Assessment-Driven Chiropractor for Lasting Results

Thoughtful, assessment-driven chiropractic care for people tired of temporary relief, rushed visits, and guessing games.

★★★★★ 5.0 Rating · 70+ Google Reviews

Schedule My Visit

About Intrinsic Chiropractic

Many patients come to our office after trying several different ways to manage their pain, including stretching, rest, medication, or treatment focused on a single area.

While these approaches can offer temporary relief, symptoms often return. A common reason is that pain rarely comes from just one structure. The body functions as a connected system, with joints, muscles, and movement patterns all influencing one another.

When only one part of that system is addressed, other contributing factors can continue to place stress on the body.

Care at Intrinsic Chiropractic begins with understanding how these systems are working together. As a local chiropractor, Dr. Nelson combines targeted chiropractic care, soft tissue work, and functional rehabilitation to support proper movement, improve function, and help results hold up over time.

Learn More

Chiropractor performing gentle neck adjustment to relieve tension and improve spinal alignment during treatment session

CONDITIONS WE HELP WITH

Back Pain

Pain that makes sitting, standing, or moving through the day uncomfortable

Often builds from posture, repetitive stress, or old injuries
Can feel tight, sore, or suddenly sharp with simple movements
Care focuses on understanding why the pain keeps showing up, not just easing it temporarily

Neck Pain

Tightness or stiffness that builds with work, stress, or poor sleep

Common with prolonged sitting, screen use, and stress
May limit movement or contribute to headaches
Treatment is guided by careful evaluation, not forceful adjustments

Headaches

Recurring headaches that interfere with focus and daily life

Frequently linked to neck tension, posture, or muscle strain
Can build gradually throughout the day
Care looks at contributing factors instead of masking symptoms

Sciatica or Nerve Pain

Pain, tingling, or numbness that travels into the arms or legs

Can cause pain, tingling, or numbness into the arms or legs
Symptoms often change with movement or posture
Evaluation helps identify what is irritating the nerve and why

Shoulder Pain

Discomfort or limited movement affecting work, lifting, or daily tasks

May come from overuse, strain, or poor movement patterns
Can restrict strength, range of motion, or daily function
Care focuses on restoring proper movement safely

Jaw Pain or TMJ

Jaw tension, clicking, or soreness often tied to stress or posture

Often related to stress, clenching, or neck posture
Can contribute to headaches or neck discomfort
Treatment considers the jaw, neck, and surrounding structures

Sports Injuries

Pain or limitation from training, workouts, or competition

Includes strains, joint pain, and movement limitations
Old injuries may resurface with activity
Care supports proper recovery, not just getting back too fast

Auto Accident Injuries

Pain or stiffness that appears after a car accident

Symptoms may appear days or weeks after an accident
Commonly affects the neck, back, and soft tissues
Evaluation is important to support safe, long-term recovery

Stiffness & Limited Movement

Tightness or restriction that makes daily movement harder

Often shows up as difficulty bending, turning, or moving freely
Can develop gradually from age, inactivity, or old injuries
Care focuses on restoring comfortable movement, not forcing the body

Clinic owner and chiropractor standing with arms crossed, wearing a branded chiropractic polo

Meet Dr. Craig Nelson

Dr. Craig Nelson has been helping people recover from pain and serving the capital district since 2003 as an experienced chiropractor.

His approach to care is thoughtful and practical. Before any treatment begins, he takes time to understand how your body moves, where stress is building up, and why the problem keeps coming back. Nothing is done automatically

Each decision is based on what he sees, how your body responds, and what actually makes sense for you.

With a background in biomechanics, Dr. Nelson has worked alongside biomedical engineers from RPI and physicians from Albany Medical Center. This experience has shaped a well-rounded approach to musculoskeletal care and earned the trust of surgeons, sports medicine doctors, orthopedic specialists, and physical therapists.

For patients, this means clear and honest care. They leave knowing what is contributing to their symptoms, what can realistically be improved, and how the plan is designed to move them forward. Progress is tracked, expectations are clear, and care is adjusted as results come in.

