About Us
- La Costa Chiropractic & Wellness is a trusted multi-doctor chiropractic and wellness clinic serving Carlsbad, La Costa, and surrounding North County San Diego communities.
- The clinic was established by Dr. Wood in 1980. Dr. Michael Berry, D.C., began practicing at the clinic after getting licensed in 1997 and took over the clinic in 2005.
- Our purpose is to support patients in regaining and optimizing their health naturally through chiropractic and wellness education.
- The clinic focuses on understanding each patient’s condition, posture, mobility, lifestyle, activity level, and long-term health goals before recommending care.
- The clinical team includes Dr. Michael Berry, D.C., Dr. Sydney Spencer, Dr. Larry Dahl, Dr. James Miller, Dr. Anthony Salmon, and Rick Peterson, MSTOM, L.Ac.
- The clinic provides chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, physiotherapy, exercise prescription, in-house X-rays when needed, segmental electromyography, and spinal thermal scanning.
We see patients for lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, sciatica, herniated disc concerns, scoliosis, sports injuries, pregnancy-related back pain, pediatric alignment concerns, shoulder pain, hip pain, arm pain, numbness, and tingling.
Clinic Overview & Our Mission
La Costa Chiropractic & Wellness is a full-service chiropractic wellness center proudly serving the Carlsbad and La Costa community. For 47 years, our team has delivered natural, medication-free care designed to help our neighbors move better, feel better, and enjoy lasting improvement from pain.
Our mission is to build and maintain a high-quality chiropractic wellness center with a strong reputation, serving our community, our profession, and our staff, while consistently achieving meaningful results for every patient in our care. We are committed to never-ending growth for our patients, our doctors, and our entire team, achieved through education, dedication, and a genuine commitment to each person who walks through our door.
Our Story: How the Practice Began
Our clinic was founded in 1980 by Dr. Wood, who established a trusted chiropractic practice in the heart of the community. Dr. Michael Berry’s connection to the practice began long before he became its owner. It began as a patient. As a young student, he first experienced the benefits of chiropractic care while recovering from a wrestling injury, and later returned during his high school football years. The care he received from Dr. Wood left a lasting impression.
While completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Berry stayed in touch with Dr. Wood, who encouraged him to pursue a career in chiropractic. Dr. Berry completed internship rotations at the clinic, joined La Costa Chiropractic in 1996, and became Clinic Director in 2005. Following Dr. Wood’s retirement, Dr. Berry carried forward the practice’s legacy of trusted, results-driven care.
Under Dr. Berry’s leadership, the practice has grown thoughtfully, welcoming additional doctors and adding acupuncture, expanded massage therapy, and advanced spinal scanning technology. In a full-circle chapter of the clinic’s history, Dr. Wood later returned to work alongside the team part-time. Today, the practice continues to serve the community it has cared for over nearly five decades.
Our Care Philosophy
We believe in caring for the body the way nature intended: naturally, and from the inside out. Rather than placing a bandage over symptoms, our doctors focus on identifying and addressing the underlying cause of a patient’s discomfort.
At the center of our approach is the chiropractic adjustment. When areas of the spine become stuck, restricted, or misaligned (what chiropractors call a subluxation), they can place pressure on the nervous system, contributing to pain, muscle tension, and related symptoms. By gently guiding the spine toward healthier alignment, we reduce that pressure and give the body the opportunity to heal naturally.
Patient education is central to how we practice. We want every patient to understand what is happening in their body and how we can help, so they can take an active, informed role in their own recovery and long-term wellness.
Credentials, Licenses & Specialized Training
Our doctors hold the credentials, licensure, and advanced training required to deliver safe, effective, and reliable care:
- Doctors of Chiropractic trained at established colleges, including the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Life Chiropractic College, and Southern California University of Health Sciences
- Licensed by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners and certified through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
- California-licensed Radiography X-ray Supervisor and Operator on staff for accurate in-house imaging
- Recognized with the peer-selected Chiropractor of the Year honor (2009)
- Certified through the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance in advanced spinal scanning and subluxation assessment
- Members of leading professional organizations, including the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, the International Chiropractors Association, the California Chiropractic Association, and the American Chiropractic Association
- Specialized techniques include Diversified, Cox Flexion-Distraction, Thompson Drop-Table, Activator, Specific Upper Cervical, Torque Release, and Pediatric adjustive techniques, allowing care to be tailored to each patient’s needs and comfort level
Why La Costa Chiropractic & Wellness
Patients across Carlsbad and La Costa choose our clinic for the reasons that truly set us apart:
- Experienced doctors. Our team brings extensive training and years of hands-on chiropractic experience to every patient.
- A team that goes above and beyond. Our caring, service-oriented staff is known for going above and beyond for every patient.
- Comprehensive, all-in-one care. From chiropractic and physiotherapy to acupuncture, massage therapy, and advanced diagnostics, we are a true one-stop wellness center.
- A trusted history. We have proudly served our community for 47 years, a milestone few clinics can claim.
Dr. Michael D. Berry, D.C.
Dr. Michael D. Berry is a Doctor of Chiropractic with over 25 years of clinical experience. He is the Clinic Director of La Costa Chiropractic & Wellness and uses Diversified, Upper Cervical Specific, Thompson Drop Table, Cox Flexion/Distraction, and Activator Method to help patients improve function and heal naturally.
Dr. James R. Miller, D.C.
Dr. James R. Miller is a Doctor of Chiropractic serving North County at La Costa Chiropractic since 1988. He has advanced training in Diversified, Specific Upper Cervical, Torque Release, and Pediatric adjustive techniques, helping patients improve function, performance, and wellness naturally.
Dr. Lee A. Wood, D.C.
Dr. Lee A. Wood is a Doctor of Chiropractic with more than 30 years of experience. He opened La Costa Chiropractic and brings decades of clinical knowledge with Sigma Station technology to provide gentle, precise chiropractic care.
Dr. Larry Dahl, D.C.
Dr. Larry Dahl is a Doctor of Chiropractic focused on natural health, spinal function, and mobility. He uses Diversified, Activator Method, Drop Table, Flexion Distraction, and Muscle Release Technique to help patients reduce pain and improve body function.
Dr. Salmon, D.C.
Dr. Salmon is a Doctor of Chiropractic with more than 25 years of chiropractic and healthcare experience. He uses Diversified, Upper Cervical Specific, Thompson Drop Table, Cox Flexion/Distraction, and Activator Method to help patients restore motion and return to an active lifestyle.
Dr. Sydney Spencer, D.C.
Dr. Sydney Spencer is a California-licensed chiropractor at La Costa Chiropractic & Wellness. She is trained in Diversified, Thompson Drop Table, Cox Flexion/Distraction, SOT Blocking, Activator Technique, and Sigma Station technology to help patients move and function better.
Clinic Tour & Gallery
Our clinic is designed to be a complete wellness destination that is comfortable, welcoming, and equipped to support every stage of your care. On-site, patients have access to in-house X-ray, segmental electromyography, and spinal thermal scanning for thorough, accurate assessments.
Our treatment areas feature advanced chiropractic tables with drop-table and traction capabilities, a Cox flexion-distraction table, cervical traction, and Activator instruments. We also offer a range of supportive therapies, including moist heat, therapeutic ultrasound, cold laser, muscle stimulation, and percussive massage, alongside dedicated acupuncture and massage therapy services.
