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Doyle Chiropractic - Kathy Doyle If you've never been to a chiropractor before, you will be amazed at the gentle adjustments performed by Dr. Kathy Doyle. With upper cervical chiropractic, also referred to as NUCCA Chiropractic, you don't have to worry about being twisted in order to get the results and improved health you're looking for. In our office, we regularly see patients suffering from headaches, neck pain, whiplash, and disc problems. Patients also seek our care for back stiffness, arm and leg pain, and numbness and tingling.
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After graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Kathy Doyle worked with Dr. Marshall Diskholtz, Sr. in Chicago before moving to the Bay Area and opening Doyle Chiropractic in 1987. Located in a charming neighborhood of Temescal in Oakland, there are great restaurants and unique shops nearby our office.
I've spent a lot of time exploring the area and taking part in the activities it offers like fishing, hiking, camping, road trips and snowboarding. The area has inspired me and I have come to have a collection of landscape photographs. When I found Dr. Doyle, I was pleased in the challenges of learning a new trade and also enjoyed that it had a social impact.
The primary method of spinal adjustment that Dr. Doyle uses is called the NUCCA Technique (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association). With this type of chiropractic, the neck is the area of focus because messages going to all parts of the body from the brain must pass through the neck, so if the neck is misaligned the improper nerve function may affect any part of the body.
Adjustments using additional chiropractic techniques may be made to other areas of the body to facilitate your healing and keep your body in its optimum alignment. Dr. Doyle will explain how chiropractic care works before she begins. She will not twist your neck or back, but rather havbe you lie on your side while she applies a very gentle, specific force to your neck. In addition to NUCCA, Dr. Doyle may use another chiropractic technique to fine-tune your healing.
Reviews (28)
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S. R.
Aug 12, 2021
For over a decade after a bad car accident I've tried literally every treatment I could find in an attempt to relieve the constant pain I experience daily. My constant symptoms are migraines, muscle spasms, high pain, fatigue, insomnia, etc. Since starting to see Dr Doyle at the advice of a friend, I have finally started to have relief of my symptoms. My migraines, muscle spasms, back regularly going out, muscle tightness, etc and almost ceased to occur. I highly recommend investing time and treatment with Dr Doyle.
Tessa Groener
Apr 11, 2021
I am very grateful to have found Dr Doyle. For about a year I had been experiencing discomfort and pain throughout my body, particularly in my hips due to a misaligned vertebrae. It took just two gentle adjustments from Dr Doyle to stabilize my neck and bring me into alignment. I now have more energy, feel more balanced and my sleep has improved considerably. I highly recommend Doyle Chiropractic.
Kerry Jones
Feb 11, 2021
I had 7-8 years of debilitating migraines, roughly once a month, before discovering NUCCA. Dr. Doyle is very kind and effective and has continued to keep my neck in adjustments and migraine free, and is my clear recommendation to anyone who is suffering neck or head pain (and if you have a fear of pain -- these are the most comfortable adjustments I've had, and I've been to a lot of chiro's).
Robin Senour
Mar 15, 2019
This is the place to come if you are suffering from any spinal or bone issues. Do exactly what Doctor Doyle says and you will be healed.
Charles J.
Jan 16, 2019
Dr. Doyle has been an integral part of my clinical health over the past years. It's extremely important for me to maintain my alignment. I appreciate her attention to my needs and my crazy work and sleep schedule. Her office staff Deanna is a gem. I'm blessed to have both of them. Her office is a wonderful part of Oakland's community. Her customers come from all over! We need her!
Micheline L.
Dec 27, 2018
Dr Doyle is an excellent chiropractor. She has helped me quickly recover from injuries as well as help me avoid surgery. I always feel a thousand times better when I leave her office. Dr Doyle is truly a miracle worker!
Nancy L.
Oct 29, 2018
I have had a stuck upper cervical spine for years - probably decades, really. I have been working really hard for the last 6+ years to improve my fitness and flexibility, working on a Pilates reformer with a coach, ice skating, Zumba, starting to jog, swimming, and working with a personal trainer on strength training (not all at the same time, of course).

My super-talented team of active tissue release chiropractor and Hendrickson method massage therapist could not budge the upper neck, and I would be stuck and have persistent, annoying pain there. It was limiting my self-improvement program, so I decided to try NUCCA at my massage therapist's suggestion. He sent me to Kathy Doyle. Kathy took a detailed injury history and XRays. Based on both, she felt that the gentle NUCCA adjustments would help me.

