Chiropractors who say they are neurology based, are like Dentists who say they are teeth based. Sure, there are specialties within each professions, but without having the additional education and board certification for those specialties, the “Baseline” chiropractor is trained to be neurology based. Some chiropractors have additional training in neurology, pediatrics, sports, pregnancy, and without training and certification, claiming to be one of those specialists is dishonest and fraudulent.
All chiropractors attend doctoral programs after undergraduate college that has a standardized curriculum. All Doctors of Chiropractic are required to fulfill the same graduate level coursework that ultimately amounts to roughly 4,400 hours of course work. Needless to say, anatomy and physiology as well as diagnostics are cornerstones in this education. Spinal anatomy is also a huge focus. The greatest focus though is neurology and its relationship to the structure, function, and biomechanics of the body. Neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuropathology (disease), and all other areas of neurology are standard in the studies to be a chiropractor.
So what does it mean when a chiropractor says that they are neurology based?
It means that they have attended and completed chiropractic school, have become board certified and been licensed by the state that they are in, and perhaps more. Being neurologically based as a chiropractor is only differentiating if they have a diplomate in chiropractic neurology which I mention below. Without the diplomate, chiropractors are trained the same, with the same focus on neurology and neuroscience across the board. Individuals may study neurology more or less, but at the core of a doctor of chiropractic’s training, the neurology studies are standardized. Application and effect of chiropractic adjustments are pretty universal too. Below are some examples:
1. Spinal adjustments: Chiropractic care focuses on the spine and nervous system. By performing spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to reduce interference (stress) in nerve fibers that carry impulses traveling between the brain and body. This can help restore proper nervous system function [1][2].
2. Affecting the central nervous system: Chiropractic adjustments have been proven to impact the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) by improving spinal alignment and reducing pressure on nerves. This may help with cognition, pain relief, and other neurological functions and communication[1][2].
3. Proprioceptive input: Chiropractic Adjustments provide proprioceptive input to the brain, which can help update the brain’s internal maps and improve overall nervous system function [3].
4. Reducing inflammation and nerve irritation: By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic care may reduce inflammation and irritation of nerves, alleviating pain and improving nervous system communication [2][4].
5. Functional neurology approach: ALL chiropractors specialize in functional neurology, using specific adjustments and techniques to target particular areas of the brain and nervous system. Whether they discuss it with you, is another story. Be sure to ask questions and if your doctor doesn’t have time for you, find one who does. [3][6].
6. Improving overall nervous system regulation: Regular chiropractic care is known to help the nervous system self-regulate more effectively, potentially improving the body’s ability to heal and respond to stress [6].
7. Addressing functional lesions: Chiropractic functional neurology aims to improve non-pathological nervous system abnormalities, known as functional lesions, which may not be detectable through standard medical tests [3]. If your Doctor of Chiropractic is NOT using (objective) tests to determine functional shortcomings in your nervous system that you cannot feel, you need to find a doctor with the tests.
It’s important to note that while chiropractic care can have effects on the nervous system, the extent and nature of these effects may vary depending on the individual and the specific techniques used. Although chiropractors of all kinds study and have an effect on the neurology of of all patients, chiropractic neurologists undergo extensive additional training to specialize in neurological aspects of care [7].
Citations:
[1] https://idealspine.com/your-nervous-system-the-effect-of-chiropractic-care/
[2] https://blog.villagechiros.com/how-can-chiropractic-care-strengthen-the-nervous-system
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413643/
[4] https://www.gobeaconhealth.com/the-nervous-system-controls-everything-chiropractor-care-keeps-it-functioning-well/
[5] https://www.drdavischiro.com/the-effect-of-chiropractic-care-on-your-nervous-system/
[6] https://launchwellnessco.com/blog/how-chiropractic-helps-nervous-system/
[7] https://www.neurochiro.com/faq/what-is-a-chiropractic-neurologist/