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Key Takeaways
- The national average cost of a chiropractic adjustment is $76, but prices can range from $58 to $148 depending on several factors, including location and frequency of care.
- Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, effective option to address back pain without using medication or surgery.
- The CareCredit credit card can help you finance chiropractic and pay over time with convenient monthly payments.*
Chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica and reduced mobility can make even everyday activities — driving, working or getting a good night’s sleep — more difficult. For many people, a chiropractic adjustment offers a medication-free, non-surgical approach that may help relieve pain and improve mobility.
More than 35 million Americans visit a chiropractor each year, and around 77% of patients report that chiropractic care is very effective in helping manage musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions.1
Before scheduling an appointment, it’s helpful to understand what chiropractic treatment might involve, how much it typically costs and the options available for paying for care.
What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on technique that uses controlled, targeted force to help improve joint movement, reduce pain and inflammation and restore mobility. While the term “spinal manipulation” is sometimes used interchangeably, “adjustment” often refers more broadly to a nonspecific technique intended to improve joint mobility. In chiropractic care, an adjustment is a more specific technique to realign a misaligned bone, removing pressure from a nerve and the surrounding tissue to reduce pain, decrease inflammation and increase overall nervous system communication.
Chiropractic care is a holistic, non-invasive approach to treating common disorders of the muscles, spine and nervous system. Back discomfort is one of the most common reasons why people seek chiropractic care.
How Much Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Cost?
The national average cost** of a manual spinal adjustment is $76, but it can range from $58 to $148 depending on variables such as:2
- Frequency of adjustments
- Geography
- Initial consultation costs
- Insurance policy
- Package deals
- Practitioner expertise
- Session duration
Calculate the cost of a spinal adjustment near you**
Explore costs in your area
Average cost of a spinal adjustment by state/district
Here is the average cost** of a manual spinal adjustment in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.2
| State/District | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $66 |
| Alaska | $91 |
| Arizona | $76 |
| Arkansas | $65 |
| California | $97 |
| Colorado | $76 |
| Connecticut | $79 |
| Delaware | $75 |
| District of Columbia | $104 |
| Florida | $75 |
| Georgia | $68 |
| Hawaii | $128 |
| Idaho | $77 |
| Illinois | $73 |
| Indiana | $67 |
| Iowa | $68 |
| Kansas | $65 |
| Kentucky | $71 |
| Louisiana | $70 |
| Maine | $76 |
| Maryland | $83 |
| Massachusetts | $91 |
| Michigan | $70 |
| Minnesota | $70 |
| Mississippi | $63 |
| Missouri | $65 |
| Montana | $74 |
| Nebraska | $67 |
| Nevada | $75 |
| New Hampshire | $80 |
| New Jersey | $82 |
| New Mexico | $69 |
| New York | $86 |
| North Carolina | $70 |
| North Dakota | $69 |
| Ohio | $70 |
| Oklahoma | $64 |
| Oregon | $80 |
| Pennsylvania | $74 |
| Rhode Island | $82 |
| South Carolina | $70 |
| South Dakota | $68 |
| Tennessee | $67 |
| Texas | $71 |
| Utah | $74 |
| Vermont | $79 |
| Virginia | $73 |
| Washington | $85 |
| West Virginia | $67 |
| Wisconsin | $71 |
| Wyoming | $70 |
Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic Adjustments?
Many health insurance plans cover chiropractic adjustments, but benefits vary by insurer and plan. Coverage often depends on factors such as whether:
- The treatment is considered medically necessary.
- There are annual visit limits under your plan.
- Your chiropractor participates in your insurance network.
- Your condition is expected to improve with treatment.
- Your plan covers related services, such as X-rays.
How Can You Pay for Chiropractic Adjustments?
There are several ways to pay for chiropractic adjustments, depending on what your provider offers and your budget. Some pay up front with cash, check or a credit/debit card. Others may choose a payment plan offered through the practice.
If you’d prefer to pay over time, the CareCredit credit card is another option many patients use for out-of-pocket health and wellness services. If approved, you can make monthly payments (with promotional financing options where available.) Promotional financing options vary, so review the details and ask the office whether they accept CareCredit before deciding.
What Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Treat?
A chiropractic adjustment treats a variety of musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders, including:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Upper and lower back pain
Chiropractic treatment aims to relieve pain, restore mobility and support better physical function. Depending on the condition being treated, there may be several other benefits of chiropractic adjustments, including:
- Supporting mobility and range of motion
- Helping some people feel looser or less stiff after care
- Supporting posture and movement habits when paired with exercise and self-care
- May complement fitness and recovery routines for some individuals
Are There Different Types of Chiropractic Adjustments?
While spinal manipulation is the most common type of chiropractic adjustment, there are several other techniques chiropractors may use to help alleviate pain and improve mobility, depending on specific problem areas.
