Chiropractic Neurology
Typically, patients visit a chiropractic neurologist after they “have been everywhere” for their condition. Patients are often frustrated and disappointed because the results of a MRI or CT scan are “negative.” They have been diagnosed with a disorder based on their symptoms and sometimes have been treated with numerous drugs and/or surgeries and still suffer with their original neurological symptoms. Board certified chiropractic neurologists choose to enhance the nervous system through non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical interventions. They formulate a plan to stimulate the physical receptors in areas such as the spine, muscles, balance systems, and eyes to increase the frequency of firing of nerve impulses to the specific regions of the brain and spinal cord that are deficient.
Welcome to our Wellness Center
Today we have a number of options when it comes to healthcare. Some of these options can be confusing and even conflicting. This is where we come in. Dr. Cartwright not only takes the time, but he also has the knowledge to help you navigate through and discover the best path and options for your health. Knowledge truly is power – providing information that allows you to make informed decisions. Working together, Dr. Cartwright acts as a health coach of sorts. Providing guidance and a bit of encouragement just when you need it.
“Just not your parent’s Chiropractor” Spinal manipulation and alignment may be what Chiropractors are known for, but you might find it interesting to know that the scope and application of chiropractic care goes beyond the spine to focus on the entire patient.
Taking a larger, holistic view when dealing in patient care allows for an integrative approach by combining musculoskeletal, neurologic, and metabolic health. Your spine, posture, balance and the effectiveness in the way you move are a reflection of your overall health. Factors in combinations as unique as your own fingerprint affect health, including exercise, diet, digestion, sleep, environment, emotions, and heredity.
Our focus is to thoroughly evaluate all of these factors, provide you with the correct diagnosis and a treatment plan that will guide you to lasting health.
Therapy Options
Dr. Cartwright utilizes a comprehensive approach in evaluating and designing an individual treatment plan to restore balance and health to his patients. The following are some of the techniques Dr. Cartwright uses to restore your body to optimal health.
Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT) involves specific joint manipulation or mobilization of the spinal and extremity joints, as well as, the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Dr. Cartwright performs many different techniques varying from the traditional high velocity low amplitude adjustments to the use of non-force and instrument adjustments. Often a patient will begin treatment with minimal CMT until their metabolism is stabilized through proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle modification. CMT is a powerful healing tool and therefore requires a certain level of metabolic stability.
Neurologic Exercise Programs are utilized to restore balance to the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems through specific sensory stimulation, movement, balance exercises, vestibular integration, motor coordination, and fixed action patterns, hemifield stimulation, optokinetic stimulation, remediation of primitive reflexes, sound, color and olfactory stimulation therapies to name just a few.
Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) is the mobilization of soft tissue to restore proper blood flow, release adhesions/scar tissue, and restore proper function and stability to a joint complex. This involves treatment to muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tension headaches, back pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and TMJ are just a few conditions that can resolve quickly and permanently with MRT. In addition, our office offers deep tissue therapy provided by certified massage therapists, which are tailored to your individual comfort and techniques.
Nutrition is a key component in maintaining health. Dr. Cartwright will review your current diet with consideration of quality, quantity and timing. If necessary, he will utilize blood chemistry, salivary testing, stool analysis, food allergy/sensitivity and DNA testing to design nutritional programs that are unique to each patient. Adrenal dysfunction, thyroid dysfunction, intestinal dysbiosis, liver detoxification, perimenopause, periandropause, menopause and andropause are just a few examples of conditions that can be effectively managed through nutrition.
Cold Laser Therapy is the use of “low level light therapy” to restore function to nerves that have been entrapped in the face, and extremities. Common conditions treated are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bell’s palsy, TMJ, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome to name a few.
Physiotherapy Modalities such as ultrasound, interferential therapy, percussion, TENS, flexion/distraction therapy, heat and ice may also be utilized to restore health faster.
Dr. James Cartwright
In practice for over 20 years, Dr. James Cartwright is a native of Santa Cruz and graduate of Harbor High School. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at the University of California at Santa Barbara and obtained his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West, where he graduated as Valedictorian in 1989.
With an Advanced Whiplash and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Certification from the San Diego Spine Research Foundation, Dr. Cartwright has achieved the prestigious Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board after completing a three-year postdoctoral course through the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies. Dr. Cartwright is a member of the International Academy of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation, American Chiropractic Association Sport Council and the California Chiropractic Association.
With a thirst for knowledge, Dr. Cartwright has also completed post graduate courses in childhood neuro-behavioral disorders, movement disorders, functional blood chemistry analysis, thyroid imbalance, functional endocrinology, sports medicine, advanced cold laser therapy, dietary nutritional counseling and more.
His experience includes automobile accidents, sports injuries, work-related injuries, autoimmune disorders, endocrine disorders, neurological disorders, chronic pain disorders, dietary and nutritional counseling, sports performance and wellness care. Dr. Cartwright uses a wide repertoire of techniques that are suitable for all people including newborn babies, people with advanced osteoporosis and the severely disabled.
How to Avoid the Invisible Damage from EMF Exposure – The 21st Century’s Tobacco
Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC |Podcast
“I really enjoyed this discussion with Dr. Joe Mercola. You may know him as an expert in fat loss, neurodegenerative disease, and even cancer. He’s also the guy to speak to when it comes to protecting yourself against and mitigating the damages from harmful electromagnetic fields or “EMFs.” Dr. Mercola refers to EMFs as the Tobacco of the 21st century for a good reason. He references strong evidence backed by hundreds of studies that point to the cancerous, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions that are caused by EMF exposure. Sadly this information is kept out of the media due to the trillion dollar telecommunications industry. Finally, we tackle the practical steps you can take to protect yourself and optimize your home to reduce exposure. We hope you’ll try some of these suggestions and keep your phone on airplane mode when not in use!”
Link to Dr. Ruscio’s website; includes text for this podcast