5330 College Avenue, Suite 210 Oakland, CA 94618

Meet the Team

Dr. Melissa Crago, D.C.

My journey in chiropractic care started in college, I got a dual degree in biology and physiology from the University of Arizona in Tucson (my home town).  I was working as a lab tech during school and when I wasn’t feeling well with a cold that had been lingering for a few weeks and I just couldn’t kick it, a co-worker who suffered from scoliosis said I should come with her to her chiropractor. At my first appointment, he took a moment to sit down with me and tell me the basics of chiropractic and health — he said that when the nervous system is free of interference and there is clear communication between the brain and the body, the body will heal itself and have optimal function. Chiropractors make that happen by adjusting the spine into proper alignment. He told me I would likely feel worse after I got adjusted (and I did) and then within a few days I was completely well.

It took about 5 years for the message to sink in, but after traveling around the world, working on a Master’s in Public Health in Washington DC, playing Rugby in Uganda and working many other odd jobs; a love of an afro-brazilian martial art, Capoeira, led me to settle down in Oakland. As I approached my 30th birthday, I began to question what I was doing with my life and how I wanted to contribute to my community. The answer came in knowing I wanted to work with people and health, and in remembering that first conversation with my first chiropractor. I found, Life West Chiropractic College in Hayward, CA. After going on tour at the school, I knew chiropractic was right for me. I immediately applied at the end of the tour and embarked on the challenging and rewarding journey of becoming a chiropractor.

At the end of school I interned with the team at Alive Chiropractic while finishing school. Then a classmate and I, took over Alive chirpractic and renamed it The Source Chiropractic and worked together for a year. Then I opened a solo practice in 2015, I have been the owner and operator of Life Chiropractic on College Avenue ever since. And in 2022  I opened Vitality Sol -on Grand Ave by the Lake -to offer complimentary healing modalities Red Light Therapy, Acupuncture and Deep Tissue Massage.

It is an honor and pleasure to be a Chiropractor in Oakland CA - to give, to love, and to serve my patients and community — and to watch people's lives transform as their spines come into alignment and optimal function is restored. We believe it is our mission here at Life Chiropractic to raise the bar of what is accepted as normal for health, happiness and hope in people's lives!

I am a member of the International Chiropractic Association, the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association, and the International Professional Applied Kinesiology Association. I have certifcations in Webster, Professional Applied Kinesiology , Revolution Cervical Knee Chest, Cranial Facial Release, Functional Range Conditioning, and Foundation Training. I have also studied and utilize Sacro-Occipital Technique, Bio-Geometric Integration, Reiki, functional neurology, and Nasal Specific. I have a background as a dancer, gymnast, acrobat, martial artist, and as a mom. I have an amazing 8 yr old son. These experiences give me a unique perspective to work with and to help guide people to their greatest health potential and health goals! I look forward to seeing you in the office and taking care of you.

Dr. Ryan Bower D.C.

Chiropractic is my calling. Both of my parents are chiropractors, so I have been around chiropractic and have seen the benefits my whole life. As a rebellious youth I did not want to get into chiropractic because it is what my parents did. I tried some other career paths, but kept finding my way back to the healthcare industry and then I decided to become a chiropractor. And now I not could not imagine doing anything else!

I am a 2020 graduate from Life West Chiropractic College, studying the science, art and philosophy of the practices of Chiropractic. I am committed to lifelong learning and love sharing about health and the profession.

I believe the best thing about being in the chiropractic field is helping people get back to their normal lives and the looks on people’s faces when they realize what their bodies can truly feel like with wellness care.

I was born and raised in Northern California. However I spent the majority of my early years attending school and living in Ireland with my family. Even though my Irish accent has faded, I still enjoy keeping in touch with family and a good St. Patty's dinner. In my free time I also like attending concerts, sporting events, fishing, hiking, playing guitar, snowboarding, and water sports. Fun fact, I went to 8 music festivals over 8 years in 3 different countries. I got to travel, meet amazing people and see so much music. Which has in turn inspired my desire to care for musicians and athletes of all kinds. I love helping people continue to do what they love to do and serve in their communities.

