How much does a chiropractor cost in texas

What to Expect From a Chiropractic Adjustment Appointment

When you arrive at your appointment, expect to fill out paperwork and head to an exam room where you’ll discuss your health history and the reason for your visit.

Your chiropractor may order diagnostic tests—like an X-ray or MRI—to help determine the structural cause of your issue. They may also refer you to a different medical professional if they determine you need medical attention beyond their scope of practice.

If your provider decides to perform a chiropractic adjustment, you may be asked to lie on a table. The actual adjustment can often be done in a matter of minutes, but the entire consultation will be a bit longer.

During the adjustment, you may hear some cracking or popping noises, which is normal. The noise comes from small pockets of air being released from your joints. However, if you experience pain or discomfort while you’re being adjusted, tell your chiropractor immediately.

After your adjustment, your provider will discuss their findings and how your body responded to the adjustment. Then, you and your chiropractor decide on a treatment plan together.

Chiropractic Adjustment Benefits

There’s an array of health benefits associated with chiropractic adjustments, but most haven’t been subjected to the kinds of large scientific studies necessary to confirm them.

“There are some other conditions that chiropractors have had success with, but right now, we don’t have evidence for many of those conditions,” says Robert Vining, associate dean of clinical research at Palmer College of Chiropractic. “We know that some people report improvements in things like asthma, but we don’t understand the mechanisms.”

The benefits of chiropractic adjustments that are supported by available scientific evidence include:

Back Pain Relief

Multiple studies confirm that chiropractic adjustments may offer moderate, short-term pain relief in the back.

“The strongest research is in the area of musculoskeletal conditions involving the spine,” says Vining.

One study looked at the effects of adding chiropractic care to standard medical interventions (medication, physical therapy, pain clinic referral) for low back pain and found the group receiving chiropractic care fared better than the control group in terms of reported pain intensity, disability and greater satisfaction[3]Goertz CM, Long CR, Vining RD, Pohlman KA, Walter J, Coulter I. Effect of Usual Medical Care Plus Chiropractic Care vs Usual Medical Care Alone on Pain and Disability Among US Service Members With Low Back Pain: A Comparative Effectiveness Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2018;1(1):e180105. .

Additionally, a 2016 systematic review of six studies that evaluated chiropractic care for the treatment of low back pain found moderate evidence that chiropractic intervention is as effective as physical therapy[4]Blanchette MA, Stochkendahl MJ, Borges Da Silva R, Boruff J, Harrison P, Bussières. A. Effectiveness and Economic Evaluation of Chiropractic Care for the Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of Pragmatic Studies. PLoS One. 2016;11(8):e0160037. .

Migraine Relief

Studies suggest chiropractic adjustments may offer migraine relief. A 2019 review of six studies that focused on evaluating the effectiveness of spinal manipulation concluded that it may help reduce both migraine days and intensity[5]Rist PM, Hernandez A, Bernstein C, Kowalski M, Osypiuk K, Vining R, Long CR, Goertz C, Song R, Wayne PM. The Impact of Spinal Manipulation on Migraine Pain and Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Headache. 2019;59(4):532-542. . However, more research is needed.

Risks and Side Effects of Chiropractic Adjustments

Side effects of chiropractic adjustments are generally mild. For spinal manipulation, in particular, they may include:

• Mild to moderate pain or discomfort
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Call a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after a chiropractic adjustment:

• Severe pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Headache that doesn’t go away

Severe complications are very rare, but they can include worsening pain, injury and nerve damage. Additionally, chiropractic care is not recommended for everyone—such as people with certain cancers, severe osteoporosis or an increased risk of stroke—so be sure to speak with your primary care provider first.

How Often Should I Get a Chiropractic Adjustment?

The frequency of your chiropractic adjustments depends on your reasons for seeking chiropractic care, your individual chiropractor and how you respond to treatment.

For instance, people who experience chronic pain might visit the chiropractor more often than someone seeking help for an acute issue. Although, if a chiropractor can alleviate your pain in one visit, they may still ask you to return for at least one follow-up appointment.

Some chiropractic patients prefer to see a chiropractor regularly to keep their joints aligned, prevent injury and maintain flexibility, or because they feel it contributes to their overall sense of health.

How Much Do Chiropractic Adjustments Cost?

Chiropractic adjustment cost varies depending on your location, your reason for care, your provider and your treatment plan. It varies widely and can range anywhere from $30 to $300 a visit.

Chiropractic care is covered by many health insurance providers. Check with your health provider for specific information about your plan. Though some chiropractors don’t take health insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Many health savings accounts (HSAs) can be used for chiropractic care.

Medicare Part B covers chiropractic adjustments that are considered medically necessary, but it’s important to verify you meet the strict criteria for coverage. Medicaid also covers chiropractic adjustments in some cases, though coverage varies by state. Additionally, U.S. veterans can receive chiropractic adjustments at many Veteran Association facilities nationwide.

How to Choose a Chiropractor

When deciding on a chiropractor, it’s helpful to understand that there are generally two schools of thought among the profession:

• Mechanistic chiropractors assess individual bodily systems—like the skeletal system and the nervous system—separately. Currently available scientific research supports this approach, and it more closely aligns with Western, or allopathic, medicine. Mechanists can be a great choice for quick appointments to help with pain relief.
• Vitalistic chiropractors assess patients holistically. They also believe the body possesses an innate ability to heal, which is one of the founding principles of the chiropractic profession. J. Anya Harris, a doctor of chiropractic in Asheville, North Carolina, says if a chiropractor is a vitalist, you’ll likely notice keywords like “holistic” or “wellness” on their website or at their office. A vitalist herself, Harris also offers other modalities in her office like sound healing and energy work. If you’re interested in an integrated, holistic, wellness-oriented approach, a vitalistic chiropractor could be a good fit for you.