Chiropractors in North Carolina

Chirofinder lists 138 chiropractors across 11 North Carolina cities. Common specialties here include pain management, acupuncture, massage therapy. We track 59 public disciplinary actions from North Carolina's licensing authorities. Below: how to check a license, what chiropractors can do under North Carolina law, and how insurance covers chiropractic care.

Checking a chiropractor's license in North Carolina

Chiropractors in North Carolina are licensed by the North Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Source: North Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners

What chiropractors can and can't do in North Carolina

North Carolina licenses chiropractors to practice chiropractic as taught in accredited chiropractic colleges. They may not prescribe or administer medicine or drugs, or perform surgery. With 200 hours of additional training and certification a chiropractor may perform acupuncture, and chiropractors may use physical therapy modalities, but they can't advertise as acupuncturists or physical therapists without passing those boards' licensing exams.

Sources: G.S. 90-151: Extent and limitation of license; Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance and coverage in North Carolina

Medicaid

NC Medicaid covers manual manipulation of the spine to correct a dislocation (subluxation) that has caused a neuromusculoskeletal condition, along with related office visits and X-rays that document the condition. For people covered only under Medicaid for Pregnant Women, chiropractic care must be for a pregnancy-related condition and needs prior approval. Coverage rules are in NC Medicaid Clinical Coverage Policy 1F.

Source: Chiropractic Services (Clinical Coverage Policy 1F)

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

North Carolina is not a no-fault state: drivers must carry liability and uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payments (MedPay) coverage is optional. Chiropractic care after a crash is usually paid by the at-fault driver's liability insurer, your own MedPay if you bought it, or your health insurance.

Source: Auto and Vehicle Insurance

Work injuries (workers' comp)

North Carolina's Workers' Compensation Act lists chiropractors as health care providers, so chiropractic treatment for a covered work injury can be paid as medical compensation under the Act.

Source: G.S. 97-2: Definitions (Workers' Compensation Act)

What chiropractic care costs in North Carolina

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 North Carolina:

1–2 areas of the spine$25.84
3–4 areas$37.28
5 areas$48.44

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)

North Carolina chiropractic FAQ

Can a chiropractor in North Carolina prescribe medication?

No. North Carolina law says a licensed chiropractor may not prescribe or administer medicine or drugs, or perform surgery.

How do I check a chiropractor's license in North Carolina?

Use the North Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners' license search. It shows the license number, initial license date, expiration date, status, and any final disciplinary decision.

Does NC Medicaid cover chiropractic care?

Yes, for manual manipulation of the spine to correct a dislocation (subluxation) causing a neuromusculoskeletal condition, plus related office visits and documenting X-rays. Medicaid for Pregnant Women covers it only for pregnancy-related conditions, with prior approval.

Can North Carolina chiropractors do acupuncture?

Yes, after completing 200 hours of required education and certification. They can't market themselves as acupuncturists unless they also pass the State Acupuncture Board's licensing exam.

North Carolina cities on Chirofinder

Sources

  1. North Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NC Board of Chiropractic Examiners)
  2. Frequently Asked Questions (NC Board of Chiropractic Examiners)
  3. G.S. 90-151: Extent and limitation of license (North Carolina General Assembly)
  4. Chiropractic Services (Clinical Coverage Policy 1F) (NC Medicaid, NC Department of Health and Human Services)
  5. Auto and Vehicle Insurance (North Carolina Department of Insurance)
  6. G.S. 97-2: Definitions (Workers' Compensation Act) (North Carolina General Assembly)
  7. Chiropractic Services (Medicare Provider Compliance Tips; Benefit Policy Manual ch. 15, sec. 240.1) (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
  8. 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.

← All states