Chiropractors in California

Chirofinder lists 699 chiropractors across 76 California cities. We track 100 public disciplinary actions from California's licensing authorities. Below: how to check a license, what chiropractors can do under California law, and how insurance covers chiropractic care.

Checking a chiropractor's license in California

Chiropractors in California are licensed by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Source: California Board of Chiropractic Examiners

What chiropractors can and can't do in California

California chiropractors may manipulate and adjust the spine and other joints, along with the related muscle and connective tissue, and may use measures such as heat, cold, exercise, diet, massage, ultrasound and physical therapy techniques as part of chiropractic treatment. They may use X-ray and thermography for diagnosis, but not treatment. A California chiropractic license does not allow surgery or penetrating tissue, delivering babies, practicing dentistry or optometry, or using drugs or medicines.

Source: Cal. Code Regs., tit. 16, § 302: Practice of Chiropractic (Board rules and regulations)

Insurance and coverage in California

Medicaid

Chiropractic is one of the optional benefits California excludes from Medi-Cal for most adults. The exclusion doesn't apply to children and young adults covered by Medi-Cal's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, to pregnancy-related services, or to people receiving long-term care in a licensed skilled nursing or intermediate care facility.

Source: Welfare and Institutions Code § 14131.10: Medi-Cal optional benefit exclusions

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

California is not a no-fault state. Drivers must carry liability insurance, which pays for injuries you cause to others but not your own; medical payments coverage for you and your household is optional. After a crash, chiropractic care is usually paid by the at-fault driver's insurer, your own MedPay if you bought it, or your health insurance.

Source: Auto Insurance consumer guide

Work injuries (workers' comp)

For work injuries on or after January 1, 2004, California law limits an injured worker to 24 chiropractic visits per industrial injury, unless the employer authorizes more in writing. The cap doesn't apply to post-surgical physical medicine and rehabilitation provided under the state's post-surgical treatment schedule.

Source: Labor Code § 4604.5

What chiropractic care costs in California

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 California (the range covers its 29 Medicare pricing areas):

1–2 areas of the spine$27.91–$33.24
3–4 areas$40.09–$47.43
5 areas$51.88–$61.04

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)

California chiropractic FAQ

Can California chiropractors prescribe medication?

No. A California chiropractic license doesn't authorize using any drug or medicine included in materia medica. Chiropractors may use vitamins, food supplements and certain proprietary products.

Does Medi-Cal cover chiropractic care?

Not for most adults: chiropractic is an optional benefit California excludes from Medi-Cal. It remains available under the EPSDT benefit for children and young adults, for pregnancy-related care, and for residents of licensed skilled nursing or intermediate care facilities.

How many chiropractic visits does California workers' comp cover?

Up to 24 chiropractic visits per industrial injury for injuries on or after January 1, 2004, unless your employer authorizes more in writing. Post-surgical rehabilitation under the state's schedule doesn't count toward the cap.

How do I look up a California chiropractor's license?

Use the Department of Consumer Affairs license search for chiropractors, linked from the Board of Chiropractic Examiners' website. The board also publishes its enforcement actions.

California cities on Chirofinder

Sources

  1. California Board of Chiropractic Examiners (California Board of Chiropractic Examiners)
  2. License Search (California Board of Chiropractic Examiners)
  3. Cal. Code Regs., tit. 16, § 302: Practice of Chiropractic (Board rules and regulations) (California Board of Chiropractic Examiners)
  4. Welfare and Institutions Code § 14131.10: Medi-Cal optional benefit exclusions (California Legislature)
  5. Auto Insurance consumer guide (California Department of Insurance)
  6. Labor Code § 4604.5 (California Legislature)
  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.

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