Chiropractic Neurology is a three year post-doctorate specialty that focuses on optimizing the function of the nervous system using conservative, non-pharmaceutical based methods.

Subtle changes in the function of the nervous system will affect things such as muscle tone, joint alignment in the spine and the extremities, flexibility, balance & coordination. This dysfunction may result in chronic pain (fibromyalgia), vertigo, headaches, neck-back pain, sciatica, scoliosis, carpal tunnel, and other symptoms. In some cases, these changes may lead to difficulty with focus and attention, decline in academic performance, and cognitive processing disorders. The chiropractic neurologist marries traditional chiropractic care with cutting-edge, functional neurological rehabilitation protocols to promote a faster transition from pain and neurological dysfunction to wellness.

Many people assume that if they don’t have a classical nervous system disorder (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s), then their nervous system is healthy. This is not always a correct assumption. Chiropractic neurology is a safe and effective way to evaluate and treat the functional state of your nervous system and the symptomatic manifestations that result from dysfunction. Neurological homeostasis is essential for the prevention of more serious degenerative disorders and for tapping the ultimate potential of your brain and body.

The Conde Center specializes in the treatment of difficult orthopedic and neurological disorders which include:

• Back-Neck Pain
• Numbness-Tingling
• Sciatica
• Whiplash-Auto Injuries
• Sports Related Injuries of the Extremities (golf, tennis)
• Nerve Entrapment Syndromes (Carpal Tunnel, Thoracic Outlet)
• Scoliosis
• Vertigo-Dizziness-Balance Disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
• Headaches
• Movement Disorders (Parkinson’s)
• Dystonia
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Undiagnosed Symptoms
• Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
• AD/HD, Autism, Dyslexia (Unlimited Potential Program)
• Peak Performance (for lay people as well as athletes looking to improve memory, concentration, focus, and coordination)
• Dementia/Alzheimer’s

With the explosion in brain-based research in the 20th and 21st centuries we now know that the brain is plastic or modifiable (capable of change) at any age. We also have come to understand that the nervous system has supreme control over the musculoskeletal system as well as the organ systems in a precise manner. Specific parts of the brain are responsible for the well being of certain regions of the body. Dysfunction in a particular brain region will then manifest itself in symptoms in the associated body areas. For example, an under-functioning cerebellum region of the brain may produce signs and symptoms related to neck pain due to the intimate control of tiny postural muscles in the neck. With brain-based rehabilitation the chiropractic neurologist will not only manually treat the area in question itself with physical medicine but will also “exercise” the deficient region of the brain to normalize function. Since the brain is plastic, with appropriate treatment it can attain optimum wellness. Treatments may entail specific types of eye movement exercises (known as “oculomotor rehabilitation”), balancing activities, oxygen supplementation, rotary activation (chair spins), eccentric fast stretching, cross cord mechanisms, therapeutic use of light, therapeutic use of sound, therapeutic use of smell, and physical activities using one side of the body.

The conventional neurological approach involves the interpretation of data on a strict black and white scale. This system of analysis leaves an abundance of individuals manifesting symptomatic dysfunction “out of the loop” without a diagnosis and a well structured treatment plan. The chiropractic neurological approach differs in that it interprets dysfunction on a functional continuum recognizing those individuals left in the grey area. In essence, the clinical findings and symptoms are reviewed with an intimate understanding of the neurology and physiology involved. The chiropractic neurologist then formulates a plan targeting the dysfunctional areas within the body and the nervous system. This means that through the utilization of a functional neurological approach, chiropractic neurology offers an exceptionally valuable option for certain patients that have been unable to obtain a named diagnosis or solution for their problem, especially in the case when a dysfunction, rather than a named process of pathology, exists.

Chiropractic neurologists do not prescribe drugs nor do they perform surgery. A much more intimate participation is taken in the functional rehabilitative care of the patient. Chiropractic neurologists are most often directly involved in performing and overseeing rehabilitation and treatment. This is a clear distinction from medical neurology which usually involves a more hands-off approach. Chiropractic Neurologists often prefer to remain directly involved in the rehabilitation of their patient population so that they can appropriately fine tune rehabilitative procedures to the ever-changing, dynamic needs of the recovering patient.

The chiropractic neurologist must complete a specific three-year, 300 hour post-graduate fellowship in the field of neurology. This is the same level of training that the medical neurologists receive with much more emphasis on neurophysiology and functional rehabilitation. In addition, subsequent written, practicum, and oral examinations conducted by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board must be passed to attain active licensure. The ACNB is recognized by the American Chiropractic Association Council on Neurology and is fully accredited by the National Commission for Certification Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). All this training is in addition to the basic four-year doctorate training and subsequent passing of National and State Board examinations that all general chiropractors must pass to practice. As you can see, Chiropractic Neurologists receive rigorous training and are ready to serve all your healthcare needs.

