Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractic Neurology
Overview
Just as with other health professionals, Doctors of Chiropractic may choose to be general practitioners or become specialists. Through education, training and board certification, those doctors who choose to specialize devote their practice to a particular branch of health care, in order to assist members of their profession and of the allopathic profession in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions. Within chiropractic, doctors specialize in many disciplines, including radiology, orthopedics, physical rehabilitation and neurology.
Chiropractic neurologists typically serve in the same consulting manner as medical neurologist. One major difference is that the therapies of a chiropractic neurologist do not include drugs and surgery. Consequently, certain conditions are more appropriately seen by a chiropractic neurologist versus a medical neurologist, and vice versa.
Chiropractic neurologists see patients with a variety of movement disorders, nerve entrapment syndromes (such as Carpal Tunnel), headaches and other pain syndromes, and general conditions that are consequences of peripheral or central nervous system disorders. Chiropractic neurologists are able to provide effective rehabilitation for many people who have undergone stroke or other brain trauma.
In addition to providing therapies and treatment for neurological problems, chiropractic neurologists can also provide counsel when there is a diagnostic dilemma or a question of appropriateness of care regarding a particular lesion or scenario.
Training
The training to become a board certified neurologist in the chiropractic profession is an additional three years after the doctor's degree studies. This training is conducted under the auspices of an accredited university or college that is recognized by the U.S. Office of Education. Didactic and clinically based training are integral parts of the process. After completing the training requirements, the chiropractor sits for a board examination in neurology. The tested areas are specific to the field of neurology and include clinical and diagnostic techniques and knowledge of neurophysiology. The certification examination includes oral and practical portions as well as a battery of psychometric testing.
How does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic is not drugs or surgery; rather it is a hands-on method of treatment resulting in a change of function of mechanoreceptors in the involved joints to affect the nervous system. Recent studies in neuroanatomy confirm that mechanoreceptors have a direct effect on brain function.
The human brain develops through our neurological experiences, be it Mozart, Rembrandt, baseball, hot tubs, yoga, culinary sensations, a caress, meditation, fragrance of a rose, or a chiropractic adjustment. Nowhere is the phrase "Use It or Lose It" more applicable than in the nervous system. Chiropractic works by working the nervous system. Chiropractic works powerfully because the chiropractic adjustment is one of the most powerful inputs to the brain and nervous system.
Chiropractic therapy techniques are noninvasive and therefore constitute a conservative approach in the arena of health care. Should a patient not respond to chiropractic treatment, the option for more invasive approaches, such as drugs or surgery, is still available.
What therapies are utilized?
Therapeutic methods utilized in our practice include chiropractic adjustments, hot packs, cold packs, ultrasound, therapeutic exercise, interferential, high volt galvanic, low volt galvanic, TENS, bracing, kinetic activities, trigger point therapy, intersegmental traction, manual traction, massage, myofascial release, neuromuscular re-education, activities of daily living training, Russian stimulation, electrical muscle stimulation, rehab ball, wobble board, rocker board, light and sounds stimulation, ergonomic evaluations for work and home, and resistance band therapies. These therapies are some of the tools we use to strengthen the nervous system and provide rehabilitation for affected tissue.
Massage Therapy
In addition to chiropractic care, we also offer massage therapy immediately after your adjustment. Our licensed massage therapists are trained in a variety of techniques to provide you with the best care possible. Massage therapy can be an integral part of the overall healing process as it further addresses the muscular component of many musculo-skeletal disorders. We offer 30 minute and 1 hour sessions after your adjustment.