People Magazine recently published three articles that raised questions—and maybe even some fears—about the safety of chiropractic care. Let’s clear the air with facts that can help you make confident healthcare choices.
Chiropractic care is a field often surrounded by myths and misconceptions, some of which are fueled by sensational headlines or outdated information. For healthcare consumers, this makes it challenging to separate fact from fiction and fairly assess the true risks and benefits of chiropractic care.
Sorting Facts from Fiction on the Safety of Chiropractic Care
In today’s world, where everything from major news outlets to TikTok influencers can shape what we believe, it’s easy to get caught up in dramatic stories—whether they highlight amazing success or rare, alarming events. Often, these stories play to emotions more than facts. That’s why it’s so important to look past the headlines, explore trusted research, and find balanced, evidence-based information when deciding what’s best for your health.
But as a healthcare consumer, how can you cut through the noise and objectively assess the safety of different treatments? Simple. Chiropractic care has decades of evidence proving its effectiveness, safety, and positive outcomes.
“Chiropractic care is grounded in decades of research and clinical experience, making it one of the safest and most effective ways to manage musculoskeletal pain without relying on drugs or surgery.”
- Dr. Joseph Esposito, D.C., C.C.N., C.N.S., C.C.S.P., D.A.B.C.N., F.A.A.I.M., C.T.N, Co-Founder & CEO AlignLife
How Safe Is Chiropractic Care—Really?
If you take a moment to research, there are numerous studies and patient outcomes show that chiropractic care is not only safe—but also highly effective for improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall quality of life. Here are some key facts that highlight its strong safety record and proven benefits:
But as a healthcare consumer, how can you cut through the noise and objectively assess the safety of different treatments? Simple. Chiropractic care has decades of evidence proving its effectiveness, safety, and positive outcomes.
1) Lower injury risk
Patients under chiropractic care have a 76% lower risk of injury compared to those seeing primary care physicians—with 40 injuries per 100,000 patients vs. 153 per 100,000. That’s a nearly fourfold difference. This challenges the common misconception that spinal manipulation is risky and highlights its safety when performed by trained professionals.
2) Reduced hospital visits and surgeries
A 7-year study of more than 70,000 member-months found that patients using chiropractic care experienced a decrease in hospital visits and surgeries with 60.2% fewer hospital admissions and 62.0% fewer outpatient surgeries.
3) Lower prescription drug costs
Prescription costs can add up quickly—especially for pain management. Chiropractic care focuses on resolving the root cause of discomfort rather than masking it with medications. By improving function and mobility through spinal adjustments and lifestyle guidance, regular chiropractic visits have been shown to help lower pharmaceutical expenses by as much as 85%.
4) Highly trained professionals
Chiropractors are licensed healthcare providers who undergo rigorous training. In the U.S., there are over more than 70,000 licensed chiropractors in the United States, each of whom must pass national board exams and obtain state licensure to practice.
5) Recognized by major health programs
Chiropractic care is widely accepted and covered by federal and private health plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, and many commercial insurers. In most states, chiropractors are recognized as physician-level providers, underscoring their legitimacy in the healthcare system and making it easier for patients to access care.
6) Recommended by top medical organizations
The American College of Physicians and other respected organizations now recommend spinal manipulation as a first-line treatment for acute and chronic low back pain—before trying medications or surgery. This endorsement reflects growing trust in the chiropractic approach and its ability to provide safe, effective relief for millions of patients.
7) High patient satisfaction
Chiropractic care consistently earns satisfaction scores of 80% to 90%—higher than many other healthcare services. Patients often report relief from pain, improved function, and a greater sense of well-being after just a few visits. This strong track record speaks volumes about the positive impact chiropractic can have on people’s lives.
More Ways Chiropractic is Rated Low Risk
Another helpful indicator to assess the risk of chiropractic care is to look at practitioner’s malpractice insurance rates. Malpractice insurance rates are driven by real-world risk data. Actuaries—experts in assessing risk—analyze years of statistics on patient outcomes to determine what the rates should be for various healthcare providers and services.
