Chiropractor in Novato, CA
Meet Dr. Doug DeSalvo, DC, BCN
For nearly four decades, Dr. Douglas DeSalvo, DC has been a trusted presence in the San Francisco Bay Area — caring for more than 12,000 patients and building a practice grounded in expertise, integrity, and genuine commitment to long-term health.
Physicians and attorneys alike turn to Dr. DeSalvo when they need someone they can count on. His ability to deliver clear, well-supported clinical opinions has made him a go-to resource for personal injury and medical-legal cases throughout the region.
Dr. DeSalvo brings an unusually deep diagnostic foundation to his practice. He holds a California X-ray operating permit and is a State of California Certified Fluoroscopy Owner-Operator — enabling advanced, on-site imaging capabilities few chiropractic practices can offer. He has extensive post-graduate training in both radiology and MRI spine interpretation, and collaborates closely with medical and chiropractic radiologists to ensure every patient receives the most accurate assessment possible. He also serves as Imaging Facility Director of Precision Spine and Motion Imaging in Novato, a dedicated diagnostic imaging center focused on advanced spinal analysis for personal injury and trauma cases.
His credentials speak for themselves. Dr. DeSalvo is recognized by the University of Buffalo School of Medicine to provide Continuing Education credits for physicians and nurses, has been honored as a Clinician of Distinction by the Academy of Chiropractic, and holds the Certificate of Merit from New York Chiropractic College. He is also certified in Zone Technique, a specialized approach to spinal and whole-body health.
Patients and peers have taken notice. Readers of Sonoma Magazine voted him “Sonoma’s Best Chiropractor” in 2018, Bohemian Magazine named him “Best Chiropractor in Marin County” in 2015, and most recently, Marin Magazine recognized him as one of the area’s best in 2025 — a reflection of the trust and loyalty he has earned from the community over many years.
Dr. DeSalvo’s training in personal injury trauma care is postdoctoral-level, certified through the New York State Department of Education Board of Chiropractic and the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. He is a certified Independent Disability Examiner through the California Chiropractic Association and served for ten years as a state-appointed Qualified Medical Evaluator.
Whatever brings you through the door — a spinal condition, a sports injury, a personal injury case, or a need for advanced diagnostic imaging — Dr. DeSalvo and his team are here to provide the attentive, expert care you deserve.
Learn More About Dr. Doug DeSalvo
Whether addressing spinal conditions, sports injuries, personal injury cases, or providing comprehensive diagnostic imaging, Dr. DeSalvo remains committed to delivering exceptional care and fostering long-term health for his patients.
Dr. DeSalvo's Credentials
Memberships
California Chiropractic Association
Disc Centers of America
International Neuropathy Association
U.S. National Board Certification
Academy of Chiropractic
Certifications
Certified Acute Homeopath and Industrial Safety Consultant.
Board Certified by the American Chiropractic Council of Infrared Imaging.
Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) from the American College of Physical Medicine
Automobile Crash Injuries and Brain Injury Traumatology from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego.This group recognizes their doctors as elite practitioners in the field of automobile crash trauma.
Diplomate of the American Academy of Medical Legal Professionals.
Former state appointed Qualified Medical Evaluator: 1994-2004
Dr. DeSalvo's History
Why I Became a Chiropractor
At just 13 years old, I found myself struggling with an unexpected adversary: chronic lower back pain. It was a mystery to me why someone so young would be dealing with such an issue. But thanks to my mom’s work as a chiropractic assistant, I soon found myself in the capable hands of an experienced chiropractor.
With a few adjustments, I was pain-free and back to my normal life. This first encounter with chiropractic care left a lasting impression on me. Over the next several years, I continued to seek chiropractic treatment for various sports injuries, each time amazed by the swift and effective relief it provided.
Fast forward to age 21, and I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of my future path. That’s when I had an epiphany: I wanted to help people the same way those chiropractors had helped me. I reached out to one of my former chiropractors, who graciously outlined the steps I would need to take to enter the field.
I dove headfirst into my studies, fueled by a newfound passion and purpose. My hard work paid off when I graduated with academic honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Just a year later, I opened my first practice in El Cerrito, California, eager to make a difference in people’s lives.
As I began treating patients from all walks of life, I started to notice a pattern.
While many found relief through traditional chiropractic adjustments, some continued to struggle with chronic issues. It became clear to me that there was more to the equation than just physical manipulation.
This realization led me to develop a unique approach that sets our practice apart. We focus on the critical connection between the brain and the body, examining how emotional and biochemical factors can contribute to chronic pain.
Our Infinity Stress Response Evaluation allows us to assess a patient’s nervous system response to stress, providing a more comprehensive picture of their overall health.
By addressing the root causes of chronic pain and stress, we’ve been able to help patients achieve remarkable results. From a 75-year-old with stage three kidney failure who saw her numbers normalize to a patient who found relief from frequent urination after just two visits, the transformative power of our approach is undeniable.
We’ve also had great success in treating peripheral neuropathy, a condition that can leave patients feeling like they’re walking on sand or waffles. Using cutting-edge technologies like electrotherapy, laser, and shockwave treatment, we’ve helped countless patients regain nerve function and take back control of their lives.
It’s stories like these that fuel my passion for chiropractic care and drive me to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
After 37 years in the field, I’m more excited than ever about the innovative techniques and technologies we’re using to help our patients live pain-free, fulfilling lives.If you’re struggling with chronic pain or neuropathy, I invite you to experience the difference our unique approach can make.
Through a comprehensive consultation and advanced testing, we’ll work together to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your pain and puts you on the path to lasting relief.
This is my mission, my calling, and my commitment to you. Let us help you take the first step towards a healthier, happier life – just as those chiropractors did for me all those years ago.
Get Back to Feeling Your Best
Book Your Consultation Online Today
DeSalvo Chiropractic provides comprehensive chiropractic care in Novato, CA.
Whether you’re dealing with back pain, neck pain, injury, or chronic discomfort, our goal is to identify the root cause and create a personalized plan to help you move better and feel better.
Schedule online and take the first step toward lasting relief.