Fees per chiropractic session average $65 for a general vertebrae adjustment, according to a recent survey in Chiropractic Economics magazine.
Sessions can range from $34 to $106 per session depending on where you live, how many regions of the spine a chiropractor services and whether exams are required.
Average fees are highest in the South, around $70 per session, and lowest in the Midwest, at $60. New patients should expect to pay slightly more on their first visit, from $61 to $161, because an overall health consultation is usually required. Chiropractors charge additional fees for X-rays, which can range from $44 to $159.
Most health insurance plans cover some level of chiropractic care, and treatment is also a tax-deductible medical expense, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Many chiropractors accept insurance or payment plans.
What should be included:
The cost of most general chiropractic sessions includes an adjustment of the vertebrae. Using their hands and arms, doctors apply force to the back and neck to realign joints and relieve pressure or pain, according to the ACA.
The length and frequency of sessions depends on the severity of a patient's need. Patients sometimes experience a brief period of soreness after an adjustment, which generally goes away within a day or two.
Additional costs:
Some chiropractors offer additional services, or modalities, to treat chronic ailments and reduce tension. In a recent survey of 365 chiropractors, around 48 percent said they offer massage and 15 percent offer acupuncture, according to Chiropractic Economics.
Chiropractors charge an average of $42 for a massage therapy session, where they apply pressure to the body's muscles and soft tissue.
Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles into the body's pressure points to manipulate its energy. Acupuncturists charge $100 to $150 for an initial visit, which generally includes a consultation, and around $65 for follow-up visits.
Discounts:
Doctors who operate cash-only practices typically charge less, an average of $57 per session, because they are not concerned about what percentage of reimbursement they will receive from insurance companies, according to the Chiropractic Economics survey.
Chiropractors who have a single practice typically charge less, around $63 per session, as opposed to doctors who work in a medical group and charge an average of $70.
Shopping for a chiropractor:
The first step is finding the right doctor. Ask relatives or friends for a recommendation, or visit ChiroWeb.com, where you can search for a chiropractor based on location, education and specialization.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
My medical doctor prescribed drugs for my acute low back and leg pain. They made me dizzy and vomit. My neighbor referred me to Dr. Seth Gross of Blue Mountain Chiropractic Family Wellness in Cortlandt Manor, NY. He determined that I had two herniated lumbar discs and advised Axial decompression and spinal adjustments. I was so surprised that pain and stiffness subsided in only 5 sessions.
I was also intrigued to learn that doctors of chiropractic (DC) take the same courses as doctors of medicine (MD) but 400 hours more (DC=4700 hours vs 4300 hours MD). Dr. Gross is primary care doctor to many of the patients of his office. This guy is one great doctor!
Dr. Doran at the Chiropractic Wellness Center did a great job helping me with my back pain. He also cleared out my wife's headaches. He used adjustments and acupuncture both which for 54 bucks was pretty cheap (probably too cheap but I'm not saying anything).
Dr. Arlen Smith is the best chiropractor that I\'ve ever been to. He does full spine adjustments & has the largest therapy bay in the Lake Travis area. He\'s also in most of the insurance networks but will work with patients that do not have insurance coverage. Call & make an appointment if you are nearby or just visiting.
I was charged over 13,163.64 for 38 visits. 10,000.00 was paid by my pip auto insurance. I was told by the Dr. that he would not exceed the pip and that he would also take the cost of MRI in to consideration so I would not have any out of pocket cost.
Most of the treatments were 5 minutes then doing some excersises which did not require the doctor to be present and was under 15 minutes total. I had about 6 appointments where I was I put on the table where it would stretch the spine and was less the 15 minutes on those appointments also. (I am sorry, forgot what it is called)
The Dr suggested 45 appointments during the same consultation we discussed cost and I only had 38. Is this something one should expect?
Had not seen a Chiropractor in over a year, but knew I needed to. My Insurance requires a $45 co-payment to see a specialist. Saw Dr. Robinson at Absolute Chiropractic. Appears to be a one man shop, but his office is very professional in appearance and in its operation. My visits are 3 for $100. Cheaper than my $45 co-payment. Dr. Robinson does not rush you in and out as some chiropractors do. First Appointment was 30 minutes, adjustments have been 10-15 minutes. Does not pursuade you to come every day or even multiple times in one day as some have. Nice honest guy.
Posted by: Ripped off Patient in Gaithersburg, MD.
