Chiropractors in Alabama
Checking a chiropractor's license in Alabama
Chiropractors in Alabama are licensed by the Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
- Look up a Alabama chiropractic license on the state's official site.
What chiropractors can and can't do in Alabama
Alabama defines chiropractic as locating and removing interference with the transmission of nerve energy without drugs or surgery, by methods taught in board-recognized chiropractic colleges. Licensed chiropractors may examine and diagnose with physical, clinical and thermal methods and X-ray, recommend foods and food concentrates, and apply first aid. Alabama chiropractors may not prescribe or administer drugs, perform surgery, practice obstetrics or osteopathy, or give X-ray or radioactive treatments.
Source: Code of Alabama §§ 34-24-120 and 34-24-122 (board copy, updated May 2025)
Insurance and coverage in Alabama
Medicaid
Alabama Medicaid treats chiropractors as EPSDT-only providers: chiropractic services are covered for children and young adults under 21 when found medically necessary through an EPSDT screening referral, not as a regular adult benefit.
Source: Ala. Admin. Code r. 560-X-11-.14: EPSDT Referred Service Providers
Medicare
Medicare Part B covers only one chiropractic service: manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation, when you have a significant neuromusculoskeletal problem and the subluxation is shown by X-ray or physical exam. Once treatment stops improving your condition and becomes maintenance therapy, Medicare stops paying. Other chiropractic services aren't covered.
Source: Chiropractic Services (Medicare Provider Compliance Tips; Benefit Policy Manual ch. 15, sec. 240.1)
After a car accident
Alabama law requires every motor vehicle operated on public highways to be covered by a liability insurance policy. Liability pays others when you're at fault, so your own chiropractic care after a crash is usually paid by the at-fault driver's insurer, any medical payments coverage on your policy, or your health insurance.
Source: Mandatory Liability Insurance
What chiropractic care costs in Alabama
Self-pay prices vary by practice, so ask for the cash price before your first visit. As a reference point, here's what Medicare approves in 2026 for a spinal adjustment in Alabama:
| 1–2 areas of the spine | $25.16 |
|---|---|
| 3–4 areas | $36.39 |
| 5 areas | $47.37 |
That's the total Medicare approves; with Medicare you typically owe 20% of it after your Part B deductible.
Source: PFS Relative Value Files: RVU26D (2026, October release)
Alabama chiropractic FAQ
Does Alabama Medicaid cover chiropractic care?
Only for children and young adults under 21, through an EPSDT screening referral. Chiropractors are EPSDT-only providers in Alabama Medicaid.
Can Alabama chiropractors prescribe medication?
No. Alabama law expressly prohibits chiropractors from prescribing or administering drugs, performing surgery or practicing obstetrics.
Can an Alabama chiropractor take X-rays?
Yes, for diagnosis. Alabama allows chiropractors to use X-ray for diagnosing but prohibits X-ray or radioactive treatments.
Alabama cities on Chirofinder
- Birmingham (10)
- Huntsville (10)
- Mobile (10)
- Montgomery (10)
- Tuscaloosa (10)
Sources
- Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (State of Alabama)
- Code of Alabama §§ 34-24-120 and 34-24-122 (board copy, updated May 2025) (Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners)
- Ala. Admin. Code r. 560-X-11-.14: EPSDT Referred Service Providers (Alabama Medicaid Agency)
- Mandatory Liability Insurance (Alabama Department of Revenue)
- Chiropractic Services (Medicare Provider Compliance Tips; Benefit Policy Manual ch. 15, sec. 240.1) (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
- PFS Relative Value Files: RVU26D (2026, October release) (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. This page summarizes state law and public programs for general information and isn't legal or medical advice; rules change, so confirm with the linked sources. See our medical disclaimer.