FAQ

Your Initial Visit
Dr. Cartwright will thoroughly assess your health including your medical history, previous care, diet and exercise habits, and your current concern.

What is Chiropractic Neurology?
Chiropractic Neurology is a science-based, healthcare specialty that focuses on optimizing the function of the nervous system. A chiropractic neurologist is a licensed chiropractor who has completed an additional 3-year course of study in neurology, including coursework and residency-based clinical training, and has passed a comprehensive certification examination administered by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. There are currently less than 600 board-certified chiropractic neurologists in the world. The most recent advances in neuroscience support the interventions provided by Chiropractic Neurologists for the treatment of nervous system disorders. Neuroplasticity is a newly coined term that describes the brain’s natural ability to create new connections and strengthen existing ones. The application of non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical interventions allow the Chiropractic Neurologist to promote balance and connectivity within the nervous system in all patients, regardless of age or clinical presentation. Balancing the nervous system is often most dramatic in children who suffer with ADHD, learning difficulties and chronic infections. In addition, individuals suffering from headaches, dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, tremors, tics, dystonias, nerve entrapment and chronic pain syndromes also respond positively when other therapies have failed. Chiropractic Neurologist’s restore balance in the nervous system to address the underlying mechanism that is causing the symptom.

Why should I see a chiropractic neurologist when I have already seen a medical doctor and/or medical neurologist for my condition?
Typically, medical neurologists look for a pathology (tumor, infection, genetic disorder, etc.) by ordering multiple tests (MRI, CT scan, blood work, genetic markers, etc). Once they diagnose a specific condition (i.e.: a genetic disorder that creates a tremor), they prescribe pharmaceuticals to stimulate chemical receptors in order to minimize the symptomatic presentation. Unfortunately, medications create unwanted side-effects that create the need for more medications, which creates more unwanted side-effects. Typically, patients come to the chiropractic neurologist after they “have been everywhere” for their condition. Patients are often frustrated and disappointed because the MRI or CT scan are “negative.” They have been diagnosed with a disorder based on their symptoms and they 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. Chiropractic neurologists recognize the fact that most neurological disorders are not due to pathology (such as a tumor or genetic disorder). Chiropractic neurologists realize that altered firing rates from specialized sensors in areas such as the spine, muscles, and balance systems, create deficits and asymmetries in the delicate balance of the nervous system. These deficits mimic pathology. The type of physical neuromodulation practiced by chiropractic neurologists promotes neural efficiency and neuroplasticity. Dramatic, life-altering changes are possible through this form of nervous system stimulation, despite the previously labeled disorder.

What type of tests are performed?
Chiropractic neurology utilizes evaluations that are taught in both chiropractic and medical schools. These evaluations are purely scientific investigations into human physiology and include such traditional clinical techniques as reflex testing, motor/muscle strength testing, and sensory testing of the face and extremities, as well as vestibulo-ocular tests, optokinetic tests, pursuit and saccade testing, blind spot evaluation, radiography, postural analysis, vestibular and cerebellar testing. These tests reflect certain aspects of brain function and information provided by these tests aids in the discovery of brain asymmetry. In addition, we offer blood chemistry analysis, urinalysis, salivary hormone testing and stool analysis to identify a variety of underlying metabolic and/or infective disorders.

What type of care is offered?
Once we determine where your nervous system imbalances are, we tailor a specific care plan that directs treatment towards enhancement of that area. It is a scientific fact that the human nervous system requires environmental stimulation from a variety of sources. The Chiropractic Neurology & Wellness Center embraces this scientific fact and incorporates the use of non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical interventions such as: dynamic spinal and extremity adjustments (tradition and low force techniques); visual stimulation; Eyelights therapy (syntonics); eye tracking exercises (orthoptics); auditory stimulation; vestibular stimulation; percussion; balance exercises; cognitive exercises; computerized brain exercises; and nutritional counseling.

How do I know if Chiropractic Neurology is right for me?

Anyone suffering from the following may benefit from Chiropractic Neurology:

• Learning and neurobehavioral disorders (ADD/ADHD/OCD/Dyslexia/Autism)
• Anxiety and Mild Depression
• Memory and Concentration Difficulties
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)/Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
• Movement Disorders (Dystonias, Parkinsonism, Dyskinesias)
• Tremor Disorders
• Tourettes
• Vertigo/Dizziness/Balance Problems
• Sleep Disorders
• Migraines and other Headaches
• Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue
• Peripheral Nerve Entrapment (Carpal Tunnel, Tarsal Tunnel, etc)
• Scoliosis
• Hormonal Imbalances/Weight Gain/High Blood Pressure/Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Automobile Accidents
• Peripheral Nerve Entrapments (Carpal Tunnel, Tarsal Tunnel, Thoracic outlet, etc.)
• Neurologic Lyme Disease (Co-treatment with M.D.)
• Sports Injuries
• Repetitive Stress Injuries