What is Chiropractic Neurology?

Chiropractic Neurology is a science-based health care specialty that focuses on optimizing the function of the nervous system using conservative methods.

Subtle changes in the function of the nervous system will affect things such as muscle tone, flexibility, balance & coordination and may result in chronic pain, headaches and other symptoms. In some cases, these changes may lead to attention deficits, decline in academic performance and cognitive processing disorders.

This new appreciation for the nervous system has influenced diagnosis and treatment from practitioners as diverse as optometry, occupational therapy, physical therapy and chiropractic. While the chiropractic profession has traditionally been rooted in respect for the nervous system, we are now better equipped to evaluate the functional state of your nervous system and target specific areas of dysfunction. Many people assume that if they don't have a classical nervous system disorder (Alzheimer, Parkinson's), then their nervous system is healthy. This is not always the case.

Chiropractic neurology is a safe and effective way to evaluate and treat the functional state of your nervous system and the symptoms that may result.

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How do Chiropractic Neurologists differ from other healthcare providers?

Chiropractors are well-trained experts who have completed a four-year doctoral program and passed all national and state Board examinations. A chiropractic neurologist undergoes a minimum of 300 hours of additional postgraduate training over 3 years specializing in clinical neurology. In order to become certified, the doctor of chiropractic must pass a rigorous Board examination consisting of written, oral and practicum tests administered by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB). The ACNB is recognized by the American Chiropractic Association Council on Neurology and is fully accredited by the National Commission for Certification Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA).

Currently, there are approximately 600 chiropractic neurologists worldwide. Chiropractic neurologists are uniquely trained to evaluate and manage neurological disorders using safe, conservative techniques.

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How does the Chiropractic Neurological approach differ from conventional neurology?

Chiropractic neurology involves a functional approach to the analysis and treatment of the nervous system. This involves a focused interpretation of clinical findings and symptoms based upon a functional continuum of analysis. In one sense, this means that chiropractic neurologists, utilizing a functional neurological approach, offer an exceptionally valuable option for certain patients that have been unable to obtain a named diagnosis or solution for their problem, particularly when this is as a result of dysfunction rather than a named process of pathology (disease).

Chiropractic neurologists do not prescribe drugs nor do they perform surgery. Whereas medical neurologists are often removed from the practical, rehabilitative phase of care, Chiropractic Neurologists are most often directly involved in performing and overseeing rehabilitation and treatment. This separation of diagnosis (neurology) and rehabilitation (physical medicine) is often clinically problematic. Chiropractic Neurologists often prefer to remain directly involved in the rehabilitation of their patient population so that they can appropriately adapt rehabilitative procedures to the changing, dynamic needs of the recovering patient.

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What is Interactive Metronome?

Interactive Metronome is a device used by many physicians and therapists to improve the functioning of your brain. Often, a patient's neurological deficit is not a decline in one specific part of the brain but a loss of timing between healthy parts of the brain.

For example, the world's best musicians will create beautiful music only if they play together. In other words, they must have excellent timing with one another. If they are not coordinated, the entire musical piece will fall apart and the listener will hear nothing but noise. Similarly, the world's best athletes must play as a team to win trophies and championships. If each individual athlete does not cooperate with his teammates, then the team is not likely to be successful no matter how skilled the individuals are.

The parts of your brain may be healthy. But if the timing among all its parts is not coordinated, you are likely to have some compromise in function. Interactive metronome restores the timing between parts of your brain.

Interactive metronome has been used to successfully treat patients with:

• Attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD)
• Learning disorders
• Poor fine and gross motor skills
• Developmental delays
• Sensory Integration Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorders

Dr. Ryan is trained in the use of Interactive Metronome.

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Why does Concord Medical offer Chiropractic Neurology?

At Concord Medical Chiropractic Neurology, we believe that Chiropractic Neurology is a perfect and vital supplement to our integrated approach to healthcare. Our functional medical approach seeks to boost the function of the human body to promote optimal health. Chiropractic Neurology is an outstanding method of boosting the function and healing processes of the human brain and nervous system.

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Who may benefit from a Chiropractic Neurological consult?

Chiropractic Neurology offers the benefits of both conventional chiropractic care and functional neurological rehabilitation. Chiropractic Neurological care can actually help to prevent and reduce risk of neurological dysfunction as well as stabilize and sometimes even regress neurologically-based conditions. Patients at various levels of function utilize chiropractic neurology. This is particularly true of patients seeking human performance enhancement (e.g. sportsmen) or wellness care. The majority of patients with the following conditions are likely to enjoy benefits from care (some profound):

• Vertigo, Dizziness and Balance Problems
• Childhood developmental disorders (e.g. ASD, ADD, ADHD)
• Headache and Migraine
• Pain (incl. Neck and Back Pain)
• Nerve Entrapment Syndromes (e.g. thoracic outlet, double-crush, carpal tunnel)
• Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury
• Movement disorders (e.g. Tremors)
• Depression

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After I see you, will I need to be in care forever?

Some treatments may take longer than others depending on the severity of your symptoms. Our goal is to get you out of our office and back to your life. While some conditions resolve over a few office visits, others require a greater commitment from both the doctor and the patient. After your initial evaluation, your doctor will be able to tell you how long your treatment may take.

If your condition is not likely to respond to our care, you will be referred to another practitioner who may be able to help you.

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