Schedule My Visit

What People Say After Their First Few Visits

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 82 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Barbara Ziarno 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I do not often rate any individual or a business but Dr Nelson has made such a difference in my life for many years. He has kept me out of pain and does what needs to be done to give me relief, quickly and efficiently. He is by far the absolute best Chiropractor I’ve found!  I highly recommend Dr Nelson for any spine, neck, hips whatever is causing you pain, he does it all.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nick LaSarso 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Craig is the best in the business. As a healthcare professional, I am very selective in who I seek treatment from. I admire Dr. Craig’s  holistic based approach in treating the root cause vs. chasing symptoms. I recently had an acute injury and as a business owner and father of three young children, I can’t afford to sit on the sidelines for long. I appreciated Dr. Craig seeing me quickly and getting me moving in the right direction. Appreciate his help and the care he provides our local community!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jon Strodl 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Craig is the man! I followed him from his former office in Clifton Park, where he helped me get through injuries that might have taken me out of some major endurance competitions I was planning to compete in.  Now I drive 50 minutes each way so he can help my body do a much more physical job than I ever had before.  He is down to Earth.  If you live closer than I do, you are lucky to have him in you neighborhood.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Missy Sereika 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Nelson is one of the most skilled and well-rounded chiropractors I’ve ever worked with. As someone who has relied on chiropractic care throughout my sports career, I understand the value and effectiveness of the practice — and his expertise truly stands out. Knowledgeable, confident, and thorough, he has helped me with everything from back pain to more complex health concerns. I’m a walking testimonial and highly recommend him to anyone seeking quality chiropractic care.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Deutsch 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had suffered a slipped rib in my back, and had found out i had damaged my long thoracic nerve which caused immense pain all over my upper right side of my body, down my right shoulder and arm, for weeks. After seeing Dr. Craig Nelson I immediately had improvement after he set my rib into place and after just a few visits no more pain whatsoever and my nerve was able to continue to heal on its own and i am continuing to improve every week since. Highly recommend, he has also helped many of my family members with other issues.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rachel Ann 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Intrinsic Chiropractic. Craig is very knowledgeable in his work with both the functionality of the human body as well as the much needed knowledge behind the scenes of what makes it work. His open minded yet discerning mentality provides a very safe environment for healing and breaking through limitations. And Grace is wonderful with scheduling and greeting each client with a warm heart. The fees are very fair. The treatments  and the complementary services such as sauna, red light, cold plunge and vibration plate have helped me tremendously on my journey.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laurie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had my first appointment with Craig.  Feel confident that he will be able to fix my back so I can go back to actually living my life.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Todd Cunningham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Craig is highly skilled and trained yet most importantly he has an intuition for his art that cannot be taught. I encourage you to schedule a visit you’ll be happy you did.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Whalen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Craig is very knowledgeable about sports injury rehabilitation. He has helped me immensely.

Chiropractic Care Pricing

Beginning June 1, individual chiropractic treatment sessions will be offered at:

$65 Per Visit

Each visit may include:

✔️ Chiropractic adjustment

✔️ Soft tissue therapy

✔️ Rehabilitation guidance

✔️ Stretching and mobility work

✔️ Physiotherapy modalities, when appropriate

Prepaid Treatment and Rehabilitation Visit Package

For patients committed to ongoing care and recovery, we offer a prepaid visit option:

8 Visits for $480

($60 per visit)

This package allows patients to receive care at a reduced per-visit rate while supporting consistency in treatment, recovery, and wellness goals.

No Insurance. No Surprise Billing.

Intrinsic Chiropractic operates on a transparent fee-for-service model focused on personalized care, rehabilitation, and wellness.

What You Can Expect From Intrinsic Chiropractic

Chiropractor evaluating a patient’s spine and posture during an initial chiropractic assessment

You Will Understand What’s Happening in Your Body

This is not a place where things are done to you without explanation.

Your chiropractor takes time to explain what is causing the problem, how different parts of your body are involved, and what needs to change for things to improve.

You leave each visit knowing what was done, why it was done, and what you can do on your own to support recovery.

Education is part of the treatment here.

Chiropractor performing a hands-on spinal adjustment on a patient lying face down on a treatment table

The Focus Is Real Recovery, Not Temporary Relief

Quick fixes often feel good at first, but the relief usually fades.

Our chiropractic approach follows a clear process aimed at restoring proper movement, strength, and function, so progress lasts.

If full recovery is possible, that’s the direction we take. If it isn’t, you’ll know early on, with clear and honest expectations.

No guesswork. No empty promises.

Chiropractor explaining spinal findings to a patient using anatomical charts during a consultation

Clear, Transparent Care

From the first visit, everything is laid out clearly.

What’s being recommended, why it’s being recommended, what it costs, and what the process looks like are always explained upfront. There are no hidden fees, no surprise plans, and no pressure to commit to anything that doesn’t make sense for you.

You stay informed, involved, and in control at every step, so decisions feel comfortable and confident, not rushed or confusing.

Finally Understand What’s Causing Your Pain and What to Do About It

Get honest answers and a personalized plan focused on real recovery.

Book My Appointment Today