What Is a Chiropractic Neurologist? A Guide for Patients in Boca Raton

If you have been searching for a different approach to neurological, balance, pain, or movement-related concerns, you may have come across the term chiropractic neurologist.

But what exactly is a chiropractic neurologist, and how is this specialty different from traditional chiropractic care?

In this article, we explain what chiropractic neurology is, what specialized training is involved, and what patients should know when considering care.

What Is a Chiropractic Neurologist?

A chiropractic neurologist is a Doctor of Chiropractic, or an appropriately qualified equivalent healthcare professional, who has completed advanced post-doctoral education in neurology and met the certification requirements of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB).

According to the ACNB, candidates for certification must complete at least 300 credit hours of post-doctoral education in neurology and successfully complete the Board's required written and practical examinations.

Doctors who meet the requirements and successfully pass the certification examinations receive the credential Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACNB).

This additional education allows a certified chiropractic neurologist to develop specialized knowledge in neurological assessment and the relationship between the nervous system, movement, sensory function, and the musculoskeletal system.

What Is Chiropractic Neurology?

Chiropractic neurology is a specialty focused on the relationship between the nervous system and the body's functional systems.

The nervous system plays an important role in movement, balance, coordination, sensory processing, and communication throughout the body. Chiropractic neurology uses neurological assessment and individualized therapeutic approaches to evaluate and work with these systems.

The ACNB describes chiropractic neurology as a field of functional neurology that uses structured approaches involving an individual's internal and external environment to influence neurological function. Its educational and certification framework includes advanced study of neurological assessment and principles related to neurological disorders.

How Is Chiropractic Neurology Different From Traditional Chiropractic Care?

Traditional chiropractic care commonly focuses on the relationship between the spine, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system.

Chiropractic neurology incorporates additional specialized training in neurological assessment and functional neurology.

This means a chiropractic neurologist may consider neurological, sensory, motor, balance, and musculoskeletal factors when evaluating a patient.

The exact evaluation and treatment approach depends on the individual patient's history, symptoms, examination findings, and clinical needs.

What Does a Chiropractic Neurologist Evaluate?

Depending on the patient's concerns, a chiropractic neurologist may evaluate different aspects of neurological and physical function.

These can include areas such as:

• Balance and coordination

• Movement and motor function

• Sensory function

• Posture and body mechanics

• Neurological responses

• Musculoskeletal function

• The relationship between movement and the nervous system

The purpose of an evaluation is to gather information about the individual's condition and determine appropriate next steps.

Not every patient will receive the same evaluation or recommendations.

What Types of Concerns May Lead Someone to Seek an Evaluation?

People may seek a neurological or chiropractic evaluation for a variety of concerns.