Chiropractor Portland Oregon – A History And Overview

Chiropractic care was founded by Daniel David Palmer, who realized manipulation practices were used for hundreds of years in other countries. Because of his knowledge of physiology and anatomy, he began codifying the science, anatomy and philosophy of this science-based wellness approach, and chiropractor Portland Oregon agrees with this approach.

In September of 1895, Palmer did the first chiropractic adjustment based on the anatomy and physiology of the patient. His patient was a gentleman who’d been deaf for the last 17 years. After examining the man’s back, he did an adjustment on the upper back area where Palmer believed a vertebra was misplaced. The man noted after the adjustment his hearing improved.

After this initial success, Palmer continued to develop the science of chiropractic care and established Palmer College of Chiropractic. This institute is located in Davenport, Iowa and is still thriving. The first laws concerning licensing of chiropractors were passed in 1913. By 1931, 39 states legally recognized chiropractic care as a form of medicine.

Today, there are more than 60,000 chiropractors in the United States, with over 800 of them in the Portland, Oregon area alone . Other countries recognizing and regulating chiropractors include Mexico, Canada, Japan, Great Britain, Switzerland and Austraila.

What is Chiropractic Care?

The word “chiropractic” comes from two Greek words meaning “done by the hand”. Palmer believed all diseases were caused by subluxated (partially dislocated or misaligned) bones in the body. This misalignment is believed to disrupt the flow of a patient’s life force.

To help you better understand the concept, consider the following. Palmer believed liver disease was caused by a subluxation of the spine that caused the nerves in the spinal cord responsible for delivering the life force to the liver to be blocked. Palmer believed correcting this misalignment through manipulation would cure liver disease.

Treatment in a chiropractic clinic is also used to help restore joint mobility. If a patient suffers an injury that occurs from a traumatic injury, such as lifting an object improperly, chiropractic care can realign the spine and decrease pain and inflammation.

Does Chiropractic Adjustment Hurt?

The manipulation of the spine rarely causes discomfort or pain. However, some patients may experience mild aching or soreness, which can last between 12 and 48 hours. This pain can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications, or gentle stretching. Once this aching dissipates, patients report they feel much better. They have a greater range of motion and less pain.

What Should I Expect When I Visit a Portland Chiropractor?

When you arrive at the chiropractor’s office, you’ll be asked to complete a medical history questionnaire. This will include a family history. You’ll need to explain any prior injuries, pre-existing medical conditions and any medical treatments you’re currently under or have completed in the past.

The Portland chiropractor will ask when your pain began and what caused the pain to start in the first place. You’ll be asked to describe your pain.

• Is it sharp, burning, dull, aching or throbbing?
• Is the pain always present or does it come and go?
• Did an injury cause your pain? What makes the pain better or worse?

Once this questionnaire is completed, the doctor will do a thorough exam, which may include range of motion tests, blood pressure readings, respiration rates, pulse readings, reflexes, muscle strength and muscle tone. The chiropractor may also do an assessment of a patient’s posture and movement.

Based on the exam and the patient history questionnaire, the doctor may order certain diagnostic tests to identify any structural abnormalities. The most common diagnostic studies include X-rays, MRIs and CT scans.

Once these are completed, he/she will develop an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s unique medical history. The practitioner will manipulate the patient to help realign the spine to provide pain relief. In addition to this, traction may be used as well as electrical stimulation and ultrasound to help heal soft tissues. He/she may also recommend strength training to improve muscle strength to help keep the spine aligned. The doctor may also recommend massage, nutrition, education on proper posture and heat and cold applications.

What are the Goals of Chiropractic Care?

The chiropractor will work with the patient to set both long-term and short-term goals. The short-term goals will include pain reduction, muscle balance and the restoration of joint functions. The long-term goals will include a return to daily activities and a complete restoration of joint functions.

Chiropractic care is alive and well. Although some people have reservations about it, the results speak for themselves. Chiropractors have helped thousands of patients experience pain relief, improved mobility and more.

Most patients can expect to visit a chiropractor one to three times a week for a period of two to four weeks for best results. Then, the doctor will re-examine the patient to determine if any further treatments are needed.