The chiropractic neurology program was established by Dr. Ted Carrick with the idea that a higher clinical understanding of the human body and all of its systems could be gained though windows in the nervous system.  Since the nervous system is the master system of the body, as defined by Gray’s Anatomy, one who successfully treats the nervous system can have success with disorders of the entire body.  The nervous system controls all and therefore has a hand in all.  Treatment of the nervous system is the key to chiropractic neurology. 

Chiropractic Neurology and Your Treatment

The nervous system works via three mechanisms:  feedback, feedforward, and efferent copy.  As said above, conventional chiropractic adjusts the spine in order to help the individual better adapt to their environment.  This is the use of a feedback mechanism.  Feedback utilizes input to the cerebra cortex from the cerebellum.  These structures regulate virtually every function in your entire body and so utilizing these in treatment can have a profound effect on the outcome of your condition.  An example of feedforward is eye exercise appropriate to your case.  Feedforward modalities are also a cornerstone of treatment in this office.  Efferent copy is the input from the cerebral cortex to the cerebellum and the rest of the body.  Citations for this have even begun to work their way into mainstream media.  An example of efferent copy would be cognitive (mentally challenging) exercises that can increase your motor skills as in conjunction with spine force. 

Chiropractic Neurology and Musculoskeletal Injuries 

Since Chiropractic Neurology allows more diagnostic and treatment options, the outcome of musculoskeletal injuries is also optimal in that more progress is made during each visit. This includes back and neck injuries as well as injuries to the extremities.  Rehabilitative procedures that take into account the presentation of the entire patient, rather than treating only the site of injury (segmentally) are essential to the smooth and efficient recovery of musculoskeletal injuries.  Since the nervous system intimately controls the musculoskeletal system, Chiropractic Neurology excels in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

Chiropractic Neurology and Pain 

The perception of pain is a very intimate experience.  No two people experience or react to pain in the same way.  Therefore tracking pain is not a good way to follow the progress of your case.  It is very possible you will be out of pain very quickly.  Until the proper neuroplasticity is built within your nervous system, treatment should continue, no matter your level of pain or lack thereof.  It is absolutely essential to your health to continue wi8th the recommended course of care no matter how good or bad you feel.  The neurological exam is paramount to gauging your progress and you will continue to be evaluated on every office visit to make sure your case is progressing appropriately and that the care of a Chiropractic Neurologist is right for you. 
 

Concept of Neuroplasticity

This concept is very similar to strength of a muscle.  The more one works out, say for example their biceps, the bigger and stronger the biceps will be.  The same can be said for neurons and neuronal tissues.  This concept explains why chiropractic requires more than one visit in most cases to resolve a patient’s problems.  Since chiropractic neurology utilizes feedback, feedforward and efferent copy mechanisms, the neuroplasticity in systems gained from treatment is higher than the use of only one mechanism.