What is a Chiropractic Neurologist?

As in medicine and dentistry, there are specialists within the Chiropractic profession. Chiropractic specialists include radiology, orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, and neurology. The Chiropractic Neurologist chooses to focus his/her practice on neurologically based problems. Chiropractic professionals, as well as all allopathic physicians, are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions.

Training for Chiropractic Neurology

Specialists complete a rigorous program beyond chiropractic college. 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.

Because of the demanding educational requirements that include yearly re-certification, there are only several hundred active Chiropractic Neurologists in the United States.

When to see a Chiropractic Neurologist

Chiropractic Neurologists are educated to observe subtle changes in specific parts of the nervous system with specialized training that helps the doctor to see beyond the symptoms and discover the underlying cause of pain or disease. 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. A Chiropractic Neurologist is trained to use safe, natural, non-invasive health therapies.

Specifically, Chiropractic Neurologists have tremendous success in treating a variety of conditions including movement disorders, dystonia, post-stroke rehabilitation, radiculopathy, chronic pain, vertigo, head injuries, 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. Patients that schedule a Neurological Consultation with Dr. Shad Groves are welcome to bring their current doctor along to observe.

Who Oversees the field of Chiropractic Neurology?

The American Chiropractic Neurology Board conducts certification activities to uphold the standards of practice in the health care specialty of Chiropractic Neurology. The Board also conducts recertification to enhance the continued competence of the Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist.

The Board administers issues the credential of Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACNB) to assure doctors have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities of a qualified chiropractic neurologist.