Boy was she right - the next day I went for a jog and realized that my neck DID NOT HURT. I'm working through a 16-session series so I can make sure the adjustments hold and my muscles learn their new patterns. I'm feeling better, moving better and working out longer and harder than before - with no ill effects. If you have neck issues that others can't solve, you should come talk to Dr. Kathy. If she doesn't think she can help, she'll tell you - but if she can, you'll be very glad you tried it.
Michelle A.
Jun 26, 2018
I am a student of Chiropractic and was referred to Dr. Doyle after researching NUCCA and learning it could be something that could help me heal. I have been experiencing anxiety and depression for years, and more recently a head fog, dizziness, and frequent headaches that have made it very difficult to concentrate. I went to Dr. Doyle and got x-rays taken.

Sure enough, my top 2 vertebrae in my neck (which are the 2 vertebrae NUCCA focuses on) were mis-aligned. My right leg has always been "shorter" than my left by about a half inch. Chiropractors practicing on the full spine have in the past given me a lift for my shoe and have adjusted frequently, but the discrepancy in symmetry would never resolve.

It makes sense that the rest of the spine and hip attempt to compensate for mis-aligned vertebrae at the very top of the spine, causing the lack of symmetry. Since going to Dr. Doyle, my headaches, head fog, and dizziness have almost entirely subsided. My depression and anxiety have reduced by about 70%. My leg length evens out for as long as each adjustment holds, which grows further and fewer between. Very grateful to Dr. Doyle. I would recommend her to friends and family.
Sara Rahnama
May 24, 2018
Incredibly helpful in a short period of time at fixing my alignment which was previously leading to imbalanced hips and a functional difference in leg length.
Peter Dockendorf
Jan 18, 2018
Kathy Doyle has the most excellent touch. I was miserable for five years following a whiplash accident. Sessions with Kathy eliminated pain and restored full range of motion for my neck and head. I know if you have a treatment here you will leave feeling better.
Owen Drake
Nov 25, 2017
I would say Dr. Kathy Doyle is a miracle worker, except that her approach is far too scientific for that. I have suffered chronic neck pain for more than a decade, and she alleviated it in just a couple of visits. In the process, she realigned my hips, and my shoulders, too, and this is all within the first week! I think my results were more rapid than is typical, but I have no doubt that she can fix anyone up with a little time. Would highly recommend to anyone feeling pain, or has had physical trauma at any point.
Sandra
Jun 19, 2017
Sciatic nerve pain almost ruined a vacation for me several years ago. I kept walking but had to sit down on every bench I encountered, because of the pain. I tried many solutions, of course including doctors, until a massage therapist recommended Dr. Kathy Doyle. Dr. Doyle's very gentle treatment has eliminated that pain. Dr. Doyle also told me to stop sleeping on my stomach and gave me simple effective advice to stop leg cramps at night. Frankly I was highly reluctant to see a chiropractor, but Dr. Doyle's field of upper cervical (NUCCA) is not wrenching. It seems almost magical, but no it is science and has been highly effective for me.
Mariam R.
Jun 17, 2017
I was amazed that such a simple procedure could fix a problem I've been coping with for years. Six years ago a chiropractor told me my hips were uneven which was making one leg seem longer than that other. This put strain on one of my leg muscles as well as one side of my back. I've been seeing a very wellrated chiropractor for years who has basically just been managing the pain.

A couple visits to Dr. Doyle later and my hips are even, my legs appear to be the same length, no more leg pain. I'm just in shock. Why didn't someone recommend NUCCA earlier?!?!
Spyder P.
Jun 03, 2017
Dr. Doyle is amazing. I go in with extreme pain and come out feeling very little pain. You must try her. You have nothing to lose.
Abigail H.
May 11, 2017
Kathy Doyle is amazing. I had been suffering from neck pain for a few years. It wasn't until my 3rd chiropractor that it was discovered that it was because my neck was tilted strangle to the side. A lot of money and a lot of visits later I was only slightly better. I came across Dr. Doyle when I was forced to find a new chiropractor due to moving house and I discovered it didn't have to accept 'some pain'. Dr. Doyle is not only great at giving the adjustments, but she will also take her time to work out exactly what the matter is.

