Background
The brain and nervous system are the master control centers of the body. They form the physical basis for all thought, movement, behavior and perception. In addition, they control and regulate all the other systems of the body- immune, digestive, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, endocrine, and reproductive.
Therefore, many if not all health conditions have a brain-based component of varying degrees. This means that regardless of whatever disease or symptoms a person is suffering from- whether it be pain, digestive disturbances, allergies, endocrine disorders, etc- dysfunction of the brain and nervous system are often contributing factors.
The job of the chiropractic neurologist is to determine, via a standardized functional neurological examination, if and how the brain and nervous system may be contributing to a person?s symptoms.
After determining which areas of the brain and nervous system are not working optimally the chiropractic neurologist then, through the use of natural therapies, restores the brain back to optimal functioning. More often than not, once appropriate brain activity is restored, many symptoms naturally disappear.
This is possible through the concept of neuronal plasticity. What this means is that the brain is constantly able to forge new connections and regenerate the cells that comprise its structure and function. All of this activity allows the brain to be rehabilitated- just as a weak muscle can be strengthened, so can the brain.
In fact, the brain is very similar to a muscle in that it can be exercised and strengthened. The key is determining which areas of the brain are weak through examination, and then prescribing the appropriate exercises, through different forms of sensory and cognitive stimulation. This is the job of the chiropractic neurologist.
Education
Chiropractic neurology is a specialty within the chiropractic profession that is obtained through an additional three years of training specific to the neurological system. There are approximately only 600 doctors in the entire world with this specialty certification.
Links:
American Chiropractic Neurology Board
Carrick Institute For Graduate Studies
PBS special on Dr. Ted Carrick
