Chiropractor Lake Forest, CA
Our clinics have provided chiropractic care for over 66 years and have treated more than 8,000 patients. Dr. Greg McDonald, D.C., Dr. Ron Merriel, D.C., and Dr. Jordan Ziegler, D.C., provide highly effective chiropractic care and have received over 300+ 5 star reviews on Google.
Our doctors specialize in treating back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, TMJ disorders, herniated discs, whiplash car accident injuries, vertigo etc. We use advanced technology including Cox Flexion, Activator, ArthroStim, and electric muscle stimulation.
We specialize in treating injuries in adult and young athletes. We also provide prenatal chiropractic care for pregnant women.
We treat patients like family. Call us or book online for a complimentary consultation.
Verified Reviews
Andy Santos
After over a year of doctor visits and physical therapy, I hit a plateau and was still in a lot of daily pain. Dr. McDonald’s treatment plan, combined with Natalie’s effective massage therapy...
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Bryn DenHeyer
I originally came here to have my infant daughter treated by Dr. Waters for torticollis. He was a miracle worker! I started having pain and asked if he worked on adults- he did! I saw him a few times...
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Divya Kapoor
Best massage place ever!! Melina's neck and back massages are lifesavers, especially after long hours hunched over a computer. She really knows how to target those tight spots to ease tension...
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Nancy Clinkerbeard
Greenlight Chiropractic is fantastic. From the moment you walk in and they know you by name, Jeremy is an awesome manager, facilitator of your visit and needs. Next get time for Natalie to work on you...
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Sabina Uskenova
I really liked it there!! It’s very calm and nice atmosphere that you can trust. Dr, Waters was very patient and explained everything. He didn’t try to sell me a thousand adjustments as you...
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Sylvia Mireles
Hi!!! I just had my last adjustment with Dr. Waters. He has been a gem, his expertise- his sincerity and super genuineness, has been a bright star as part of my overall healing and amazing experience on this...
Read on GoogleInsurance Accepted
We accept most major insurance plans that include coverage for chiropractic care. You can select your provider from our list of accepted insurances. Even if you don’t see your insurance listed, reach out to us to confirm if your plan is accepted.
In Network, American Specialty Health, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Landmark, Noridian Medicare, Chirometrics/Physmetrics, Aetna, Community Care (VA) Medicare, Blue Shield, Cigna, Healthnet, United Healthcare, Sharp
Meet The Doctors
Dr. Greg McDonald, DC
Chiropractor
Dr. Greg McDonald, DC, earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1984. He has over 40 years of experience providing chiropractic care, including advanced training in spinal decompression, neurological rehabilitation, disability evaluation, whiplash injuries, nutrition, and sports injuries. He is a Certified Golf Injury Specialist, trained in pain-free swing rehabilitation and specific golf stretches.
Dr. McDonald specializes in manual adjustments and functional assessments. He creates individualized treatment plans to restore spinal and joint function. His approach includes spinal alignment, soft tissue therapies, and exercise guidance. He has treated patients of all ages. His focus is on long-term spinal health and overall function.
Raised in Southern California, Dr. McDonald played basketball and golf. He enjoys helping patients regain health naturally without medication or surgery. Outside the clinic, he pursues golf, exercise, hiking, and traveling with his family.
Dr. Jordan Leal Ziegler, DC
Chiropractor
Dr. Jordan Leal Ziegler, DC, received her Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2021. She completed DCCE continuing education from 2021 to 2025.
She works with pediatric, prenatal, and athletic populations. She develops personalized care plans for each patient’s needs and lifestyle. She was active in gymnastics, soccer, and competitive cheerleading.
Dr. Ziegler discovered chiropractic while managing her own bodybuilding training and injuries. She specializes in adjustments, intersegmental traction, flexion-distraction therapy, and soft tissue techniques. She emphasizes movement assessment, postural correction, and at-home exercises. Her clinical focus includes spinal health and musculoskeletal function.
