Chiropractic Care in Novato
Gentle, precise chiropractic adjustments in Novato, CA that restore motion to restricted joints and relieve back pain, neck pain, and headaches at the source.
DeSalvo Chiropractic
Chiropractic Care in Novato
If pain, stiffness, or headaches are wearing you down, chiropractic care may be the most direct path to relief — without drugs or downtime. Dr. Douglas DeSalvo uses gentle, precise adjustments to restore motion to restricted joints, ease pressure on nearby nerves, and address the root cause of your pain. Every visit begins with a thorough exam, and every plan is built around your spine, your goals, and your life.
How it works
What to expect with chiropractic care
- Step 1
Thorough exam
We review your history and perform orthopedic, neurological, and movement testing to pinpoint the restricted joints driving your pain — and order imaging only when it will change your care.
- Step 2
A personalized care plan
You receive a plain-English explanation of what we found and a specific, time-bound plan with a clear endpoint — never open-ended treatment.
- Step 3
Gentle adjustment & ongoing care
We apply precise, low-force adjustments suited to your anatomy and comfort level, and pair them with rehab and supportive therapies so results last.
Why patients choose it
Benefits of chiropractic care
Relieves back, neck, and joint pain at the source
Restores range of motion and everyday function
Eases nerve pressure that causes radiating pain and tingling
Drug-free and non-invasive — no downtime required
Safe and well-tolerated for patients of every activity level
Supports long-term spinal health and injury prevention
The basics
About chiropractic care
Your spine is made up of 24 movable vertebrae, and when even one joint loses its normal range of motion, the muscles, discs, and nerves around it can suffer. Over time those small restrictions add up — producing the back pain, neck pain, headaches, or radiating nerve pain that brings most patients through our door. Chiropractic care works by identifying and correcting these restricted joints so the whole system can function the way it should.
The adjustment itself is a quick, controlled movement applied to a specific joint — not a general crack-and-go routine. Dr. DeSalvo performs orthopedic and movement testing before every plan so each adjustment is targeted to what your exam shows. This approach is safe and effective for patients of every activity level, from busy professionals to active seniors, and it works alongside physiotherapy, decompression, and soft-tissue care for complex cases.
$67 gets you an answer, not another opinion.
A full first visit — consultation, examination, and a review of any prior x-ray or MRI imaging you bring with you. We find out exactly what’s wrong before anyone talks about treatment. If we can’t help you, we’ll tell you who can.
What your first visit includes
- Consultation and full health history with Dr. DeSalvo
- Movement, orthopedic and neurological examination
- Review of any prior x-ray or MRI imaging you bring with you
- A report of findings and your treatment options in writing
New patients only, one per person. Does not include on-site x-ray imaging, or automobile-accident or personal-injury cases. Read the full New Patient Special disclaimer.
What is chiropractic care?
A chiropractic adjustment is a precise, controlled movement applied to a spinal joint that has lost its normal range of motion. When joints become restricted — from an old injury, poor posture, repetitive strain, or just the wear of daily life — the muscles around them tighten, discs absorb uneven load, and nearby nerves can become irritated. That’s what produces the back pain, neck pain, headaches, and radiating nerve symptoms that send most people looking for help.
Chiropractic care corrects the problem at its source. By restoring normal joint motion, adjustments relieve nerve pressure, reduce muscle tension, and let the spine carry load the way it was designed to. It’s drug-free, non-invasive, and backed by decades of research as a first-line treatment for spinal and musculoskeletal pain.
At DeSalvo Chiropractic in Novato, every adjustment is preceded by a thorough exam — orthopedic and movement testing that shows Dr. Douglas DeSalvo exactly which joints are restricted and which techniques will work best for your spine. Nothing is guessed, and nothing is one-size-fits-all.
What to expect
Your first visit takes about 45–60 minutes. Dr. DeSalvo begins by listening — when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and how it’s affecting your work, sleep, and daily routine. From there, a hands-on orthopedic and neurological exam pinpoints the restricted joints and any nerve involvement driving your symptoms. We order imaging only when the findings suggest it will change your care.
After the exam, you get a plain-English explanation of what we found and a specific, time-bound care plan with a real endpoint. Many patients receive a gentle adjustment on the same visit. Follow-up visits typically run 15–30 minutes — focused, efficient, and built around your progress. As your spine responds, we update the plan so you’re always moving forward, never spinning wheels.
Who it helps
Chiropractic care is appropriate for a wide range of patients and conditions. We regularly help Novato-area adults with:
- Back pain — lower, upper, and mid-back from strain, disc problems, or posture
- Neck pain and headaches driven by restricted cervical joints
- Sciatica and pinched nerves radiating into the arms or legs
- Whiplash and auto-accident injuries
- Scoliosis management and postural correction
- Hip pain and referred pain from lumbar restrictions
- Vertigo and dizziness related to cervical spine involvement
- Arm and leg pain traced to spinal nerve roots
Adjustments are gentle and tailored to your age, comfort, and activity level. If you’re not sure whether your condition is a good fit, call the office — we’ll give you a straight answer.
Why choose DeSalvo Chiropractic
Patients from Novato and across Marin County choose us because we take the time to find out why you hurt before we treat you. Dr. DeSalvo combines evidence-based chiropractic adjustments with spinal decompression, physiotherapy, and myofascial release into one cohesive plan — so you get relief now and the strength to stay out of pain.
Ready to get started? Check out our New Patient Special or book an appointment online in under a minute.
What it helps
Conditions we treat with chiropractic care
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Most patients feel incredible relief from pain. Adjustments are quick and gentle, and many people feel relief right away. Very few patients notice mild muscle soreness for a day or two — similar to a light workout — which fades quickly.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on your condition and goals. After your exam, Dr. DeSalvo will recommend a specific, time-bound care plan rather than open-ended treatment. Many patients feel significant improvement within the first few weeks.
What conditions does chiropractic care treat?
We commonly help patients with back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, whiplash, scoliosis, vertigo, hip pain, and pinched nerves — among others. If you're unsure whether your condition fits, call us and we'll be straightforward about whether an exam makes sense.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments are one of the safest, most well-studied drug-free treatments for spinal and musculoskeletal pain. We screen every new patient thoroughly before beginning care and tailor techniques to your age, health, and comfort level.
Will my insurance cover chiropractic care?
Most major insurance plans cover chiropractic adjustments, and we accept many of them. We'll verify your benefits before your first visit so you know your out-of-pocket costs upfront. Affordable self-pay plans are also available.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No. California is a direct-access state — you can book an appointment without a physician referral. Just call or book online and we'll get you in quickly.
How is chiropractic different from myofascial release?
Myofascial release works on soft tissue — muscles and fascia. Chiropractic adjustments target the spinal joints themselves to restore motion and reduce nerve pressure. We often combine both for faster, more lasting results.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Your first appointment takes about 45–60 minutes. We review your history, perform a thorough exam, explain what we found in plain English, and — when appropriate — begin gentle treatment the same day.
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What our Novato patients say
“Very professional staff. Good CS and accommodating”
“Always the best care and most thoughtful staff.”
“Combines high-tech high touch, organization professional, excellent treatments”