FAQs

Chiropractors are trained as primary-contact healthcare providers, focusing on diagnosing and treating neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Their education is rigorous, requiring nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate studies and four to five academic years in an accredited chiropractic college. The curriculum covers various disciplines such as orthopedics, neurology, physiology, anatomy, clinical diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, exercise, and nutrition. With an emphasis on manipulation techniques, chiropractors undergo extensive clinical training, totaling at least 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience. The curriculum is approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. They are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches using their highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. DCs also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, ligaments and joints, such as tendinitis, sprained ankle, rotator cuff, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis and other conditions of the arms, legs, feet and hands. These painful conditions may involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. In addition, chiropractors offer advice to patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.

A referral is usually not needed. Most health plans as well as accident insurance allows patients to “self refer” for Chiropractic.

Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers’ compensation and auto accident insurance. Dr. Gudmundsen accepts Providence, Regence/Blue , Cigna, and Pacific Source. Dr. Gudmundsen does not bill Medicare or Medicaid.

No you don’t. Oregon law for both Workers Compensation and Auto Accident (PIP) insurance allows you to go to the provider of your choice.

The practice of soliciting patients from DMV accident records, while not against the law in Oregon is considered unethical. Do not be fooled by these letters. They are not from your insurance, they are predatory solicitations.

No. Many employers do this. It is called “steering of injured workers” and is actually against the law. Oregon workers compensation law allows for a Chiropractic Physician to be your attending physician for 60 days, or 18 visits, whichever comes first. Most conditions we treat will get well within that time frame. Should you need additional care or if we find that you have a more serious condition or complications, we can refer you to a specialist to take over your care.

Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the doctor of chiropractic’s intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractic physician typically uses his or her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, including the spine or extremities, in order to restore or enhance joint function. This often helps resolve joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.