She enjoys weightlifting, long walks with her dogs, and exploring new restaurants with her husband.
Dr. Ron Merriel, DC
Chiropractor
Dr. Ron Merriel, DC, graduated from New York Chiropractic College in 2000. He earned a B.S. in Pre-Chiropractic Studies from Bloomfield College in 1996. He holds a Webster Technique certification.
Dr. Merriel has nearly 26 years of clinical experience. He is skilled in diversified adjustments, Arthrostim, Cox Flexion, Activator, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release.
He specializes in spinal and extremity adjustments. He performs ergonomics assessments and designs rehabilitative exercises for patients. Most of his adjustments are hands-on, and he emphasizes patient education on diet, exercises, posture, and ergonomics.
Raised in Haddon Township, New Jersey, Dr. Merriel played baseball, football, and soccer, and enjoyed biking and skateboarding. His approach uses careful evaluation, structured care plans, and targeted soft tissue therapy. He treats back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches, and herniated discs. His goal is to restore spinal function and joint mobility while supporting long-term physical health.
Credentials
Book an Appointment
Scheduling your visit with Greenlight Chiropractic & Wellness Lab is simple. You can call our office directly or visit our Contact Us page to connect with the location nearest you and request an appointment.
Our team can help answer questions, guide you through the scheduling process, and help you find a visit time that works best for your schedule.
We Take You From Struggling With Pain To Feeling Great
This is our simple process
Schedule An Appointment
Book online, call, or text to schedule your appointment at our Lake Forest office today.
Receive Customized Treatment
Through a consultation, exam, and X-rays when needed, you receive customized care and exercises for rapid improvement.
Start Seeing Results
You’ll feel better doing the things you love again.
Why Choose Greenlight Chiropractic
- 66+ Years of Combined Doctor Experience: Greenlight Chiropractic brings together experienced chiropractors, including Dr. Greg McDonald with 40+ years of chiropractic experience and Dr. Ron Merriel with 26 years in practice.
- Care for All Ages: Greenlight Chiropractic provides care for adults, families, children, pregnant mothers, athletes, and seniors. Gentle techniques are available for children and patients who prefer light-force care.
- Advance Chiropractic Techniques: Treatment may include Diversified adjustments, Activator, drop table, Arthrostim, Cox flexion-distraction, intersegmental traction, soft tissue work, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release.
What We Treat?
Back pain can develop from lifting, long hours of sitting, poor posture, repetitive strain, or physical activity.
It may present as stiffness, aching, sharp sensations, or limited mobility. Some patients feel tension or tightness in muscles supporting the spine. Pain can interfere with daily activities, sleep, or exercise routines. Chronic strain can affect posture, range of motion, and spinal alignment, making day-to-day tasks uncomfortable or difficult.
Dr. Ziegler and Dr. Merriel evaluate posture, spinal alignment, and joint function. Adjustments may be applied, along with soft tissue work and gentle decompression.
Care plans are personalized to each patient’s work habits and lifestyle. Maintaining spinal alignment and core strength supports long-term function and reduces strain.
Neck pain often comes from posture strain, desk work, phone use, or sleeping positions.
Symptoms may include soreness, stiffness, tension, headaches, or limited mobility. Muscle tightness can spread to the shoulders, upper back, and head, affecting daily comfort. Prolonged strain may contribute to misalignment in cervical spine segments. Pain can worsen with repetitive tasks, carrying loads, or bending motions. Neck pain may also limit exercise, sports performance, or work productivity.
Examination includes cervical curve evaluation, muscle tension checks, and mobility assessment. Minor adjustments or soft tissue therapy may be included.
Ergonomic guidance and posture exercises are recommended. The goal is to improve neck function, restore movement, and support daily comfort.
Sciatica occurs when nerve irritation affects the lower back, hips, or legs.
