How to Choose a Chiropractor in Los Angeles: 9 Questions to Ask Before You Book

Why it pays to choose a chiropractor carefully

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), spinal manipulation is one of several nondrug approaches that may be used for acute and chronic low back pain. Most spinal manipulations are done by chiropractors.

With so many offices to choose from, it helps to know what careful care looks like. NCCIH notes that it is important for practitioners to assess patients thoroughly, and for patients to share their health conditions and medications.

The right chiropractor makes that conversation easy. The questions below help you find out, ideally before your first appointment.

Questions 1 to 3: checking a Los Angeles chiropractor's credentials

1. Is the chiropractor licensed in California?

Chiropractors in California are licensed by the state Board of Chiropractic Examiners. You can check a license yourself in a couple of minutes on the board's online License Search.

1. Open the License Search page on chiro.ca.gov.
2. Choose Chiropractor Licenses as the license type.
3. Enter the first or last name, or the license number without the DC prefix.
4. Review the license status and any notes about board decisions.

A license is the starting point, not the finish line. The graphic below sums up four things worth confirming before you book: the license lookup, education, memberships and a clear plan.

2. What education and memberships do they have?

A chiropractor's degree is a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). NCCIH suggests asking about a chiropractor's education and licensure before you choose.

Ask where they trained, whether they hold national board certification, and which professional groups they belong to, such as the American Chiropractic Association or the California Chiropractic Association. Membership does not prove skill, but it is one more piece of the picture.

3. Have they treated a problem like yours?

NCCIH also recommends asking whether a chiropractor has specialized training or experience treating your condition. Jaw pain, a sports injury and a sore neck after a crash call for different skills.

If you were hurt in a collision, ask about car accident injury care and read up on whiplash after a car accident. If your jaw clicks or aches, ask whether the office offers TMJ treatment.

If you have been told you may need surgery for a disc, ask how the chiropractor works alongside your physician. The guide to herniated disc treatment without surgery explains the conservative options people often explore first.

Questions 4 to 6: the first visit and your plan

4. What does the first visit include?

A careful first visit should feel like an evaluation, not a sales pitch. Expect a detailed health history, a physical exam and screening for anything a physician should check before chiropractic care.

Many offices also look closely at how you move, sometimes with a functional movement assessment, before suggesting treatment. The graphic below shows what a good first visit tends to look like, step by step.

Bring a list of your medications and supplements. NCCIH advises telling the chiropractor about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements you take, along with your health history.

5. Will they explain what they found and give you a plan?

Before treatment starts, you should understand what the chiropractor found and what they recommend. A clear plan covers your goals, how often you will come in, roughly for how long and how you will both know it is working.

NCCIH suggests asking how many sessions you will need. A thoughtful answer depends on your exam and includes check-in points, rather than one set number for everyone.

6. What techniques do they use, and are gentle options available?

Chiropractors use different methods. NCCIH describes spinal manipulation as a controlled thrust to a joint, and notes that spinal mobilization does not involve a thrust and can be controlled by the patient.

If you are nervous about being adjusted, say so. A good chiropractor can walk you through options such as spinal adjustments, lower-force techniques, soft tissue work or exercise, and respect your preferences.

Questions 7 to 9: referrals, insurance and logistics

7. Will they refer you to a physician or for imaging when needed?

Chiropractic care is one conservative option, not the answer to everything. A trustworthy chiropractor screens for warning signs and refers you to a physician, or for imaging, when your history or exam calls for it.

Ask directly: when do you refer patients out? A clear, comfortable answer is a good sign. An office that discourages you from seeing your doctor is a red flag.

8. Do they take your insurance, and how does scheduling work?

NCCIH suggests asking about typical out-of-pocket costs and insurance coverage before you start. Call with your plan details in hand so the office can check what applies to you.

Ask how far out appointments are booked and whether evening times are available. A plan only helps if you can actually make the visits.

9. Is the location practical with LA traffic?

In Los Angeles, a short distance on the map can turn into a long drive at rush hour. Pick an office near home or work, and check the drive at the time of day you would actually go.

Confirm the hours fit your week. If you plan to come after work, look for evening appointments so you are not racing across town.

Red flags when choosing a chiropractor

A few warning signs are worth knowing before you commit to any office. Check your first impressions against this list.

Any one of these is a reason to ask more questions. Several together usually mean you should keep looking.

Green flags vs red flags at a glance

Use this table as a quick side-by-side while you compare chiropractors.

Swipe sideways to see the whole table.

How Okhowat Chiropractic answers these 9 questions

It is only fair to hold Okhowat Chiropractic to the same standard. Here are straight answers you can check for yourself.

• License: licensed by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
• Education: Doctor of Chiropractic, Cleveland Chiropractic College; National Board of Chiropractic Examiners certificate.
• Experience: in practice since 1999, over 25 years.
• Memberships: American Chiropractic Association and California Chiropractic Association.
• Additional credentials: AAIM Diplomate, Diplomate of the College of Manipulative and Body Based Practices, and Fellow.
• Recognition: named among America's Top Chiropractors by the Consumers Research Council of America.

You can read more about Dr. Okhowat's credentials on the About page.

A first visit starts with a consultation, then an assessment of your posture, movement, joints and muscles, including screening for anything a physician should see first.

Next comes a personalized plan: what he found, what he recommends, how often and how you will know it is working. Hands-on care may include adjustments, soft tissue work and corrective exercise.

The office is at 6221 Wilshire Blvd #326, on Wilshire just west of Fairfax Avenue, near Beverly Grove and Hancock Park and a short drive from Beverly Hills. Hours are Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 9 PM and Friday 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Saturday and Sunday.

Okhowat Chiropractic accepts insurance; call (323) 933-3357 to check your plan, or contact the office online.

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