These techniques include the following:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Activator method | Uses a small, handheld instrument to deliver a gentle, controlled impulse to a joint. This technique is often chosen for patients who prefer a lighter approach or have conditions that make manual adjustments less appropriate. |
| Diversified technique | The most common chiropractic adjustment. The chiropractor uses a quick, precise movement with their hands to restore normal motion to a stiff or restricted joint, often producing the familiar “popping” sound. |
| Flexion-distraction method | Performed on a specialized table that slowly stretches and gently moves the spine. It’s commonly used when a gentler, stretching-based approach is preferred. A chiropractor can explain when this technique may be appropriate based on an individual evaluation. |
| Gonstead technique | A highly specific adjustment that focuses on one spinal joint at a time. The chiropractor carefully evaluates your spine before making a targeted correction designed to improve movement and reduce discomfort. |
| Thompson drop-table technique | Uses a specially designed table with sections that gently drop a short distance during the adjustment. This allows the chiropractor to use less force while still restoring movement to restricted joints, making the treatment comfortable for many patients. |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Chiropractic Treatment?
Chiropractic care can help people of many ages who are experiencing ongoing back, neck or muscle pain, particularly when those symptoms affect mobility or daily activities.
You may benefit from seeing a chiropractor if you have:
- Back pain from poor posture
- Chronic headaches
- Decreased mobility
- Frequent muscle soreness
- Pain or stiffness while recovering from an accident or injury
Some amateur and professional athletes also find that routine chiropractic adjustments can help improve performance and decrease inflammation.
How Does Chiropractic Treatment Work?
Knowing what to expect before, during and after a chiropractic adjustment can help you feel more prepared for your visit. While every treatment plan is personalized, most appointments follow a similar process.
Preparation
At your first appointment, the chiropractor will ask about your detailed medical history and perform a physical examination. Depending on your history and symptoms, imaging — such as an MRI, CT scan or X-ray — may be ordered to help diagnose the underlying issue and create a treatment plan or refer you to another provider for further evaluation.
Depending on your treatment goals, you may receive your first chiropractic adjustment during your initial visit, or you can decide to come back at a later date.
Procedure
The exact technique your chiropractor uses will depend on your symptoms, overall health and safety considerations, including factors like age, bone density, such as a chance of osteoporosis, and your condition at the initial visit. Most chiropractic adjustments involve manual manipulation of the spinal joint or vertebrae using controlled, high-velocity, low-amplitude hand thrusts designed to restore joint movement and relieve pressure on surrounding nerves.
You may hear a popping sound during a chiropractic adjustment. Many confuse this sound with bones cracking. However, it is just the sound of nitrogen gas being released from joint fluid, similar to cracking your knuckles.
Recovery
After a chiropractic adjustment, patients report numerous different types of responses. You may feel pain relief, have more mobility and range of motion, or feel a little sore or stiff. All of these feelings are a normal part of the process of your body healing naturally, and any soreness or stiffness should only last a day or two.
Your chiropractor may recommend a follow-up schedule — based on your condition, treatment goals and how your body responds to care — and determine how often you should return for further adjustments and therapies.
Are There Any Side Effects?
You may be wondering, “Is chiropractic care safe?” For most people, yes. A spinal adjustment is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed, trained chiropractor.
As with any health-related treatment, some side effects are possible. The most common are mild muscle soreness and stiffness, which should subside within 24 to 48 hours.
Start Your Journey to Back Pain Relief
Chiropractic adjustments can be an effective, non-surgical option for managing back pain, improving mobility and supporting overall musculoskeletal health. While costs vary depending on where you live, your provider and your insurance coverage, understanding your treatment options and available payment methods can help you plan. If you’re considering chiropractic care, talking with your provider about expected costs, insurance benefits and financing options can help you move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Adjustments
Need more information about chiropractic adjustments? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Managing Health and Wellness Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card
If you are looking for an option to help manage your health and wellness costs, consider financing with the CareCredit credit card. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for the care you want and need and make payments easy to manage.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
Your CareCredit credit card can be used in so many ways within the CareCredit network including vision, dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases and spa treatments. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
Expert Reviewer
Dr. Jet Jackson, D.C.
Dr. Jet Jackson, Doctor of Chiropractic, practices at 100% Chiropractic in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, dedicated to helping patients improve function, reduce pain and support long-term wellness. A graduate of Life University’s College of Chiropractic in 2014, Dr. Jet began his career as an associate chiropractor in the Marietta, Georgia, area before moving to Tennessee to open his own practice. Dr. Jet has more than a decade of experience helping patients achieve better health through an outcomes-focused, patient-centered approach to care. A former student-athlete, Dr. Jet played soccer at Lindsey Wilson College and was part of a collegiate national championship team, an experience that reinforced the importance of performance, recovery and preventive care. On a personal level, Dr. Jet’s commitment to chiropractic is influenced by family experience, including his son, Crue, who was born with spina bifida.
Author Bio
Amy Isler, M.S.N., R.N., has more than a decade of nursing expertise. She combines her nursing experience and journalism background to create engaging and educational healthcare content for leading brands and publications, including GoodRx, Verywell Health, Vision Center and more. Her mission in writing is to provide positive, accurate and informative articles for consumers.
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