Symptoms can include tingling, numbness, sharp pain, or radiating discomfort from the lower back to the calves or feet. Muscle tightness or restricted joint motion can contribute to sciatic nerve compression. Daily activities such as walking, sitting, or standing may worsen symptoms. Posture, hip alignment, and spinal segment function influence pain levels and nerve stress. Sciatica can develop from disc issues, degeneration, or muscular entrapment.
Exams involve orthopedic tests to identify nerve involvement and distinguish piriformis or spinal causes. Adjustments or targeted soft tissue work may be included.
Treatment plans include stretching and strengthening exercises to improve lumbar and hip function. Care also incorporates guidance for daily posture and ergonomics.
Leg pain may arise from nerve irritation, muscular strain, poor circulation, or overuse injuries.
It can affect calves, thighs, or knees, appearing as stiffness, cramping, sharp sensations, or limited movement. Pain can make walking, climbing stairs, or exercising difficult. Patients may experience weakness, tightness, or tension that interferes with activity. Repetitive strain, posture, or previous injuries can exacerbate symptoms. Daily work, sports, or standing may increase discomfort, affecting overall quality of life.
Doctors examine joint alignment, muscle balance, and nerve function. They may use gentle adjustments or soft tissue techniques when necessary.
Care emphasizes supporting leg function, restoring mobility, and improving posture. Patients may receive simple exercises to strengthen muscles and maintain flexibility.
A disc bulge or herniation can occur from sudden injury, repetitive strain, or degenerative changes.
Patients may experience localized back pain, radiating leg pain, numbness, or tingling. Herniated discs can limit mobility, reduce flexibility, or make bending and lifting difficult. Pressure on spinal nerves may worsen symptoms with prolonged sitting or standing. Muscle compensation and postural changes can cause additional strain. Pain intensity and functional limitations vary depending on disc location and severity.
Doctors evaluate spinal segments and may use flexion-distraction or adjustments.
Care aims to restore disc alignment and reduce nerve pressure.
Shockwave therapy treats musculoskeletal conditions and tissue irritation.
It can help with tendinopathies, inflammation, or chronic overuse injuries. Patients may experience localized discomfort or limited motion in the treated area. Therapy targets affected tissue, supporting repair and function.
Doctors may combine therapy with adjustments or soft tissue care. Care improves tissue function and supports mobility.
Headaches often result from tension in the neck and upper back, posture issues, or cervical misalignment.
Symptoms include pressure at the base of the skull, pain radiating to the temples, or tightness across the shoulders. Daily tasks, screen time, or poor ergonomics can intensify discomfort. Sleep position and muscle tension may contribute to recurring headaches. Cervical alignment, neck muscle balance, and upper back posture influence severity. Headaches can interfere with work, concentration, and daily routines.
Doctors may perform minor cervical adjustments or soft tissue therapy. Care focuses on posture, alignment, and supporting neck function.
Scoliosis involves abnormal curvature of the spine that may be structural or postural.
Symptoms include uneven shoulders, waist, or hips, back stiffness, or muscle tension. In some cases, scoliosis may reduce mobility and affect posture. Severity can vary by age, curve type, and previous treatment. Early intervention can help manage compensation patterns and prevent progression. Adult scoliosis may be harder to correct, but spinal care can improve comfort and function.
Doctors use gentle adjustments and targeted exercises. Care focuses on spinal alignment and muscle balance.
Prenatal chiropractic care supports spine, pelvis, and joint health during pregnancy.
Pregnant patients may experience low back pain, hip discomfort, or postural changes. Joint and muscular strain can affect mobility and comfort. Proper spinal alignment can support posture, balance, and movement during pregnancy. Adjustments are tailored for safety, supporting pelvic and spinal function.
Doctors may use gentle adjustments and soft tissue techniques. Care emphasizes comfort, mobility, and alignment during pregnancy.
Pediatric patients may experience spinal or joint issues from posture, growth, or activity.