Posted: February 12th, 2010 08:02AM
Firm or Practice: Lakeforest Chiropractic Clinic
Went there for a intial consultation. No X-rays done. Was given a stinky hot press on my back and neck. Then the Doc manipulated my arms painfully behind my back. One session of this and I never returned. Then I got notice that I was taken to the cleaners for $416 for this one session. Is this the norm for initial consultations? I think this is way too much money, even MDs don't charge this much!! unless you are a Specialist. Thank God I had PIP to rely on, or else, I would seriously report this quack!
Firm or Practice: Acu Chiropractice and Wellness Center
The receptionist Jennifer told me each visit would be ~ $59.00 per session with the first visit being ~$139 - $159. I got a bill from them for $179.00 AFTER they billed my insurance almost $500.00 for my 1st session and the follow up session the doctor recomended for 1 week later. I don\'t think I was in the office more than 30 minutes either time.
Dr. James Heston of Homer, Alaska is an EXCELLENT chiropractic who also practices applied kinesiology. He is gentle, yet fierm when needed, takes time to discuss problems, and provides excellent follow through. sessions are scheduled to be 15 minutes. I have always received my full 15 minutes and have often gotten more time for no adfditional charge. We in Homer expect our doctors to be like this. We ar a small community.
Posted by: Dwight Ruffi, Wausau, WI. in Wausau, WI.
Posted: May 18th, 2010 10:05AM
Firm or Practice: Allied Health
I have had my son to two chiropractors at the Bautch clinics in Wausau, WI. Each time they were awesome and really took care of my family. From Ear aches,pregnancy issues to lower back pain, they helped us along with our ailments. We refer people to them and they too have had great results! Dr. Scott Bautch, Dr. Dan Throm and Dr. Steven Ruppel have inspired me to become a chiropractor myself. The good that a chiropractor can do is beyond words. I wish that more people would try this first and live better lives. If you had a bad experiance with a chiropractor, try a different one. They are not all the same!
verbally requested my medical billing(was in a car in accident, september, 2009 , so i can settle my lawsuit,. the chiropractor told me he is not giving me my medical billing because i might keep the money,told me to stop calling his office and give him his money.lol so i gave him a hand-written request asking for my medical billing,( 30 days) and on video ,this is in 2010,march. these guys are making money, hand over fist, besides your bring them money, to this day he havent sent them to me yet.lol i know my rights was violated. will update
Everybody told me the chiropractor wasn't worth it and after finding some shaddy characters in the business, I went to Dr. Bennett in Charleston SC after a referral from a colleague. 3 visits in, neck pain is going away, and headaches, THANK THE LORD (or should I say Bennett), are gone already. Massages help with the discomfort afterward (lst and 2nd session). This was worth it
When I first went to Dr. DeVries I was told to sign a 30 visit contract. I took the lower of the two options which had only one therapy after the treatment. The more expensive of the two had two therapies after the treatment. After doing this and talking to friends I checked around and the other chiropractors in the areas do not seem to follow this practice. Is this a common practice? I find it strange and after the 30 visits I was not much better! Now he has sent me another bill to cover the part of the treatment that Medicare did not cover. I do not plan to pay for it since he seemed to know that the x-rays and therapies would not be covered by Medicare so I figure he should also know how much Medicare covers and I am not going to cover his miscalculations.
I went to Dr. Bense because my daughter had been sick since birth. I had visited MD and MD for 12 months with hospital stays about every other week and antibiotic after antibiotic. My daughter had been diagnosed with every ailment under the sun and still with medical treatment was not any better. She had a medical file 5 inches thick. I felt I was out of options until some one recommended I try Dr. Bense. After a consultation and examination, Dr. Bense pinpointed exactly where the problem was coming from. She adjusted my daughter and I have to say that if I did not experience it for myself, I would not believe it. My daughter has not had any more fevers, has not had any more hospital stays, no more fevers, sleeps through the night, is happy and healthy. She has only been back to her MD for regular appointments. Even our MD is amazed and told us to keep doing 'whatever it is we are doing'. My husband was so impressed, he now sees Dr. Bense for his low back pain. I started seeing her because I want to be functioning at my optimum health and Dr. Bense is great at educating us and showing us what is going on in our bodies. We all know we need proper nutrition, proper sleep, but most of us don't know we need a properly functioning nervous system so we can be at 100% and after what I witnessed with my daughter, I'm a believer! Thank you so very much.
I had low back pain since 7 years because of disc problems my MD used to tell " You have only one option=surgery" and when i asked him about seeing a DC he told me "NOOOO beaware of chiropractors" but my Aunt tried chiropractors and her pain disappeared so i went to the same doctor and i couldn't believe the results especially with the flexion distraction technique it was a miracle yes a miracle . NO ONE IS BETTER THAN THE DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC.
