A chiropractic neurologist is a certified chiropractor who chooses to extend his education in order to offer neurological analysis and treatment in his medicine practice. He must complete an additional three years of formal education and clinical training at a chiropractic school to become a board certified chiropractic neurologist. This additional degree qualifies him to evaluate neurological behavior and provide non-traditional treatment options that don't include drugs or surgery.
Some people with health problems prefer solutions that, if possible, do not include surgery or drugs. A chiropractic neurologist offers typical chiropractic physical therapy along with specialized muscular and spinal manipulations aimed at neurological wellness. Doctors aim for the treatments to produce results equal to or better than surgery or drug therapy.
Chiropractic neurology is a non-invasive treatment option for many common ailments. The treatments involve stimulation of the central nervous system using stimuli such as light, heat, chiropractic adjustments, water and sound. It offers patients treatment options free from drugs that may have negative side effects. Some of the most commonly treated ailments using these methods include autism, vertigo and Parkinson’s disease. It also has been used to treat cases of slow child development, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of dyslexia, dystonia and peripheral neuropathies have been relieved using these treatments as well.
Stroke victims also use neurological chiropractor treatments to help their rehabilitation. The therapy also has been used to help relieve intense headaches, hand and leg tremors, back and neck pain and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Most of these treatments include exercises in addition to realignment and manipulation of the spine and muscles.
A chiropractic neurologist may recommend additional therapeutic components to enhance the effects of the neurological treatments. These may include diet and nutritional therapy, exercise regimes and increased rest and sleep. Drinking more water, increasing exposure to natural light and heat therapy are other commonly recommended supplemental healing practices.
Many patients choose these treatment options to help speed their rehabilitation and recovery periods. The absence of drugs in achieving wellness is also appealing to many. Most doctors of chiropractic neurology work in coordination with traditional medicine doctors, referring patients to more traditional treatments when appropriate.
Chiropractors are not the only medical professionals embracing the concept of neurological chiropractic medicine. Some general practice physicians, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and neurosurgeons also seek board certification in the specialty to add non-invasive treatment options to their services.