Frequently Asked Questions
What Will Happen During my Initial Visit?
First, you will complete some health history forms and meet Dr. Khalsa. Your initial visit
will include a review of your health history as well as an examination to assess orthopedic
and neurological problems. If needed, x-rays or other diagnostic tests will be performed.
We will then develop a personalized treatment plan designed to help you regain your health.
If we don't feel that your condition will respond to chiropractic care, we will refer you
to the appropriate specialist.
Will you explain my condition?
Yes. We will review your diagnosis with you, so that you understand your condition. We
feel this allows you to become more informed and involved in controlling your own health.
How long will therapy take?
The length of your treatment will depend upon a number of factors, including the length
of time you have experienced your problem, your general health, your exercise habits,
the nature of your work and/or daily activities, and your level of commitment to getting well.
Treatment may range from a couple visits for a simple condition to several months of visits for a more complicated case. Our goal is to help you get well as quickly as possible, then give you tools and information to help you manage your condition on your own. The extent to which a patient can benefit from care varies depending on their problem and how long it has existed.
Is chiropractic care effective and safe?
Yes. Many controlled and independent research studies indicate that chiropractic care
is an effective and safe method of care for low back pain, neck pain, headaches
and other conditions relating to the spine. A recent Canadian report supported the safety,
effectiveness, and scientific validity of chiropractic. The U. S. Department of Health and
Human Services has also endorsed chiropractic services. And chiropractic services were shown to
be effective in an issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, studies show that chiropractic care lowers health care costs by decreasing the use of expensive technology and inpatient services. Chiropractic also provides higher patient satisfaction than other types of care. Based on these scientific studies, the consensus is that chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for most spinal problems.
Does it hurt?
We make every attempt to use
procedures that are as gentle as possible. Most patients are relieved at how comfortable our treatments
are. Any discomfort is usually temporary, lasting only seconds
or minutes. We are proud of our reputation for gentle care. This
is the reason why our patients continue to refer their friends and family members
to our clinic.
What is the noise I hear during manipulation?
When your spine
is manipulated, tiny air bubbles in the fluid inside your joints “pop”.
This is normal and is similar to the sound you can make when cracking your
knuckles.
Will my condition return?
Research suggests
that 50% to 70% of all patients will see the problem return. However, in over 20 years of combined
experience, we have found that whether a problem returns is often within the
patient’s control. When patients faithfully perform their exercises
and modify previously detrimental lifestyles and work activities, the likelihood
of reoccurrence is drastically reduced. Patients play an active part
in healing their condition and preventing the likelihood reoccurrence.
Can I just treat myself?
No. A chiropractor
studies for years to understand when, where and how to deliver manipulative
therapy to a patient. Yet,
a chiropractor cannot and will not perform the procedure upon himself. The
likelihood of damage when attempting self-treatment is high and has been documented
by researchers.
Can you treat children?
Musculosketal care
is not dependent upon age. Research has shown that many children experience
back and neck pain. Although their tissues are generally resilient, many
children need chiropractic care to restore normal function or alleviate pain
from injuries.
Am I Too Old for Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic treatment is for people of all ages, including senior citizens. With
growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various
prescription drugs, chiropractic care is more important than ever for the aging
population. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality,
endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvement in arthritic
symptoms and other chronic ailments associated with aging.
I have heard that once you start going to a chiropractor, you never stop.
Many chiropractors recommend continuing “maintenance care”. But
researchers have not been able to demonstrate the benefit of seeing a chiropractor
on a regular basis once a condition is stabilized or resolved. Therefore,
we generally do not encourage additional treatment beyond the point of maximum
improvement. We do, however, recommend an annual examination in order
to detect early changes in your spinal health. Additionally, we encourage
you to come in if you sense an old problem returning or a new condition developing. Obviously,
the earlier we begin treating a problem, the sooner you will experience
relief.
What do medical doctors say about chiropractic?
Chiropractic treatment is gaining wider acceptance among the medical profession for a variety
of spinal conditions. Many medical doctors recognize the value of chiropractors for the
management of functional disorders of the spine. A recent research survey found, "A majority of
family medical doctors have encouraged patients to see a chiropractor" (The Journal of Family Practice).
Moreover, Khalsa Chiropractic Clinic has an excellent professional relationship with the medical
community of Portland.
