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  Chiropractic Care

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Major Goals of Chiropractic Care
What is Chiropractic?
What is a chiropractor?
What does a chiropractor treat?
How qualified is a chiropractic doctor?
What should you expect on your first visit?  

  Major Goals of Chiropractic Care

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  • Relieve pain
  • Promote full healing
  • Restore and maintain full function
  • Provide a natural form of healing without drugs or surgery  

  What is Chiropractic ?

Dr Bernhard working on a patientAs you know, your nervous system consists of a brain, spinal cord and millions of nerve cells, which are supported and protected by your skull and spinal vertebrae. Through many everyday activities your spinal vertebrae may lose their normal position or motion which results in nervous system dysfunction. When this happens, you usually feel pain.

Chiropractic care is the practice philosophy which believes that pain, systemic dysfunction, and disease may result from joint distortion and a lack of normal nerve function that can be corrected through effective manipulation techniques, physiotherapy and specific adjustments of the body structure (ie. neck, lower back, spinal column, extremity joints etc.).Top of Page 

  What is a chiropractor?

Dr Bernhard showing model of spineA chiropractor is a physician who practices the manipulation sciences utilizing many specialized procedures. He is also a therapy specialist. There are many methods employed to properly diagnosis and treat specific pain. Dr. Bernhard uses several specific advanced techniques and therapies to aid him in his pursuit of alleviating pain and promoting good health with each new patient.

Many accident victims from whiplash or auto accidents, work related sprains/strains or falls at home (no matter how minor or serious) often times do not fully recover either when not treated or only with conventional
medicine. Perhaps you're in good health but this persistent headache just won't stop and medication doesn't
seem to help. No amount of drugs can alleviate pain when symptoms are caused by pinched nerves or changes in joint structure.

Only a chiropractor is trained to analyze your spine for vertebral distortion that damages the nerves. In many cases, chiropractic care may help by providing effective treatment for pain relief and proper healing both safely, quickly, and without drugs or surgery.

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  What does a chiropractor treat?

Dr Bernhard showing xray of backA chiropractor will closely evaluate your condition and many times find the root of the cause. It may be some thing as simple as the way you have been sitting, standing or laying. Then again, it may be as a result of a previous injury or underlying condition not known.

Below is a list of the more common conditions we often treat in our clinic:

  • Auto Accident Injuries -- Whiplash, Headaches, Joint Injuries, Sprain/Strains
  • Work or Job related Injuries -- Lifting Sprains, Sitting or Standing Conditions Ergonomic issues, Extremity problems.
  • Home based Injury -- Falls, Sprains or Strains of daily living, YOUR BED
  • School Related Injuries -- Athletic Sprains or Impacts, Shoulders, Knees, Ankles.

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  How qualified is a chiropractor doctor?

Dr Bernhard, your most qualified chiropractorAfter completing an undergraduate degree, Chiropractic Doctors continue with another four years of postgraduate medical school. After graduation they are required to pass all levels of the rigorous National Board Examination. Then, in order to practice, they must meet stringent state board examination and licensing requirements.

To keep up with the latest research and remain current in their field, chiropractic doctors are also required to attend continuing education seminars, scientific symposiums, and study professional journals annually.

Dr. Bernhard has over 21 years of experience and many certifications. He completes 40 hours of continuing education each year.

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  What should you expect on your first visit?

Dr Bernhard on your first visitOn your first visit you will be warmly greeted and asked to fill out some forms which will help us gain information about you and better understand your condition.

Dr. Bernhard will then talk with you and ask you some questions about your past medical history and the nature and onset of your condition. If he then feels he can help you a thorough chiropractic examination will be given. If he cannot, he will try and refer you to a specialist who may be of assistance. Nothing can be done in this clinic without your consent.

Following your consultation the chiropractic examination will consist of analysis of the muscular, skeletal and systemic components of your body. Measurements in ranges of motion, reflexes, vital signs, Orthopedic and neurological tests as well as thorough examination of injured regions or areas of concern. There are times when specialized study may employ an X-ray or MRI, which if needed, will be produced by one of our local radiologists.

Once Dr. Bernhard has obtained all the information needed he will give you a report of his findings and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Top of Page

Other Resources
Should for some reason you wish to find another chiropractor, try Chiroweb.net, a chiropractor directory & web pages site.


Scott M Bernhard, DC | 10895 SW Tigard Street
Phone: (503) 598 - 9302 | Fax: (503) 598-0755 | Email: backdoc@spiretech.com

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