“How much is chiropractic care?” is a common question that gets asked all the time. There can be a lot of confusion out there especially based on the different types of services that chiropractors offer. Many clinics offer new patient specials or include an adjustment with an exam at a modest rate. These offers can be a great way for newcomers to try and see what an adjustment is like. For many that are reasonably healthy, a quick adjustment might work fine. But, it is important to note that a single adjustment usually only provides symptomatic relief. In other words, it doesn’t last that long.
Most people suffering from chronic pain will need more than a single adjustment. This is where the confusion about cost comes in. Rather than placing a set cost on a single service, it is better to look at what your goal is for relief. This will give you a better idea of what you can expect.
The cost of chiropractic care will depend upon the goals and needs of the patient. People that come to see us have all kinds of different musculoskeletal issues. They usually need an individual treatment plan specific to them.
We use multiple modalities to get patients back to feeling great. Our clinic offers treatment solutions that focus on the complete injury and not a single treatment type. This means that you will benefit from getting more than a chiropractic adjustment. You may also benefit from added massage therapy or spinal decompression, or other services.
For example, let’s look at 3 different types of patients we see here at our clinic. These are examples of what this type of person may be looking at in care. They are by no means limited to the treatments suggested. They are simply benchmarks of patient types that we have seen. Everyone is different so treatment options can vary, but there are some similarities based on the patient type.
Chiropractic Care for the Office Worker
This person is at a desk all day sitting and may be one of the 80% of Americans that suffer lower back pain.
Office workers are common patients of chiropractic care. Due to sitting for long hours at a time, they tend to suffer lower back and neck pain. This is usually caused by poor posture, incorrect office ergonomics, stress, and age. Patients who don’t have any other medical issues, usually come in and get an initial treatment plan to get them back to feeling good. This may include a chiropractic adjustment in conjunction with soft tissue massage. The treatment plan can be as relaxed or aggressive as they like.
After they get back to feeling normal, many patients transition to routine maintenance. This would be a bi-weekly adjustment and massage, or on an “as-needed” basis.
Chiropractic Care for the Weekend Warrior
The treatment plans for these patients can be very different because their injuries stem from whatever pastime they like to do. Some patients, such as golfers, come in for lower back pain. Other patients, like the cross-fitters we see, come in for all kinds of injuries at the shoulders, low back to even the knees.
A combination of treatments is usually the best approach for the weekend warrior. This may consist of chiropractic sessions, combined with massage therapy, Active Release Techniques (ART), physical therapy, and strength training. This type of patient usually benefits from an aggressive, consistent treatment regime up front. Once they are feeling better, they’ll move into routine maintenance to stay on top of their game. Their routine maintenance includes treatments based on the intensity and the type of activity they enjoy.
Chiropractic Care for the Labor Worker
This group is a hard-working bunch where their bodies take a beating on a daily basis. Their main issues might be sprains and strains to the lower back, shoulders, and elbows. They may also suffer from sciatica pain and herniated disc.
The common trait with this group is that they tend to wait until the pain is unbearable before they seek help. This is where a chiropractic clinic that offers multiple types of care is important. A single adjustment isn’t going to get to the root of their pain and provide lasting results.
Much like the weekend warrior, they benefit from an aggressive treatment regime upfront to get them back on track. Once they are feeling better, a consistent regime of treatment is usually suggested to prevent future injuries.
They benefit from a chiropractic adjustment, massage therapy, and spinal decompression.
In conclusion
Everyone is very different, so putting a price on chiropractic care can be challenging. Instead of focusing on single services, you should be looking at what you want to achieve. Is it rehab? Pain management? These are things to consider when seeking a chiropractor for help.