Dr. Welker is a native of Central Oregon, born in Bend.  He received his BS in psychology from Oregon State University and his Doctor of Chiropractic from Western States University in Portland, OR.  He has been practicing in Bend, OR for 20 years and is currently working on his Diplomate in Chiropractic Orthopedics (4 year program).  He was on the Oregon Board for Massage Therapy 2002-2006, taught kinesiology I, II, III at COCC 2002-2009, and has been teaching Ki-Aikido (Dr. Welker is a 4th degree black belt in Aikido) at COCC since 2000.   Dr. Welker and his wife Heather have 4 kids and love their family time.  

Dr. Welker has focused on injury care, spinal injuries, maintaining health and rehabilitation.  Over the years, Dr. Welker has had the opportunity to work with athletes ranging from high school, Olympic and Professional athletes.  

Educational  and licensing requirements for doctors of chiropractic (DCs) are among the most stringent of any of the health care  professions.

DC's are educated in nationally accredited, four-year doctoral graduate school programs through a curriculum that includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of  classroom, laboratory and clinical internship,  with the average DC  program equivalent in classroom hours to allopathic (MD) and osteopathic  (DO) medical schools. 

Chiropractors are designated as physician-level providers in the vast  majority of states and federal Medicare program. The essential services  provided by DCs are also available in federal health delivery systems, including those administered by Medicaid, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Federal Employees  Health Benefits Program, Federal Workers' Compensation, and all state workers' compensation programs. 

 Dr. Pope is the newest member to Bend Spinal Care. He was born and raised in New Mexico and moved to Oregon in 2011. With a passion for anatomy, physiology, and functional movement Dr. Pope received a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Oregon State University  - Cascades, and a Doctorate of Chiropractic and a B.S. in Human Biology from Western States University. Dr. Pope is a volunteer instructor with Bend Parks and Rec.  As a chiropractor his goal is to to help patients return to work and play, rebuild functional movements  and achieve desired fitness and health related goals. 

Carolyn has been practicing with Bend Spinal Care since 2015 and has extensive training in injury care and therapeutic massage.  She loves Bend and enjoys the outdoors with her family.

Carolyn has experience working with auto injuries, work injuries, spinal injuries, pregnancy patients, children and sports injuries ranging from high school, and professional athletes.  She enjoys working with patients through their recovery and aiding in their maintenance.

 To qualify to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in the State of Oregon, an applicant must: 

• Meet specific education requirements listed below, and
• Pass the Oregon Jurisprudence (law) exam, and 
• Have passed a Board approved written National Examination.  (MBLEX ,  NCBTMB, CESI). *NOTE: ALL NATIONAL EXAM RESULTS MUST COME DIRECTLY FROM  THE EXAM PROVIDER.
• The Board requires 625 hours/25 quarter credits/15.74 semester  credits of education from an accredited or Department of Education  approved school with the following:
• The 625 hours/25 quarter credits/15.74 semester credits of education must include: 
• A minimum of 200 hours/8 quarter credits/ 5.34 semester credits of  health sciences, consisting of Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, and  Kinesiology; and 
• A minimum of 300 hours/12 quarter credits/8 semester credits of  Massage Theory and Practical Application, Clinical Practice, Business  Development, Sanitation, Communication, and Ethics. 
• The remaining 125 hours/5 quarter credits /2.4 semester credits required may be in any of the above subject areas

Certified Advanced Rolfer™ 

• Karl has 20+ years practicing as a massage therapy Rolfer™
• Karl uses the big box techniques from the Rolfing™ tradition and  many manual techniques that he has learned from his osteopathic  teachers.
• Rolfing™ is a great option for athletic injuries, automobile accident clients, and anyone with ongoing or chronic issues.
• Karl has successfully resolved many musculo-skeletal dysfunctions that have persisted for years.
• For more information on massage therapy Rolfing™, click this link.

Karl is an active bicyclist, hiker and canoeist. He owns a small ranch where he raises exclusively grass fed animals. Karl has practiced a healthy, natural diet all his  adult life and has an intense curiosity in functional medicine and how  the human body can operate at its highest level of functioning.

Our Chiropractic Physicians will use palpation, orthopedic testing, and neurological testing to determine your specific diagnosis.  Once the doctor has determined your diagnosis he will explain it to you.  If you should have any questions regarding your diagnosis, please ask the doctor for further information.

Our office and providers specialize in the treatment and rehabilitation of auto injuries.  No prescription or referral is needed as our Chiropractic Physicians are primary care providers with all auto injury insurance.  Call today to schedule an FREE 15 min. consultation with one of our doctors.  The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you are feeling better and can return to life as usual.

We have several massage therapists trained in injury care and therapeutic massage.  Massage therapy aids in reducing inflammation, softening scar tissue and increasing blood flow which reduce heal time and help with pain reduction.

Cold Laser Therapy is a new medical treatment that uses low-level lasers. This drug-free  therapy stimulates damaged tissues, which hastens healing, reduces pain and  inflammation. The healing and relief provided by cold laser are due to  several mechanisms. It triggers the body to heal itself and stimulates  the mitochondria, which encourages regeneration and cell repair. The  laser can penetrate up to four inches into the tissue to promote healing  right at the source of the injury.  It provides relief  from arthritis by eliminating pain and reducing inflammation. It also  helps increase joint mobility and improves immune cell efficiency. 

Spinal decompression allows your disc to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, reduce pressure on nerves and stretch healing scar tissue so that the disc returns to normal function.  

Rehabilitation is an important part of the healing process, it aids in strengthening and returning muscles and joints to their normal movements. At Bend Spinal Care we work with your body to get you back to the activities you love.