What is a Chiropractic Neurologist?
A chiropractic neurologist is a licensed chiropractor who has completed three years of intensive post-graduate residency in neurology. Unlike traditional neurology, which often focuses on pathology and surgery, chiropractic neurology (also known as Functional Neurology) focuses on the function of the nervous system.
At California Neurohealth, we are part of an elite group—there are currently fewer than 500 board-certified chiropractic neurologists in the world. We bridge the gap between physical medicine and neuroscience to provide non-surgical, drug-free solutions for complex conditions.
Request an AppointmentHow Does Functional Neurology Differ from Medical Neurology?
While medical neurologists primarily use pharmaceutical drugs or surgery to treat structural lesions (like tumors or strokes), a chiropractic neurologist utilizes neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. We use specific sensory inputs—visual, vestibular (balance), and tactile—to “re-train” the brain and nervous system to function optimally.
Conditions We Treat
Our advanced training allows us to diagnose and manage a wide variety of neurological and neuromuscular disorders, including:
- Neurodegenerative Disorders: Support for Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
- Movement Disorders: Dystonia, Restless Leg Syndrome, and Vertigo.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions and post-concussion syndrome.
- Chronic Pain: Neuropathy, Radiculopathy (pinched nerves), and complex migraines.
- Developmental Disorders: ADHD and learning disabilities.
The Science of the “Brain-Body Loop”
To understand how we treat patients, you must understand Proprioception. This is your brain’s “inner GPS”—it tells your brain where your body parts are and what they are doing.
When an injury or poor posture (subluxation) occurs, the receptors in your joints (mechanoreceptors) stop sending accurate information to your brain. This “bad data” leads to:
- Muscle Weakness: Your brain loses the ability to fire postural muscles correctly.
- Diaschisis: Connected areas of the brain “downstream” from the injury begin to lose function due to lack of stimulation.
- Chronic Spasms: Surface muscles tighten to compensate for deep muscle weakness, causing recurring pain.
Advanced Diagnostics & Treatment
What sets California Neurohealth apart is our use of Objective Diagnostics. We don’t guess; we test.
- Stress Radiography: We use X-rays taken during movement (flexion and extension) to visualize exactly how your joints are functioning under stress.
- Vestibular & Ocular Testing: Assessing how your eyes and inner ear coordinate to determine brain health.
Customized Rehab: Treatments may include neuromuscular re-education, vestibular stimulation, and cognitive exercises—often using specialized computer-based therapies.
Education & Board Certification
Becoming a Chiropractic Neurologist requires a rigorous educational path:
- Doctorate of Chiropractic: 4-5 years of accredited training (4,200+ hours).
- Neurology Residency: 3 additional years of academics and practical training.
- Board Exams: Passing the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB) written and practical certification.
Ready for a Different Kind of Care?
If you have been told “there’s nothing else that can be done” or are tired of managing symptoms with medication, Functional Neurology may be the answer.