Front Desk Associates:

Aubrie is a Latina and Oakland native. She is passionate about wellness, human services and improving the impact of our environment and is a proponent of metaphysical and natural healing practices.  She has a master’s degree in Marriage Family Therapy as she have always felt compelled to live a life of service to others. She worked with probation and foster youth for over 4 years.  She has struggled with several physical ailments including a painful heel spur and firomyalgia for many years. She is excited to be in an environment that invests in the wellbeing of their employees and builds strong community!

Dr. Melissa Crago, D.C.

My journey in chiropractic care started in college when, I wasn’t feeling well with a cold that had been lingering for a few weeks and I just couldn’t kick it and a co-worker who suffered from scoliosis said I should come with her to her chiropractor. He took a moment to sit down with me and tell me the basics of chiropractic and health — he said that when the nervous system is free of interference and there is clear communication between the brain and the body, the body will heal itself and have optimal function. Chiropractors make that happen by adjusting the spine into proper alignment. He told me I would likely feel worse after I got adjusted (and I did) and then within a few days I was completely well. 

It took about 5 years for the message to sink in, but after traveling around the world, working on a Master’s in Public Health in Washington DC, playing Rugby in Uganda and working many other odd jobs; a love of an afro-brazilian martial art, Capoeira lead her to settle down in Oakland
And as I approached my 30th birthday, I began to question what I was doing with my life and how I wanted to contribute to my community. The answer came in knowing I wanted to work with people and health, and in remembering that first conversation with my first chiropractor. I found a school close by and went on tour, I knew chiropractic was right for me. I immediately applied at the end of the tour and embarked on the challenging and rewarding journey of becoming a chiropractor.

I worked with the team at Alive Chiropractic while finishing school. Then a classmate and I opened The Source Chiropractic and worked together for a year. And, since 2015, I have been the owner and operator of Life Chiropractic on College Avenue.

It is an honor and pleasure to be a Chiropractor in Oakland CA - to give, to love, and to serve my patients and community — and to watch people's lives transform as their spines come into alignment and optimal function is restored. We believe it is our mission here at Life Chiropractic to raise the bar of what is accepted as normal for health, happiness and hope in people's lives!

I am a member of the International Chiropractic Association, the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association, and the International Professional Applied Kinesiology Association. I am also Webster certified, Professional Applied Kinesiology Certified, Revolution Cervical Knee Chest Certified, and she is working on certification for Sacro-Occipital Technique. I also studied Bio-Geometric Integration, Reiki, functional neurology, and Nasal Specific. I also have a background as a dancer, gymnast, acrobat, martial artist, and as a mom. This gives me a unique perspective to work with and to help guide people to their greatest health potential and health goals! I look forward to seeing you in the office and taking care of you.

Front Desk Associates: Bryonna and Tahjanee

We partner with Vitality Sol to offer: 
 Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Bodywork and Red Light Therapy


Dr August Varlack: 
Acupunture and Eastern Medicine









Misha Khan:
 Deep Tissue, Medical and Prenatal Massage 
(also offers Chair massage at Life Chiropractic)





Gail Clemente: 
Zen Deep Tissue and 
Acupressure Energy Healing (HwalGong)






Michael Angelo: 
Tui Na, Cupping and Acupressure 
(also offers Chair massage and cupping at Life Chiropractic)

Check out our YouTube 
for Educational Videos

Book an Appointment Now!

The best way to schedule an appointment is to use our online booking system, or send a text with your name and preferred appointment day(s) / time(s) to 510- 394-5035. We will find a time for you in the schedule ASAP!

team@oaklandlifechiro.com
(510) 594-9994
(510) 394-5035

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Chiropractic - Hours- Grand Lake:

Life Chiropractic - Grand Lake - Vitality Sol 
3756 Grand Ave Ste 205
Oakland, CA 94610


Dr Melissa 
THU: 9-1pm; 4:15pm - 6:30 pm

 
Click here to check online schedule.

Deep Tissue and Acupressure Massage- Grand Lake:

MON: Morning
TUES-Thurs: Evening
FRI: Afternoon/Evening
Sat and Sun - morning/midday

Acupuncture- Grand Lake:

MON-Wed: 10-4pm
Life Chiropractic BBB Business Review
2022 Best of Oakland Top 5
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