by Terry A. Rondberg, DC
Based on my previous articles on the subject, it’s clear there is a lot of interest about chiropractic neurology. What’s it all about? I’m posting this blog in frequently asked question (FAQ) format to ensure you can quickly find the answers you need.
Q. What’s chiropractic neurology?
A. According to the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB), chiropractic neurology is defined as “the field of functional neurology that engages the internal and external environment of the individual in a structured and targeted approach to affect positive changes in the neuraxis and consequent physiology and behavior.”
Q. So what does that mean in plain English?
A. It means that a chiropractic neurologist examines how the nervous system is functioning (or malfunctioning). If the system is out of balance, chiropractic treatment focuses on repairing the imbalance, such as vertigo, Autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), to restore the patient to health.
Q. What others types of disorders can chiropractic neurology address?
A. Chiropractic neurologists may treat the above conditions, as well as dizziness, disequilibrium and imbalance, dystonia, tremors, chronic pain syndromes, back pain and movement disorders. They may also treat behavioral disorders such as Tourette’s Syndrome, as well as changes in personality or motor, sensory or cognitive impairments resulting from head traumas, accident injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mild TBI.
Q. So what’s the difference between a chiropractic neurologist and a medical neurologist?
A. According to the ACNB, the chiropractic neurologist provides the same manner of consultation as a medical neurologist, with the major difference being that the therapies and applications are performed without the use of drugs or surgery. So, a medical neurologist or neurosurgeon will prescribe medications, injections or brain surgery to correct a disorder or condition. On the other hand, the chiropractic approach is to therapeutically change brain and nervous-system function.
Q. How is a chiropractic neurologist different than a “traditional” chiropractor?
A. Most chiropractors are trained in the detection and correction of spinal dysfunction. But spinal function is just one of many influences on the nervous system. A neurologist not only has completed the doctor of chiropractic program, but must receive three years of additional training and testing to become a board-certified neurologist in the chiropractic profession. The extra training is specific to the field of neurology and includes the study of neurophysiology and clinical and diagnostic techniques.
Q. What are the benefits of chiropractic neurology?
A. Simply put, many conditions of the brain and nervous system do not respond well to aggressive interventions such as drug therapy or surgery. Both drugs and surgery are often associated with increased risks for serious complications or dangerous side effects. Thus, the approach taken by chiropractic neurologists can be highly beneficial in treating brain and nervous system disorders using safe and effective methods with lasting health benefits.