And if necessary she will think about it and research, to find the solution, rather than keep trying the same thing. The price is very reasonable and she will only take xrays when necessary. In my case I still had xrays from the year before so she used them. She only took xrays herself after I had a car accident. Also, her assistant Deanna, is also very nice and helpful, making the office a pleasure to visit.
Joe N.
May 09, 2017
Now, keep in mind that I have a fairly complex case of nerve pain in my body. When I went to see Dr. Doyle, I was still trying to figure out what was going on with me physically. Dr. Doyle is a very caring and compassionate person. Her receptionists are wonderful. She definitely seemed to care about me and what was going on with me. However, after getting some help elsewhere from a couple of other people, I don't think she really knew how to best approach my situation.

She did say she wasn't sure the approach would work, that it would be somewhat "trial and error" but that was after I had paid. She is a NUCCA chiropractor which is a specialty that is hard to find. If the approach works, it works wonders. If it doesn't, other means may be necessary. She did try a couple of other techniques which did help me some but $600 later my body was still in a lot of pain.

Upon leaving her practice, I was able to eventually find help in a place that approaches the issues from both nutritional standpoint and utilizes many different techniques. They cost the same amount as what I paid at her practice. What she did help me with was an old shoulder injury I had from power lifting many years ago. She straightened out my shoulder and helped a tiny bit with my TMJ. I'm gathering that her techniques work well on people with injuries and maybe migraines that are the result of misalignment. This is a very gentle practice that she uses so if that is your situation, she'd be great choice.
Jeremy M.
Apr 01, 2017
I've been suffering from chronic tension in the right side of my body for years. Yoga has helped keep me out of crisis mode but the tension still remained. I was searching for s solution for many years until I stumbled upon NUCCA and the idea that my atlas vertebrae was possibly misaligned. I was very skeptical at first but I found doctor Doyle and I am very pleased with my results.

Slowly I walking more evenly on both feet and the pain in my neck has disappeared almost completely. The tension in my right side seems to be reduced as I go. I'm moving better, exercising again and FINALLY getting my life back on track. Thank you Dr Doyle! I hope more people find out about NUCCA and receive the same benefits
Deanna Charles
Jan 17, 2017
I was having pinched nerve issues in my shoulder and neck. Everyone told me to see a chiropractor but I was nervous about having my neck twisted or popped. Then someone referred me to Doyle Chiropractic. Dr. Doyle practices NUCCA, which was a gentle adjustment to my neck. After seeing her my pinched nerves released and pain went away. Also pain that I had grown use to dealing with in my lower back, hips and knee, also started to feel better. After that I choose that in my life there are ways to be pain free and that I just have to find the right methods and Dr. Doyle was one of those methods!
Wanda N.
Oct 06, 2016
I went in for a free consultation recommended by my GP. I am on Medicare so was concerned about billing. Kathy and Deanna, her receptionist are caring, friendly people. Kathy is organized, communicates well and is transparent with billing. She took her time with me and I felt I could ask her anything and receive an honest answer. By the time I left, I felt I had a direction I was provided with if I wanted treatment. I felt no pressure to continue treatment but if I decide on it, she will be the one for me. There is free parking on nearby side streets.
Mysings A.
Aug 31, 2016
I'm sorry I have to warn anyone looking at Doyle Chiropractic. The response was not honest or honestly the response I would think the Dr would offer. I will actually be pursuing and sending a letter for a return of my money. After speaking to friends in the area I realized that the Dr. took total advantage of me. She charged me for (2) consultations $100 each. Claiming that one was initial and the other was a follow up.

Then I had to pay for X-rays and in the end never received an adjustment. Having now found an amazing chiropractor right in Berkley I realize that she completely took advantage of me to just secure extra money. It took 2 visits and $300. Be good to yourself and continue your search and please find an ethical, honest and genuine Dr.
Daisy S.
Jan 11, 2016
In July of 2015 I was hit by a car while biking in San Francisco. I was fortunate to make it through the crash alive and with no major internal injuries. My muscles, particularly my shoulders and neck, took the brunt of my impact. I already had issues with those areas prior to the accident so I knew I had a good amount of work to do to heal. Over the past 6 months I have thrown myself into every healing resource I could find.

Physical therapy, somatic therapies, massages and seen several different chiropractors. But the only chiropractic physician I stuck with (and continue to see) is Dr. Doyle. The gentle nature of the NUUCA technique and the baby steps toward healing are, what i believe has led to the speed of my recovery. I am nearing full range of motion in my neck now, its becoming easier to maintain alignment in my posture and the pain continues to decrease visit by visit.

