Chiropractic Neurology
What is chiropractic neurology?
“Chiropractic neurology? What’s that?” I get that question a lot. To chiropractors, the term is redundant. This is because chiropractic treatment was founded on the principle that disease stems from the dysfunction of the nervous system. The original chiropractic postulate was that spinal bones move out of place and pinch nerves, and this can then cause nerve interference, resulting in disease and disrupting normal function and ability of the body to heal itself.
This came about in 1895 when DD Palmer, while working late in his office one evening trying to understand the true cause of disease, “adjusted” the neck of Harvey Lillard, a janitor who had been deaf for several years. Mr. Lillard could then immediately hear, and DD deduced that he had moved a bone off of a nerve in the neck, allowing for normal function and the ability to hear. Subsequently, he formed his premise which began the chiropractic profession. He thought that disease stemmed from dysfunction in the nervous system, and that if the nervous system functioned appropriately, it would heal any problems in the body.
Chiropractic neurologists tailor their treatments to your needs.
A scientific idea from 1895 still has tremendous application in 2008. With modern science we have a more accurate understanding of the exact neurophysiology behind the beneficial effects of chiropractic. Much of the original idea, such as dysfunction of the spine and simultaneous dysfunction of the nervous system, go hand in hand today and is one of the reasons that chiropractic exceeds other health professions in terms of effectiveness for conditions like low back pain, yet is infinitely safer than even one single pill of over-the-counter Tylenol.
Chiropractic neurologists perform treatments with more specificity directed toward an individual’s need. For example, they may adjust a patient on only one side, do balance exercises on one side, or perform eye exercises to one side only, when one has diminished brain function on one side only. And because every person’s presentation is different, each therapy is created to that person’s specific needs. This is different than medication, in that all medications are non-specific.
In-office and home-based therapies designed to promote your independence
This approach to care has detailed direction that leads to accurate diagnosis and treatment. And, it’s a lot of fun! Also, this care quite naturally leads to home-based therapies with a goal of making the patient independent of the doctor who prescribed them.
Dr. Stelzer is a fellow in neurology of the Carrick Institute of Graduate Studies, and he is board certified in neurology by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. Schedule an appointment with him today.