Concord Medical Chiropractic Neurology
Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most frequent Question's we hear at Concord Medical Chiropractic Neurology. Click on the question to reveal the answer.

What is Functional and/or Chiropractic Neurology?
How do Chiropractic Neurologists differ from other healthcare providers?
How does the Functional Neurological approach differ from conventional neurology?
Do Chiropractic Neurologists adjust (manipulate) the spine?
What other types of procedures do Chiropractic Neurologists perform?
What is Interactive Metronome?
How are Chiropractic Neurologists trained?
Why does Concord Medical offer Chiropractic Neurology?
What can I expect from my first visit?
Who may benefit from a Functional Neurological consult?
What if I have a unique condition?

What is Functional and/or Chiropractic Neurology?

Functional Neurology is the newer title for Chiropractic Neurology as other healthcare disciplines are increasingly being trained in this field like Medical Doctors and Doctors of Osteopathy. The explosion in Brain research is guiding not only Doctors of Chiropractic to pursue this unique residency but other fields of healthcare. The Chiropractic Manipulative treatment portion of the neurology care can’t be done by other practitioners except the Osteopath, but there are many other functional neurological treatments available that the other functional neurologically credentialed provider could do.

The terms Functional Neurologist and Chiropractic Neurologist may both be used on the site but they are the same designation. Functional Neurology is a science-based health care specialty that focuses on optimizing the function or physiology 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, cognitive processing disorders, movement disorders, pain, headaches, vertigo, and depression.

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.

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. Then a Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Osteopathy, or Medical Doctor undergoes a minimum of 300 hours of additional postgraduate training over 3 years specializing in clinical neurophysiology.

In order to become certified, the doctors must pass a rigorous Board examination consisting of written, oral and practicum tests administered by the American College of Functional Neurology (ACFN). Fellowship status can be attained with the appropriate hours completed. There is also 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 700 chiropractic/functional neurologists worldwide. These neurologists are uniquely trained to evaluate and manage neurological disorders using safe, conservative techniques.

How does the Functional 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 brain dysfunction rather than a named process of pathology (disease).

Functional neurologists do not prescribe drugs nor do they perform surgery. Whereas medical neurologists are often removed from the practical, rehabilitative phase of care, Functional 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. Functional 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 nervous system.

Do Chiropractic Neurologists adjust (manipulate) the spine?

Chiropractic neurologists may choose to perform chiropractic adjustments (manipulations) but these are performed within the context of a clinical objective based on a thorough, neurological assessment.

In short, this means that manipulations are administered only when appropriate for improving nervous system function. Spinal adjustments are only one of the clinical options available to the Functional Neurologist.

What other types of procedures do Chiropractic Neurologists perform?

Chiropractic Neurologists often utilize a range of therapies that span several rehabilitative disciplines in nature. All of these are aimed at boosting nervous system function. The exact range of procedures utilized depend upon the individual practitioner, clinical setting and patient population. Examples include sensory stimulation, physical therapies, neuromuscular applications, physiotherapeutic modalities, specific manipulations and other various physiological interventions.

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

We are trained in the use of Interactive Metronome.

How are Chiropractic Neurologists trained?

Chiropractic neurologists undergo specific post-graduate training in the field of Neurology. This training is recognized by the National Organization for Competency Assurance (N.O.C.A.) and the U.S. Dept of Education. Chiropractic Neurologist are overseen and accredited by an independent board (A.C.N.B.). Chiropractic neurologists must begin their foundational training by qualifying as licensed, doctors of chiropractic before they can become chiropractic neurologists.

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.

What can I expect from my first visit?

Your evaluation will consist of a complete history and physical examination including a comprehensive neurological evaluation. The neurological exam is designed to detect patterns of dysfunction in your nervous system. This may include study of ocular-motor patterns, reflexes, motor strength, sensory ability, balance & coordination. Following the assessment, your doctor will explain his findings and outline an individualized treatment program for you. Often, your first treatment will immediately follow the evaluation. In some situations, treatment will be initiated during a follow up visit. If your condition is not likely to respond to our care, you will be referred to another practitioner who may be able to help.

Your first visit will last approximately 1 hour. In order to optimize your time, please bring a list of any medications, past medical history and/or previous diagnoses, imaging and laboratory test results. You can also download and complete a patient intake form from our website.

Who may benefit from a Functional 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

What if I have a unique condition?

The nice thing about Chiropractic Neurology is that there is little down side to the treatments. Any disorder of the human form may respond well to our care as the brain and nervous system control every body function.