753 verified specialists across 34 cities
To choose a chiropractor for back pain in California, start by verifying that the chiropractor is licensed by the **California Board of Chiropractic Examiners (BCE)**. California requires chiropractors to hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from a board-approved college and to pass all five parts of the **National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams** plus the California Chiropractic Law Examination (CCLE). You can verify licensing status, disciplinary actions, and continuing education compliance with the BCE online to ensure the practitioner meets all state requirements, including a clean background check and current licensure[1][3][4].
Regarding insurance, California chiropractors must comply with state regulations, including ethical billing and coding practices, which are part of their required continuing education (CE). Patients should confirm whether the chiropractor accepts their insurance plan, as coverage and reimbursement rules can vary by insurer and policy. Typical costs for chiropractic care in California vary widely, often ranging from roughly $50 to $150 per session, depending on the chiropractor’s experience, location, and treatment complexity. It is advisable to ask upfront about consultation fees, payment policies, and insurance acceptance to avoid unexpected expenses.
When selecting a chiropractor, important questions to ask include: What is your experience treating back pain similar to mine? What is your approach to diagnosis and treatment? Are you licensed and up to date with California's CE requirements, including ethics and law courses? Do you accept my insurance? How do you handle billing and coding? Also, inquire about the expected duration and type of treatment, and any potential risks or side effects. Since California law allows chiropractors to diagnose and treat any condition using chiropractic methods (without crossing into medical practice), ensure your chiropractor works within these legal limits and collaborates with other healthcare providers if necessary[5]. Patients should also consider chiropractors who meet ongoing CE requirements of 24 hours annually, including mandatory courses in ethics and law, for the highest standard of care compliance[2][6].
Have more questions? Contact individual practices directly for specific information about their services, pricing, and availability.