Is Chiropractic Care Affordable? The Truth About Costs and Coverage

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Janett King

When pain strikes—whether it's that stiff neck from staring at your computer screen for hours or that nagging back pain that just won’t quit—you need relief now. So, you grab your smartphone, desperate for help. You search “chiropractor near me” or, if it’s the weekend, “chiropractor open on Sunday,” praying you can find someone who can actually see you. You know you need care, but just before you hit send, a thought stops you cold: What’s this going to cost me?

For many, especially those without top-tier health insurance, medical costs are a serious concern. The last thing you want is to get relief from pain, only to be hit with a hefty bill that makes you second guess your decision. Maybe you’re already anticipating a complicated insurance process or a frustrating lack of transparency about pricing.

But before you let those worries stop you from getting the care you need, let’s take a step back and get to the truth: Is chiropractic care actually affordable? What does it really cost—and more importantly, is it worth the investment in your long-term health?

The power of chiropractic care: Why it’s worth it

Before we dive into the dollars and cents, let’s talk about what chiropractic care really is and why it’s worth the investment. Developed in the late 19th century, chiropractic is a healthcare approach focused on the relationship between your body’s structure (your spine and surrounding joints) and your nervous system. It’s based on the principle that your body (every body, really) has the innate ability to heal itself. But this ability is dependent on a healthy nervous system and a properly functioning spine. Doctors of chiropractic (DC) use hands-on, and sometimes instrument-aided, manipulations to adjust your joints, seeking to improve function in your nervous system and restore mobility to joints that aren’t moving well (called subluxations).

Contrary to popular myth, chiropractic care isn’t just for back pain—it’s a holistic approach to healthcare focused on symptom relief and wellness. Basically, your chiropractor may help relieve your pain and then keep feeling great.

Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective for a wide range of issues, from lower back pain and sciatica to headaches, joint discomfort, and even stress. Research shows that spinal manipulation is not only a viable alternative to conventional medical treatments but, in some cases, a superior one. 

One clinical trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients receiving manual-thrust spinal manipulation (usually referred to as chiropractic adjustments) experienced significantly greater pain relief and functional improvement compared to those undergoing usual medical care. In fact, 94 percent of patients in the manual-thrust manipulation group reported at least a 30 percent  reduction in pain, compared to just 69 percent in the usual medical care group. These findings highlight that chiropractic care may provide faster and more effective relief, reducing the need for hospitalizations, opioid prescriptions, and excessive medical expenses.

But, it’s not just about pain relief. Chiropractic care offers a whole-body approach that can improve your posture, increase mobility, and help you feel your best. Whether it’s spinal misalignment, muscle strain, or nerve compression, unlike medications that mask symptoms, chiropractic adjustments treat the root cause of pain. That means more long-term relief and fewer ongoing costs.

The hidden costs of ignoring your spinal health

Ignoring your pain doesn’t just affect your well-being—it also impacts your wallet. When you let back, neck, or joint pain fester without treatment, you’re opening the door to long-term consequences that could lead to higher medical bills and lost productivity. Here’s what could happen if you skip the chiropractor and hope the problem goes away on its own:

• Lost productivity: The cost of missed workdays due to pain is staggering. According to the National Safety Council, musculoskeletal disorders (which chiropractic care addresses) are one of the leading causes of missed work. Chronic pain can lead to decreased productivity, costing businesses billions each year.
   
• Increased medical costs: The longer you go without addressing your pain, the more likely it is that you’ll need more invasive, expensive treatments down the line. What starts as a simple misalignment can develop into a serious issue requiring injections, surgery, or prolonged physical therapy, each of which is more costly than a chiropractic adjustment.
   
• Medication dependency: The use of prescription painkillers, especially opioids, has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to widespread addiction, increased healthcare costs, and the need for rehabilitation. Research published in BMJ Open found that patients who saw a chiropractor as their initial provider for low back pain had 90 percent decreased odds of both early and long-term opioid use compared to those who sought traditional medical care first. By addressing the root cause of pain rather than masking symptoms with medication, chiropractic care offers an effective, non-invasive solution that can help reduce dependence on prescription drugs altogether.

So, while chiropractic care may seem like an expense upfront, it’s actually an investment in your long-term health and it’s far cheaper than the alternatives.
 

Research-backed savings: How chiropractic care saves you money in the long run

Here’s the twist: chiropractic care can actually save you money in the long term. It’s one of the few healthcare services that focuses on prevention by keeping small issues from developing into big, expensive ones.

Multiple studies have supported the cost-saving benefits of chiropractic care. A study using data from the North Carolina State Health Plan between 2000 and 2009 revealed that care by a DC alone or in conjunction with a medical doctor (MD) incurred “appreciably fewer charges” for uncomplicated lower back pain than MD care with or without physical therapy.

Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that older Medicare patients with chronic low back pain who received spinal manipulation from a chiropractic physician had lower overall healthcare costs and experienced shorter episodes of back pain compared to those who only received medical care. Patients receiving a combination of chiropractic and medical care had the next lowest costs, while those who received only medical care incurred the highest costs.

In another study analyzing data from 85,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) beneficiaries in Tennessee, it was found that initiating low back pain treatment with a chiropractor saves 20 to 40 percent in healthcare costs compared to care initiated through a MD. The study concluded that allowing patients to seek chiropractic care first could save BCBS of Tennessee $2.3 million annually. It also highlighted that insurance companies restricting access to chiropractic care may actually end up paying more for care in the long run than if they removed these restrictions.

What determines the cost of chiropractic care?

So, how much can you expect to pay for chiropractic care? The cost depends on several factors:

• Location: Urban areas tend to have higher prices than rural clinics, simply due to the higher cost of doing business.
   
• Clinic type: Private practices often charge more than larger franchise clinics, which can spread their costs over a larger patient base.
   
• Number of sessions: Some conditions, like severe back pain or sciatica, may require more frequent visits in the beginning, which could increase your overall cost. 

Does my insurance plan cover chiropractic services?

It’s one of the first questions people ask when considering chiropractic care: Does my insurance cover chiropractic care? The answer? It depends…on a lot.

Navigating insurance coverage for chiropractic care can feel like putting together a puzzle with missing pieces. First, you’ll need to check your plan’s benefits by digging through the fine print or calling customer service. 

If chiropractic care is included in your insurance plan, you’ll want to ask:

• How many visits are covered per year? Some plans cap coverage at a handful of visits, which may not be enough if you need ongoing care.
   
• Do I need a referral? Certain plans require a primary care doctor’s referral before you can see a chiropractor, adding an extra step (and appointment) to the process.
   
• What’s the copay or deductible? Even if your plan covers chiropractic, you might be responsible for high out-of-pocket costs before insurance kicks in.
   
• Are there in-network restrictions? Some insurance plans only cover care from specific chiropractors, limiting your options.

If your coverage is unclear, you may need to submit a pre-authorization request or wait for claim approvals, delaying relief while all that paperwork gets sorted.

Before assuming insurance is the only way to afford care, take a closer look at all your options. There may be a simpler, more cost-effective path to getting the relief you need.

Affordable chiropractic care without insurance: The Joint Chiropractic solution

In the U.S. the average cost of one chiropractic visit is $65. So how do you find an affordable chiropractor near you? Enter: The Joint Chiropractic.

It’s right there in our mission! To improve quality of life through routine and affordable chiropractic care. Since 1999, we’ve been making chiropractic care accessible to everyone, regardless of their insurance coverage. 
 

How The Joint Chiropractic offers low cost chiropractic care

• No insurance hassles: Because we don’t rely on insurance, we cut out the middleman—along with the red tape, restrictions, and inflated costs that often come with it. Traditional healthcare pricing is complicated, with insurers negotiating different rates for different services, adding layers of administrative fees, and passing those costs down to patients. By removing insurance from the equation, we keep pricing straightforward, transparent, and significantly more affordable. No surprise bills. No waiting for approvals. No worrying about whether your visit counts toward a deductible. Just simple, upfront pricing that makes chiropractic care accessible when you need it—without the hassle.
   
• Affordable plans and packages: After your initial visit, a single session is just $55. But if you’re all about keeping your body aligned, our Wellness Plans are where it’s at. With a plan, you get up to four visits per month—making regular visits are about $18-23** per session. That’s less than most insurance co-pays! It's a no-brainer for anyone who wants to stay aligned and save big by coming in more than twice a month. If you’re looking for something more flexible, our Packages might be right up your alley. They’re perfect for those who need a little wiggle room and who visit less than twice a month. With no contract, you can use your visits whenever you like. Package visits are good for up to a year in most areas.
   
• Walk-In convenience: No need to wait weeks for an appointment, just walk in and get the care you need, when you need it.
   
• Transparent pricing: No surprise charges, no hidden fees. What you see on our plans and pricing page is what you get.

As the nation’s largest provider of chiropractic care, we’re proud to offer chiropractic care that fits into any schedule and any budget. At The Joint, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable healthcare that works.
 

The bottom line: Can you afford chiropractic care?

The question isn’t can you afford chiropractic care, it’s can you afford not to? The high cost of traditional healthcare is a major barrier to pain relief, but chiropractic care offers an affordable, natural alternative. With its focus on prevention and long-term pain relief, chiropractic care is a smart investment in your health and your wallet.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.