What I have learned in my recovery is that healing is so much more well rounded when its done slowly and steadily. The first few months were hard, I felt like i'd never get my life back. The truth was, in moving slowly and gently toward healing i was rebuilding my life, but in a much better way. I am very grateful to work with Dr. Doyle and I think if you're dedicated to healing it might be helpful for you to work with her also.
Sarah B.
Apr 17, 2015
I've been living with moderate to severe pain as a result of a herniated disc and sciatica for more than 10 years. I tried physical therapy, an epidural spinal injection, and considered surgery because the pain was so hard to live with. Thankfully a friend recommended that I find a NUCCA chiropractor before opting for another injection or surgery. I've been seeing Dr. Doyle for four months now, and the results have been amazing. My sciatica rarely bothers me and when it does, I know right away that I need an adjustment. I highly recommend Doyle Chiropractic.
Argie Rayos
Nov 03, 2013
I started going to Kathy after a car accident and it's always a good feeling to go visit her. went in today after I hurt my back this weekend (again) and it never fails, the pain disappears and I feel good. she's that good!
Gary Peng
Jun 03, 2012
I had backaches, headaches, my hips were always uneven and I suffered back pain. I was always taking Advil, Tylenol, etc. I had the pain for years and years. It got progressively worse. I maybe had it for 25 years. I could not stand for long periods of time without backaches and had weekly headaches I felt like my vertebrae were compressed, and it got worse and I got older.

I just suffered. I did a lot of stretching to help but that was insufficient. My results have been fantastic! No more back pain! My hips are in alignment now - I can feel it! I stand up straighter. I only have headaches when I am under stress. I feel great! Thank you Dr. Doyle, you are terrific!
Tava P.
Mar 24, 2012
Get the image out of your mind that you're going to be "back cracked", and get a jerky "karate chop" to the neck. I was a little worried to go to a chiropractor because I don't even crack my knuckles. The treatment she uses (NUCCA) is so gentile, you might think she's not even doing anything to you! :) But please believe me, I've compared her hand to that of a healer.

When you're taking too much pain meds, and pain creams just aren't touching it, place your pain in Dr. Doyle's healing hands. The office is convenient and pleasant, and Dr. Doyle and staff are really nice. Don't put it off, GO if you're in pain. Those hand are nothing short of a miracle.
Nina I.
May 02, 2011
I went to Dr. Doyle with a complaint of back/neck stiffness and pain, from which I have been suffering for a long time. There is no doubt that she is very knowledgeable, professional, and experienced. She said I was a good candidate for the NUCCA technique. Based on the reviews I had read on Yelp, I had developed the sense that other people have had immediate results with this technique. However, it did not help me at all.

I had biweekly appointments for a month and found no change in the state of my back pain and neck stiffness. There were a number of different approaches that she tried in conjunction with the NUCCA, including aligning my bad shoulders. And she claimed that I was holding my neck adjustment well, but there was still no change in my state. Considering how many other people saw an immediate change, I thought that giving it a month was enough time to be sure it wouldn't work.

I had previously, a few months before I went to see Kathy, had a back adjustment by a conventional chiropractor, who cracked my spine to get it aligned. My back felt great after this, and I was very limber for about a week afterwards. This is why I decided to try chiropractics again, but there were so many good reviews about Dr. Doyle that I decided to try the NUCCA this time. However, I feel she is professional and fair. She did my last adjustment at no cost, saying that if it worked, I could pay her another visit, and if it didn't, I could try something else.
Anni A.
Apr 30, 2009
Dr. Doyle is a wonderful chiropractor! She practices a different technique called NUCCA that doesn't involve any cracking. I began seeing her for neck/back pain which resolved after a couple weeks. I now continue seeing her on a semi-regular basis for wellness care and have been very happy with the results! I highly recommend Dr. Doyle for anyone that has had problems finding relief through other methods or is hesitant about traditional chiropractic.
Arge R.
Nov 04, 2008
Doyle Chiropractic is the BEST! It's chiropractic approach really works and she does NOT twist, pull or make you do ackward positions. and whats best, IT WORKS. I went in after having a somewhat bad accident. On the first visit she took x-rays, talked to me about the method she uses and why it works, gave me an adjustment (upper neck). The following day I was amazed how good I felt.

If you have any problems with your back, and need an adjustement. you need DOYLE CHIROPRACTIC. I'm lucky and blessed to have found her. I know Im sounding like a commercial but, really if you need help and you don't like the pulling and twisting that other chiropractors do. you need to go to Doyle Chiropractic. PERIOD.