If your back is aching or your neck feels stiff, you may be considering seeing a chiropractor. These are doctors who specialize in treating the spine and joints to help your body move more efficiently. However, before booking an appointment, it is natural to wonder, “How much is this going to cost me?” The price can vary significantly depending on your location and the doctor’s experience.
Your final bill will also depend on whether your health insurance covers the visit. Some appointments are straightforward, while others require a comprehensive heart-healthy plan with additional therapies. Knowing these details helps you budget for your pain relief without any surprise costs.
Average cost of chiropractic care
On average, a single visit to a chiropractor costs between $60 and $200 without insurance. If you have insurance, your cost is often much lower, usually ranging from a $20 to $50 copay per visit. Your total price will depend on your location, the type of treatment required and whether this is your first visit to our office.
A 2022 Chiropractic Economics reimbursement survey reveals that the cost of a visit can vary significantly. Depending on the doctor you choose to see, the price typically ranges from $48 to $188. If you are paying out of pocket instead of using insurance, the price is often in the middle of that range. The survey found that the average cost for a single treatment is about $67. This gives you a good idea of what to expect in terms of payment.
With insurance
Most health insurance plans cover chiropractic care because it is an effective treatment for back pain. When you go for a visit, you usually pay a small fixed amount called a “copay.” According to the Healthy Children Organization, the fees are generally coinsurance and cost-sharing deductibles. However, if you have not yet met your yearly deductible, you might have to pay more. This is the amount you must pay yourself before your insurance coverage kicks in. If this happens, you will likely pay a special rate between $50 and $100.
It is also essential to check your plan for limits. Many insurance companies will only pay for a specific number of visits per year. For example, they might stop paying after you have gone 12 or 20 times, as noted in Health Coverage Basics by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Without insurance
If you do not have insurance, you will be required to pay the full price yourself. The first visit is usually the most expensive. Johns Hopkins states that the cost is a high price of between $100 and $200 because the doctor needs to conduct a comprehensive check-up and may take X-rays to determine the exact cause of the issue.
After the first day, your regular visits will usually be less expensive. A standard appointment to adjust or “crack” your back typically costs between $60 and $100. These visits are quicker and focused on fixing your pain. However, the price may increase if the doctor uses additional treatments. If you require special tools, lasers or massage therapy to aid in your recovery, you can expect to pay an extra $30 to $50 per service.
Factors that affect cost
The price you pay depends mainly on the location of the office. If you go to a clinic in a big, busy city, it will usually cost more than a small office in a quiet town. The doctor’s skill level matters too. A chiropractor who has been in practice for 30 years or who treats professional athletes will likely charge a premium. You are paying extra for their long experience.
Sometimes, the doctor needs to look deeper to understand your pain. If they need to take X-rays to see your spine, this will increase your bill. This extra test usually adds between $50 and $150 to your first visit. You can often save money by planning. Many clinics offer a special deal if you buy a “package” of visits all at once. If you pay for 10 trips today, each visit will be cheaper.
“Finding the exact cause of chronic back pain can be tricky, as it could be related to many factors,” explains Dr. Justus Rabach, MD. “Be sure to involve your physician and undergo the prescribed tests to secure the best possible outcomes.”
Insurance coverage details
It is smart to call your insurance company before you go to check the rules. If you have Medicare, it usually covers a healthcare professional to adjust your spine if you really need it. However, NIH research demonstrates that some barriers to care may not cover extras like X-rays or massage, so you may need to cover those costs yourself.
Anne Kamwila, Healthcare Policy Analyst, says, “If you were hurt while at work, the visit might be free because workers’ compensation often pays the full bill from primary and secondary payers according to Healthline. Also, check if you need permission first. Some plans require you to see your family doctor for a ‘referral’ note before they will agree to pay.”
How to save money on chiropractors
You can often pay less if you ask. Many offices offer a special discount of 10% to 20% if you pay with cash or a card on the day of your visit. They are happy to lower the price because it saves them the time and effort of dealing with insurance paperwork. Another option is to find a clinic that works like a gym. Some large companies offer a monthly membership for about $80. This single fee typically covers multiple visits, making it more cost-effective than paying for each appointment separately.
Also, check if you have a special health savings account (HSA or FSA). You can use this money to cover your care expenses. Since this money is not taxed, using it is equivalent to receiving an automatic 20% discount on your bill. Always ask the receptionist to do a “benefits check” before your first adjustment. This ensures you are not surprised by a high bill if your insurance later denies the claim.
How do I know if I need a chiropractor?
You might benefit from a visit if you have “mechanical” pain, which is pain that gets worse when you move a certain way.
Chiropractic treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic, may be necessary for common signs, including frequent tension headaches, a dull ache in the lower back that persists or a sensation that your neck is “stuck” when trying to look over your shoulder.
What are the signs of a good chiropractor?
A good chiropractor will perform a comprehensive exam before adjusting your spine and will thoroughly review your health history. They should provide you with a clear plan that includes an end date; be wary of anyone who insists you must return indefinitely or tries to sell you expensive “maintenance” plans before they even determine the issue.
What are the disadvantages of a chiropractor?
The main disadvantage is that the relief is sometimes temporary, requiring multiple visits. There is also a small risk of “soreness” after an adjustment, similar to the feeling after a hard workout. In sporadic cases, Michigan Medicine cites that high-velocity neck manipulation adjustments have been linked to serious vascular issues, so it is essential to discuss all risks with your doctor.
Bottom line
Chiropractic care typically costs between $60 and $200 per visit without insurance; however, most insurance plans cover a significant portion of the fee. To get the best value, look for a doctor who provides a clear treatment plan and ask about cash discounts if you are paying out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the usual price for a chiropractor?
The standard price for a cash payment is approximately $65 to $100 per session.
How often should you see a chiropractor?
For a new injury, you may go one to two times a week for a few weeks, but for general health, many people go once a month or only when they feel pain.
What conditions should not be treated by a chiropractor?
People with severe osteoporosis, spinal cancer or an increased risk of stroke should avoid high-force spinal adjustments.
Citations
Payne AM. The 27th annual Fees and Reimbursements Survey: Steady, and on the way up (2023). Chiropractic Economics. Published March 26, 2024. https://www.chiroeco.com/27th-annual-fees-and-reimbursements-survey-steady-and-on-the-way-up/
Berman S, Giardino P. Understanding Cost Sharing: Deductibles, Copayments & Coinsurance. HealthyChildren.org. Published 2018. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/health-insurance/Pages/Understanding-Cost-Sharing-Deductibles-Copayments-Coinsurance.aspx
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health Coverage Basics. https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/technical-assistance-resources/training-materials/health-coverage-basics-training.pdf
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Primary Care Visits Available to Most Uninsured But at a High Price | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. publichealth.jhu.edu. Published May 5, 2015. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2015/primary-care-visits-available-to-most-uninsured-but-at-a-high-price
Solan M. Managing chronic back pain – Harvard Health. Harvard Health. Published October 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/managing-chronic-back-pain
Srakocic S. Primary and Secondary Payers: How Do They Work With Medicare? Healthline. Published June 14, 2021. https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/medicare-secondary-payers
Mayo Clinic. Chiropractic adjustment – Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org. Published September 30, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chiropractic-adjustment/about/pac-20393513
Gleeson J. Stroke Risk Associated With Aggressive Chiropractic Neck Adjustments. www.michiganmedicine.org. Published 2017. https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/chiropractic-neck-manipulation-and-stroke-whats-risk