The joints in the human frame are lined with tiny pressure-sensitive sensors called mechanoreceptors. Upon movement, if the joints are in proper alignment the mechanoreceptors will be compressed and subsequently send stimulating nerve impulses to the brain. Your brain depends on this nerve stimulation from the joints of the body for its health and well being and to assure optimal neurological function. Reciprocally, there are nerve impulses that are sent back to the actual joint from the brain to stimulate the local muscles. This reflex actually helps to stabilize and strengthen the joint and slow down the progression of arthritis. Chiropractic neurologists locate the joints that are out of proper alignment and restore proper motion through a gentle impulse placed on the joint. The adjustment usually produces a feeling of euphoria and well being as the brain is stimulated and the joint improves in function.

The joint in question begins to function appropriately with less restriction. There is less irritation placed on the surrounding neurovascular structures. The muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint attain a new, healthier position which minimizes the chance of strain and increases joint stability. The nervous system gets stimulated from the sensors on the joint being turned on and from brain-based exercises. Actual DNA changes occur at the level of the nerve cell which increases protein production, essentially making the nerve cell much more efficient. This occurs along the specific neurological pathway that was found deficient in the examination and which may be producing the symptoms in question. Lastly, endorphins are released which produces a sense of euphoria.

Most conditions respond very favorably to chiropractic neurological treatment due to the fact that the focus is not placed on a diagnosis but on the neurological and physiological dysfunction. Every condition we treat is a unique condition in that every patient’s physiology is different. We take pride in treating undiagnosed, difficult disorders.

Yes. In fact, it’s just as important or even more important for a child to have a correctly aligned and properly functioning spine as they develop. This will ensure that the child does not develop any scoliotic curvatures and that there neurology is functioning optimally.

The Unlimited Potential Program is a unique, brain-based approach for enhancing neuro-cognitive function and addressing learning/behavioral disorders such as AD/HD, autism, Asperger’s, dyslexia, Tourettes, and auditory processing problems. This program is also highly beneficial for parents and children seeking to improve brain-based learning strategies at home or in the classroom. The program seeks to promote permanent neurological changes through the neurological principle of plasticity, which states that the brain can change according to the environmental influences surrounding it. The underlying premise of the program is based on cutting-edge, groundbreaking research concerning the hemispheric dysfunction seen in the brain of children with learning/behavioral disorders. In essence, we now know that there seems to be an under-functioning side of the brain in these children which involves primarily the right hemisphere in an area termed the frontal lobe. This dysfunction is termed hemisphericity. The faculties this part of the brain is responsible for include filtering or stopping thoughts, planning, problem solving, social or “how to play knowledge”, the control of core musculature, and sequencing to name a few. After a comprehensive neurological examination, academic achievement test (WIATII), and behavioral questionnaire (CBCL) a better understanding of the dysfunctional brain regions is ascertained. An exclusive customized treatment plan is then followed leading the way to permanent neurological change. Therapeutic procedures include specific oculomotor (eye tracking) exercises, hemisphere specific core exercises, interactive metronome, therapeutic use of light, therapeutic use of sound, therapeutic use of smell, vestibular training, hemisphere specific academic exercises, and a nutritional assessment.

You can expect improved cognitive and motor skills, higher test scores in school, improved focus and concentration, and a reduction in fidgeting and hyperactivity.

The brain enrichment program is a physical and cognitive exercise program. It utilizes state of the art brain training software which assesses your cognitive faculties including focus, attention, memory, and problem solving then runs you through a vigorous brain exercise program giving you intermittent feedback on your improvement. Physical exercise is also incorporated to maximize brain output. Many can benefit from the Brain Enrichment program, including those individuals with acute and chronic short-term memory loss, those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, ADD and ADHD and those who would like to maximize their focus, attention-span and problem-solving abilities.

Yes! Different neurological techniques can be utilized to increase or decrease muscle tone in certain joints, reset musculoskeletal firing patterns, increase stability of the joint in question, and increase the communication between the brain and the body. The result is decreased healing time and a quick transition back to the sport of choice. In addition, a cutting edge neurological procedure termed motor imaging technique is being utilized to improve the speed of nerve firing patterns of particular sporting moves such as a forehand in tennis or a putting movement in golf.

Yes. We have extensive knowledge in processing and managing motor vehicle accident cases. We also have an extensive referral network of orthopedists, neurologists, pain management physicians, imaging centers, and attorneys. Most importantly, we have the advanced equipment and unmatched expertise to transition patients from pain to wellness.