Symptoms can include back stiffness, postural deviations, or extremity discomfort. Children respond well to gentle, light-force assessments. Growth and development may influence spinal alignment and muscular balance.
Doctors use very gentle adjustments or activator techniques. Care supports proper alignment and healthy growth.
Auto accidents can cause whiplash, neck strain, or back pain.
Patients may experience stiffness, limited range of motion, headaches, or extremity discomfort. Impact forces can affect cervical and lumbar spine, joints, and soft tissue. Posture and joint function may be disrupted temporarily.
Doctors assess spine and muscles, providing adjustments when necessary. Care focuses on restoring motion and supporting recovery.
Whiplash typically affects the neck and upper back from sudden acceleration or collision.
Symptoms include stiffness, soreness, tension, headaches, or limited motion. Muscle imbalance and postural changes may develop after injury. Proper evaluation is required to restore normal spinal motion and alignment.
Doctors may perform adjustments and soft tissue support. Care emphasizes neck mobility and spinal alignment.
Location
Greenlight Chiropractic & Wellness Lab, Lake Forest clinic is at 23101 Lake Center Drive, Ste 110, Lake Forest, California 92630
Driving Directions:
From Irvine Spectrum Center (~4 miles): Head south on Irvine Center Dr, merge onto I-5 South (San Diego) and continue approximately 2 miles. Take the Lake Forest Drive exit, turn left (east) onto Lake Forest Dr, then turn right (south) onto Lake Center Drive – destination is on the right at Ste 110.
From Foothill Ranch Towne Center (~3 miles): Head southwest on Portola Pkwy, continue onto Bake Pkwy heading west. Turn left (south) onto Rockfield Blvd, then turn right (west) onto Lake Center Drive – destination will be on the left.
From Laguna Hills / Saddleback Medical Center area (~3 miles): Take El Toro Rd north, merge onto I-5 North briefly and exit at Lake Forest Drive. Turn right (east) onto Lake Forest Dr, then turn right (south) onto Lake Center Drive – destination is on the right at Ste 110.
About Greenlight Chiropractic & Wellness Lab
Greenlight Chiropractic provides patient-centered chiropractic care focused on evaluation, education, and individualized treatment. Whether patients are looking for a chiropractor in Lake Forest, a chiropractor in Spring Valley, or a chiropractor in Rancho Bernardo, each visit is designed to understand the patient’s condition, daily routine, work demands, activity level, and health goals.
The practice serves adults, families, children, athletes, and pregnant mothers through chiropractic adjustments, supportive therapies, and practical guidance for movement, posture, and long-term spinal health.
Our care is guided by listening, clarity, and honest recommendations. Patients receive time to discuss their concerns, understand exam findings, and review treatment options before moving forward.
Treatment plans are based on the patient’s history, examination, lifestyle, and response to care. From the first visit, each Greenlight Chiropractic doctor focuses on a clear process, avoids unnecessary pressure, and helps each patient take an active role in their health.
Greenlight Chiropractic uses modern chiropractic tools to support hands-on care and patient comfort. Available techniques and therapies may include intersegmental traction, cold laser therapy, vibratory massage, drop table, flexion-distraction, Activator, Arthrostim, electric muscle stimulation, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and extremity adjustments.
Technology is used to support examination findings and treatment goals. Care recommendations are based on the patient’s condition, comfort level, mobility, and progress.
Patients can expect clear communication, careful evaluation, and recommendations based on clinical findings. Each care plan is designed around the individual, not a standard template.
Progress is reviewed throughout care, and treatment may be adjusted based on how the patient responds. The focus is to provide a thoughtful process, practical education, and consistent support for better movement, spinal function, and long-term wellness with a trusted chiropractor.
New patient visits begin with basic intake information, paperwork, consultation, and examination. Insurance details may be reviewed before the visit when possible.
X-rays may be recommended when clinically necessary. The first visit may include conservative care such as gentle decompression, massage, cold laser therapy, or an adjustment based on the patient’s condition.