Functional neurology addresses the most intricate aspect of human physiology - the nervous system.

Why are neurology and brain-based therapies so important?

If you have suffered with your condition for years, been to multiple specialists and have received limited help, there is a good chance the problem is in your head. By that, we mean the brain. The brain is one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to chronic disease. Regardless of whether you suffer from joint pain, digestive issues, thyroid problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, or any other chronic condition, the brain may quite literally be at the heart of what is going on. Many patients who suffer from chronic neurologic and metabolic conditions have areas of decreased cortical and/or cerebellar function. As neurons in the brain degenerate, the body’s ability to function may become impaired. Imbalances in brain function indicate areas of decreased cellular health in the brain. When one of these areas of the brain fails to function as efficiently as it should, other areas of the brain begin to over-fire, causing imbalance and dysfunction in the body. Brain based therapies are essentially exercises developed to rehabilitate the specific areas of decreased function.

What is functional neurology?

Within the ever-growing chiropractic profession, doctors can become specialists in neurology, radiology, nutrition, orthopedics, pediatrics, and physical rehabilitation. A chiropractic neurologist is a licensed chiropractor who has completed an additional course of study in neurology including advanced coursework and clinical training in addressing neurological disorders as well as endocrine, metabolic, and immune conditions.

Functional Neurology:

From wondering to wiggling, the most intricate creation – the human brain – controls it all. Your brain is wired like an aircraft with multiple routes for information to travel in case of damage. Four of your twelve cranial nerves control eye movements alone. Suffice it to say that eye movements, therefore, can be a very effective means of retraining your nervous system. Modern science is only beginning to understand the complexity of the brain. Chiropractic has understood it for well over 120 years. Chiropractic functional neurology takes it to the next level.

What treatments may be recommended with functional neurology?

Functional neurology relies mainly upon receptor-based therapy to positively influence the central nervous system. This means that all of our receptors – eyes, ears, and other sensory inputs – can be stimulated to address many conditions which are traditionally approached with prescription medications and surgical procedures.

Depending upon the location and type of dysfunction, treatments can be varied and will typically include chiropractic adjustments, neuromuscular re-education exercises, or gentle stimulation of the visual (sight), auditory (hearing), vestibular (balance), or other sensory systems as necessary.

What can functional neurology help?

Much like a regular medical neurologist, a chiropractic neurologist is qualified to address a wide range of neurological disorders. There is, however, an important distinction between the two – a chiropractic neurologist prescribes therapies and treatments which do not include drugs or surgery. In addition to these non-traditional approaches, a chiropractic neurologist can provide diagnostic counseling and advice concerning the level of appropriate care a patient may already be receiving.

Chiropractic neurologists treat the common chiropractic complaints of neck pain, back pain, and headache, but doctors using the functional neurology and clinical nutrition approach find success in addressing many varieties of movement disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, dystonia, brain lesions, stroke, neuropathies, and radiculopathies. Many metabolic, endocrine, and immune disorders can be influenced by neurology and nutrition from a chiropractic perspective.