offer some level of coverage for chiropractic care. However, the extent of coverage varies widely depending on your specific plan. This means it's crucial to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits. Some policies may:
Only cover chiropractic care for certain medical conditions
Require a referral from your primary care physician
Limit the number of visits covered per year
Require you to meet a deductible before coverage begins
Have copayments or coinsurance for each visit
Require you to see only in-network providers
Only cover specific types of treatment, such as spinal manipulation for subluxation
Does Medicare cover chiropractic care?
Medicare Part B covers chiropractic treatments, but only for manual manipulation of the spine to correct subluxation. It does not cover other services or tests ordered by a chiropractor, such as X-rays or massage therapy. Patients are typically responsible for paying 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting their deductible.
Factors that affect the cost of chiropractic care
Beyond whether you have insurance coverage or are paying completely out-of-pocket, several factors can influence the price you pay for chiropractic care, including:
Location: The cost of living in an area can significantly affect chiropractic costs. Big cities with higher living expenses, such as San Francisco, tend to have higher healthcare costs.
Experience & expertise: More experienced chiropractors with specialized skills and training may charge higher fees. For instance, a chiropractor specializing in sports injuries or scoliosis treatment may charge more than a general chiropractor.
Appointment type: An initial consultation visit costs more than the treatment visits that follow because the first visit involves an in-depth evaluation and diagnostic tests like X-rays or other scans. Some chiropractors include your first treatment in the consultation visit fee.
Type of treatment: The specific treatments you receive influence the overall cost. Basic spinal manipulations may be less expensive than advanced therapies like spinal decompression or cold laser therapy.
Number of sessions: The duration and frequency of your treatment plan also impacts the cost. More complex conditions may require multiple sessions per week for several weeks, while others may only need a few appointments.
Plans & packages: Many practices offer package deals that reduce the cost to $25 to $40 per visit when you purchase multiple visits at once. Some chiropractors also have ongoing wellness plans that include up to four visits per month for a $50 to $100 monthly membership fee.
Additional services
Many chiropractors offer supplementary services that can enhance your treatment but may also increase the overall cost. The table below shows the average cost per session for several common therapeutic treatments and services.
| Treatment / service | Average cost per session* |
|---|---|
| Medical massage cost | $70 – $125 per hour |
| Spinal decompression cost | $50 – $250 |
| Physical therapy cost | $80 – $150 |
| Nutritional counseling cost | $70 – $100+ |
| Cold laser therapy cost | $50 – $150 |
| Cupping therapy cost | $40 – $110 |
| Acupuncture cost | $70 – $150 |
| IV therapy cost | $130 – $320 |
*Average cost without insurance
When to see a chiropractor
Chiropractic care can provide natural relief for many chronic and acute health conditions and, in some cases, may reduce the need for prescription medications. Consider seeking chiropractic care if you experience:
Chronic back or neck pain
Headaches or migraines
Joint pain or stiffness
Poor posture
Scoliosis
Spinal injury
Sports injury
Whiplash
What to expect at a chiropractor visit
Visiting a chiropractor for the first time involves several steps:
Initial consultation: Your first visit typically includes a thorough review of your medical history and lifestyle, to give the chiropractor a solid understanding of your symptoms and background.
Physical exam: The chiropractor will assess your posture, range of motion, and perform neurological tests to evaluate your condition.
Diagnostic imaging: If necessary, they may recommend X-rays or other imaging to get a clearer understanding of your spine and joints.
Treatment plan: After the exam, the chiropractor will explain their findings and propose a treatment plan tailored specifically for you, which may include adjustments and exercises.
Chiropractic adjustment: If you choose to proceed with treatment, the chiropractor will perform spinal adjustments using controlled force. They may use their hands or specialized tools, and the adjustments are quick and generally painless.
Post-treatment instructions: You will receive guidance on at-home care and follow-up appointments based on your treatment needs.
Follow-up visits: Follow-up visits typically involve similar assessments and adjustments as needed, with frequency depending on your progress. It's common for chiropractors to recommend several visits per week initially, then decreasing frequency over time as your condition improves and the spine stays aligned.
Chiropractor FAQs
Are chiropractors doctors?
Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. While they are not medical doctors (M.D.s), they are physicians licensed to practice and are considered primary care providers in many states.
What does a chiropractor do?
Chiropractors primarily focus on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders through manual adjustment or manipulation of the spine. They aim to reduce pain, improve functionality, and educate patients in maintaining their health through exercise, ergonomics, and other therapies.
How often should you see a chiropractor?
The frequency of chiropractic visits depends on your individual condition and treatment plan. Initially, you might need 2 to 3 visits per week, gradually decreasing as your condition improves. The chiropractor may recommend maintenance visits monthly or quarterly, depending on your specific condition.
How to manage the costs of chiropractic care
If you're concerned about the potential costs of seeing a chiropractor, consider these strategies to help make chiropractic care more affordable:
Verify your insurance benefits before seeking treatment. If you have insurance coverage for chiropractic care, look for an in-network provider to get the maximum coverage benefit.
Ask about payment plans. Many chiropractors offer flexible payment plans and financing options.
Ask about package deals. Some clinics offer discounted rates for purchasing multiple sessions up front.
Look for a local community health clinic. These clinics often provide services at reduced rates or on a sliding-scale fee based on income.
Questions to ask a chiropractor
While cost is essential, don't base your decision solely on price. Consider factors like the chiropractor's experience, specialties, patient reviews, and the overall quality of care they provide.
Before starting treatment, consider asking your chiropractor:
What are your qualifications and experience?
How many sessions do you anticipate I'll need?
What techniques do you use, and why are they appropriate for my condition?
Are there any risks associated with the treatment?
Do you offer payment plans or discounts for multiple sessions?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.