Exploring Chiropractic Neurology and Functional Medicine
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialty that involves a deep understanding of the nervous system and its impact on health. This is accomplished by utilizing a receptor-based approach.
Nerve cells require optimal stimulation, fuel, and oxygen to function well. If these are not present, the nerve cell will die.
What is Chiropractic Neurology?
Chiropractic neurology providers like Integrated Health Denver specialize in managing neurological disorders through non-drug and non-surgical methods. It addresses the underlying neural misfires that can cause a variety of symptoms such as vertigo and dizziness, migraines, fibromyalgia, movement disorders like restless leg syndrome and dystonia, and even depression and dementia.
Unlike medical neurology, which has standard protocols for different neurological conditions, chiropractic functional neurology takes an individualized approach to each patient. Using unique testing such as saccadometry (which measures the speed and accuracy of your brain’s responses) and advanced computerized analysis, chiropractors can assess how each system in the body is functioning and make adjustments to improve the function of the nervous system.
To practice chiropractic functional neurology, physicians must complete rigorous postgraduate training. They must also pass theory and practical exams to become fellowship-certified American Chiropractic Neurology Board members. The ACNB also requires yearly recertification. These requirements help to maintain high standards of practice within the field.
How Does Chiropractic Neurology Work?
Unlike a medical neurologist trained to use medications and surgery, a chiropractic neurology specialist follows a holistic or whole-body approach to health. These practitioners are experts in detecting and treating problems like dizziness, headaches, and vertigo.
They are also well-versed in the use of diagnostic tests that can measure the function of neurological systems both individually and as an integrated unit. This includes computerized posturography, videonsytagmography, and saccadometry.
They can also identify the underlying cause of your symptoms by examining your spinal alignment and using non-invasive treatments such as chiropractic adjustments and vestibular rehabilitation therapy. They also use physical neuromodulation to improve neural pathways, enhance brain performance, and promote neuroplasticity in the nervous system. These changes can produce dramatic and life-altering results, including restoring balance and vision.
What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Neurology?
The benefits of Chiropractic Neurology include non-invasive, drug-free, and holistic approaches that produce lasting results. Its goal is to improve the body’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems function through safe and effective techniques with measurable outcomes.
Chiropractic neurologists use their advanced knowledge to diagnose and treat neurological conditions, including autoimmune disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, movement disorders such as restless leg syndrome, Huntington’s chorea and dystonia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, and concussions. They are also trained in rehabilitative methods that improve brain and spinal cord function through manual manipulation, exercise, and other means, without drugs or surgery.
They are also skilled at treating dizziness and vertigo resulting from vestibular misfires that can cause you to feel like you’re on a merry-go-round. They use a combination of hands-on techniques, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, and neurofeedback to correct the imbalances causing your symptoms, providing hope for those for whom traditional medical therapies have not helped.
What are the Drawbacks of Chiropractic Neurology?
The chiropractic profession is undergoing a major shift in how it approaches spinal adjustment and patient care. This new field is called Functional Neurology, and it uses emerging rehabilitative techniques to improve brain and spinal cord function.
Unlike chiropractors, who focus on spinal manipulation and musculoskeletal conditions, functional neurologists have a more diverse knowledge of how the nervous system works. This allows them to treat various conditions, including movement disorders, tremors, and chronic pain.
These specialists also use specialized evaluations like the speed, latency, and accuracy of saccade tests to measure neural function. This allows them to assess whether a treatment has positively impacted the brain. However, the problem with relying on such a “cookbook” approach is that the rehabilitation needs to change accordingly as the brain heals and adjusts.