Think of it like homeowners or flood insurance: when a region experiences a high number of natural disasters, premiums go up to reflect the increased risk. After multiple hurricanes in Florida, for instance, flood insurance premiums skyrocketed, making it much more costly to live in certain areas. The same principle applies to healthcare: higher-risk services will carry higher malpractice premiums.
As you’ll see in the chart below, chiropractic care ranks among the safest healthcare services available today. In fact, malpractice insurance for chiropractors typically costs less than the average person’s car insurance—statistically making the drive to your appointment riskier than the adjustment itself.
Average Annual Malpractice Premiums by Specialty (2025)
| Specialty | U.S. Average Premium | Source & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chiropractor | ≈ $2,760 / yr (about $230 mo.) | National quoting data compiled by Insuranks for 2025 |
| Dentist | ≈ $3,430 / yr (about $286 mo.) | Average of 2,000+ policies placed by Insureon in 2024 |
| Oncologist | ≈ $4k–$12k / yr (mid-point ≈ $8k) | Nationwide range reported by Physicians Thrive 2025 |
| General Surgeon | ≈ $65,000 / yr | 2025 Illinois rate survey (MEDPLI; $1M / $3M limits) medpli.com |
| OBGYN | ≈ $84,000 / yr | 2025 Illinois rate survey (MEDPLI), also reported by Physicians Thrive (medpli.com, physiciansthrive.com) |
Checklist for Choosing A Healthcare Provider
Even in low-risk professions, there can be exceptions. So be selective when choosing a chiropractor and any healthcare provider. Here is a quick checklist to help ensure you receive safe, effective care:
- Verify Credentials: Make sure your chiropractor or health practitioner holds an active state license and relevant board certifications.
- Request Appropriate Diagnostics: For chiropractic care, this means imaging—such as spinal X-rays—when clinically necessary to rule out conditions like fractures, severe arthritis, or vascular issues.
- Insist on a Clear Report of Findings: You deserve a straightforward explanation of what the doctor found, how it relates to your health goals, and a recommended care plan tailored to you.
- Expect Ongoing Progress Reviews: Trusted clinicians regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your treatment plan based on measurable results and your feedback.
“When evaluating any healthcare option, it’s crucial to look beyond sensational headlines. Real safety comes from evidence-based care, proper diagnostics, and ongoing patient communication—standards we uphold in every chiropractic treatment.”
- Dr. Joseph Esposito, D.C., C.C.N., C.N.S., C.C.S.P., D.A.B.C.N., F.A.A.I.M., C.T.N, Co-Founder & CEO AlignLife
The AlignLife Commitment to Your Health & Safety
At AlignLife, your health and safety are our top priorities. That’s why we hold ourselves to the highest standards of care. Every doctor in our centers goes above and beyond—using diagnostic imaging when necessary, providing clear and detailed reports, and crafting personalized, step-by-step care plans designed to help you safely and effectively reach your health goals.
Remember, headlines are crafted to capture attention—not to tell the full story. When you arm yourself with the facts, you gain the power to make informed decisions and choose healthcare providers you can truly trust.
Curious how chiropractic could help you? Connect with a local AlignLife expert today and start your journey to feeling your best.
About the Author
Joseph Esposito, D.C., C.C.N., C.N.S., C.C.S.P., D.A.B.C.N., F.A.A.I.M., C.T.N
Dr. Joseph, is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AlignLife, where he leads the company's expansion in the evolving natural healthcare sector. With decades of experience spanning chiropractic, nutrition, technology, and internet marketing, Dr. Esposito brings a wealth of knowledge to the franchise offering.
Dr. Esposito's impressive academic credentials complement his 25 years of experience managing successful natural healthcare clinics across multiple states. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Aceva a nutritional company that provides products and services to support the integration of natural healthcare services into new and established healthcare centers.