Posted by: a non-returning patient in CA in Fremont, CA.
Posted: October 19th, 2010 08:10PM
Firm or Practice: Discover Chiropractic
I should have asked how much the initial visit would cost and was I surprised. They did take x-rays, though, so I guess the cost is fairly reasonable for a first visit. However, at my second appointment I was told that I would have to agree to a total of more than $4,000 for 6 months treatment before they would treat me. Also, they didn't check to see if my insurance would cover the cost, so I had to pay for the initial visit by credit card. I won't return to them, but I will check out a different chiropractor.
I have headaches everyday and Migraines frequently. The ones with halos and sickness. After 12 visits no migraines and headaches every so often. After 2 months no headaches!
Hate to say, there are many scams with chiropractors. Even if your insurance covers chiropractic and it seems to be cheaper than paying an out of network provider, do your homework- not always the case, especially if the insurer decides not to pay and you are left with the bill. If you are not feeling results within a reasonable amount of time, ask questions and consult other DC's. Why would you continue to see a practitioner if you weren't getting better? Reputable chiropractors offer reasonable fees, clear treatment plans, and RESULTS. They aren't the ones driving the fancy cars. You have choices... don't get taken for a ride.
Posted by: Fan of Dr. Wil McCauley!!! in Bentonville, AR.
Posted: December 7th, 2010 02:12PM
Firm or Practice: Touch Healing Arts
I almost quit going to chiropractors in the Benton County area due to the lack of concern many of them showed about my situation. I felt like I was being sold something each time I went in. Some want a $2500 "Case Fee" up front. Thankfully, my massage therapist recommended Dr. Wil McCauley of Touch Healing Arts. Pain-free and pleased to tell you about it!!!
I have fybromylagia and was referred to a chiropractor that is trained in acupuncture. I am now off several medications. My arthritis in my hands does not hurt anymore, my knotted up shoulder, back and neck are very loose and the pain is so much better. I go now once a month to maintain and also I get acupuncture to loose weight and have gone down two sizez in three months. It just really curves your appetite with no side effects. I am now able to workout at the gym again.
I have been suffering from Headaches for many years now and have been to many different Chiropractors for this problem. Most of the Chiropractors I have been to seem to be in such a hurry, and I maybe got 2 minutes with the doctor before he moved on to his next patient. Each visit with Dr Casey lasts anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending how bad I am that day, and he truly cares. Since seeing him my headaches have improved a TON!!! If you live in or around the Delafield area, I recommend you set up an appointment with Dr Casey!!
What a great experience!! Very friendly staff. was alittle nervous at first but was very knowlegable and explained everything in detail. Also has great massage thereapist which is a bonus. For the cost this place is amazing. Highly recomend it!!!
Firm or Practice: Jenkins Chiropractic and Wellness
Was referred to Jenkins Chiropractic by a close friend who knew of him. I was very impressed with how much better I felt after the first week. I have been to other chiro's before, but for some reason I get SO much more relief with Dr. Jenkins.
My Chiropractic originally charged me $30.00 per session until he found out I had a personal injury claim, then when it was time to settle, he charged me a total of $3,300 for 25 visits. When it should have totaled roughly $800.00. Very pissed off! These is perhaps due to kickbacks.
Firm or Practice: VA Family Chiropractic Health CTR
Ultrasound, heat and stem over charged; $230.00. Plus the receptionist told me one price for massages and my PIP-auto insurance was charged more. The Chiropractor said that he charges more to the insurance company but they don't post their prices. They charged my PIP (auto insurance) $150 for a 45 minute massage which should have been an hours session when I was told it cost $100 which I thought was too high. As soon as I found out I stopped going. Will never return. 12546 Dillingham Square, Woodbridge, VA 22192
Firm or Practice: Seattle Chiropractic And Massage Center
I found this place with a dealfind deal, looking for an hour massage for $29. It also came with the consultation (x-rays, body scans, the works!). I continue care because it feels great! Everyone there is welcoming and informative. I've gone through my 3rd adjustment and I've already learned so much! They are so helpful in explaining why chiropractic care is important, and fixing my spine and letting my nervous system heal itself seemed to be the most important thing to them. They have a special deal right now for people that haven't had chiropractic care before: 30 minute massage and consultation free. They really care.
It's located right by Fremont, a few blocks from the Troll. Dr. Nadeem Bajwa is a great guy. He's knowledgeable, charismatic, flexible, and he takes his time to really make sure you've got what you need. I'm glad I've found this place!