As in medicine and dentistry, there are specialists within the Chiropractic profession, including radiology, orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, and neurology.

The Chiropractic Neurologist chooses to focus his/her practice on neurologically based problems. Typically, a Doctor of Chiropractic who specializes in neurology serves in the same consulting manner as a medical neurologist. The difference is that the type of care or applications of a Chiropractic Neurologist do not include drugs or surgery.

As a result, certain conditions are more appropriately seen by Chiropractic Neurologists. Specifically, Chiropractic Neurologists have tremendous success in treating a variety of conditions including movement disorders, dystonia, post-stroke rehabilitation, radiculopathy, and nerve entrapment syndromes that are consequences of lesions in the central or peripheral nervous system.

Chiropractic Neurologists can also serve as counsel when there is a diagnostic dilemma or question of the appropriateness of care regarding a specific lesion or condition.

What does the training consist of?

The training to become a board certified Chiropractic Neurologist is an additional three years after completing the four-year Doctor of Chiropractic degree. The post-doctorate degree is conducted under the auspices of an accredited university or college that is recognized by the United States Department of Education. The program includes didactic and residency based/clinically-based training.

After completing these requirements, the Chiropractor sits for a board examination in neurology that is given only once a year by an independent examining board. The information tested is specific to the field of neurology and includes clinical and diagnostic techniques as well as knowledge of neurophysiology. The certification examination also includes oral and practical examinations as well as extensive psychometric testing.

How can a Chiropractic Neurologist and an MD work together?

Chiropractic Neurologists often serve as consultants to medical doctors, third party payers, and other chiropractors, especially in the treatment of functional type of disabilities.

That is to say, conditions in which ablative or physiological lesions are not apparent. Medical neurologists may choose to refer to a Chiropractic Neurologist when the diagnostics are inconclusive and/or the latest medications are not producing the desired symptomatic relief.

After consulting with the patient, the Chiropractic Neurologist may make specific recommendation to the referring medical doctor regarding therapy or treatment for the patient.

Isn't Chiropractic treatment typically a last resort?

The attitude towards Chiropractic is changing. The integration of Chiropractic and the medical profession is motivated by the sincere interest in providing the best care possible for the patient involved.

The mutual goal of health care providers is to render the most appropriate and effective care possible to the patient. This has been the basis for many collaborative efforts and dialogue between medical doctors and Chiropractic Neurologists.