27. April 2026

Is Chiropractic Care More Cost Effective Than Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is one of the most common and costly health problems in the United States. If you're weighing your treatment options, the research on chiropractic versus physical therapy may surprise you.

The Cost of Low Back Pain in the US

In the US alone, over $80 billion is directly and indirectly spent annually on the treatment of low back pain, of which $7.4 to $28 billion represents the cost of lost work, and $26 billion covers pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies. (Gore M et al. 2012)

Fewer Visits and Better Outcomes with Chiropractic

A landmark study comparing chiropractic and physical therapy found that the overall number of visits within six months for the physical therapy group was 20 percent higher than for the chiropractic group. After the six-month follow-up, the number of sick leave days dropped by 48 percent for chiropractic patients and 46 percent for physical therapy patients — nearly identical outcomes, but chiropractic required fewer visits to get there. (Skargren EI et al. 1997)

Chiropractic Is More Cost Effective

A 2020 study found that the mean cost of chiropractic care over six months of treatment was $410.89, compared to $459.45 for physiotherapy over the same duration. (Khodakarami M 2020)

Both Are Superior to Standard Medical Treatment

Chiropractic care and physical therapy are both shown to be the superior non-pharmacologic strategies for treating low back pain when compared to other non-pharmacologic treatments, including standard medical care. (Synnott A et al. 2015)

The Bottom Line

If you're dealing with low back pain, chiropractic care offers equivalent or better outcomes than physical therapy — typically in fewer visits and at a lower overall cost. At Revival Chiropractic in Westminster, Dr. Kamryn Sholly takes a root-cause approach to low back pain that addresses spinal alignment, nerve function, and movement patterns rather than just managing symptoms.

Ready to get started? Your first visit — including a full exam and adjustment — is just $29. Book now.

For the full research review: PMC — Chiropractic and Physical Therapy for LBP