What is Chiropractic?
What is a Chiropractic Neurologist?
What is a Chiropractic Orthopedics?
Question about our services?
Chiropractors are medical professionals who diagnose
and treat musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. While chiropractors
use traditional diagnostic testing methods (like x-rays, MRI, and lab
work), they also use specific chiropractic techniques that involve hands-on
manipulation of the body. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications
and they do not perform surgery. However, chiropractors are trained
to recognize when an injury is outside of their scope of practice and
will refer patients to the appropriate medical specialist if necessary.
The practice
of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily
of the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and
how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.
In addition, Doctors of Chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility
of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when
in the best interest of the patient.
Chiropractic
is concerned with the preservation and restoration of health, and focuses
particular attention on the misalignment of the spine. A chiropractic
manipulation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological
articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence
organ system function and general health. The misalignment is evaluated,
diagnosed and managed through the use of chiropractic procedures based
on the best available rational and empirical evidence.
How
does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by restoring normal joint function through soft tissue
and joint manipulation. Restoration of normal biomechanical function
affects other systems of the body as well thus improving your state
of health in many ways.
What
does a Doctor of Chiropractic do?
A Doctor of Chiropractic is a health care provider who considers the
human an integrated being but gives special attention to spinal mechanics,
musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular and nutritional relationships.
A Doctor of Chiropractic must be able to carefully diagnose, evaluate
and deliver the proper care so that the body regains and maintains health.
What
type of education do Doctors of Chiropractic receive?
Chiropractors receive expert knowledge of the body through the study
of basic sciences, clinical sciences, body mechanics, and chiropractic
techniques. The study of chiropractic emphasizes anatomy, physiology,
pathology, neurology, biomechanics, x-ray, and spinal adjusting techniques.
Subject
Hours Comparison Between DC's and MD's
You may
be surprised to learn that chiropractic doctors receive more class and
study time in many important subjects compared with their medical counterparts.
What
is a Chiropractic Neurologist?
Chiropractic
neurology is a specialty within the chiropractic field that assesses
the stability of the nervous system of each patient and treats that
patient using non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical protocols. This treatment
is defined as brain-based rehabilitation.
As in medicine and dentistry, the chiropractic profession has individual
specialists. By choosing to further their education through training
and board certification, these doctors choose to emphasize their practice
in a certain specialty to assist other medical professionals in the
diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions.
Typically, a chiropractic neurologist serves in the same consulting
manner as a medical neurologist. The difference, however, is in the
application of treatment. Medical doctors utilize pharmaceutical and
surgical intervention and management to relieve numbness, pain, tingling,
weakness, spasm, vertigo, involuntary muscle movements, and other neurological
symptoms. Drugs and surgery can be appropriate treatments for many conditions,
but chiropractic neurology offers more conservative methods that often
should be considered first.
Chiropractic neurology techniques focus on brain-based physical rehabilitation
using afferent (receptor based) stimulation specifically targeting dysfunctional
areas of the brain and nervous system. Because therapies are specifically
tailored to each individual's neurological function, it is impossible
to standardize this care. The expected treatment outcome is to increase
the plasticity of weak and fragile cells and their surrounding cells.
Chiropractic neurologists use specific ipsilateral (same side) afferent
stimulations and chiropractic adjustments for brain-based physiologic
rehabilitation. Patients with both pathological and physiological lesions
can benefit from this approach. A physiological lesion is one in which
there is no pathology or disease process affecting that patient as seen
on diagnostic testing and neurological examination. A physiological
lesion is an underfunctioning aspect of the nervous system which requires
activation of specific receptors within the body to function optimally.
TRAINING
The training to become a board certified neurologist in the chiropractic
profession is an additional three years after the doctor's degree. After
completing those requirements, the chiropractor will sit for a board
examination in neurology. The areas that are examined are specific to
the field of neurology and include clinical and diagnostic techniques
and knowledge of neurophysiology. The certification examination includes
oral and practical portions as well as a battery of psychometric testing.
Over 300 hours of post doctoral coursework in the training of functional
neurology is required to be eligible to sit for the diplomat examination
of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. This specialty board in
Neurology is recognized by the American Chiropractic Association, The
American Chiropractic Association's Council on Neurology and the Council
on Chiropractic Specialties. The American Chiropractic Neurology Board
is a full member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance
and is fully accredited by the National Commission for Certification
Agencies.
Currently, there are approximately 600 board-certified chiropractic
neurologists in the United States. Chiropractic neurology and medical
neurology require similar education regarding anatomy and physiology,
evaluation, and diagnosis of neurological disorders. Through non-pharmacological
methods chiropractic neurologists focus on improving the functional
symmetry of the central nervous system rather than simply relieving
symptoms.
Dr. Nelson Mane was one in eleven Chiropractors, chosen out of 60,000,
to start the first chiropractic neurology specialty board. He is one
of the few doctors in the world whose neurology training was taught
by Dr. Frederick Robert, the father of the Chiropractic Neurology Program.
Dr. Mane has completed over 600 hours of post-graduate training in neurology,
including specialized training in the treatment of the following:
" Vertigo, BPPV and other balance problems aka Vestibular disorders
" Stroke
" Reflex sympathetic dystrophy aka chronic regional pain syndrome
" Multiple Sclerosis
" Chronic pain
" Vision disturbances
" Peripheral neuropathies
In the past, Dr. Mane was a Vice President of the ACA - Council of Neurology,
a Board Examiner of the American Chiropractic Academy of Neurology and
a Medical Consultant for the Florida Division of Worker's Compensation.
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves in the head and body.
Your brain is designed to receive and send information to your body.
Your body is controlled by receptors, or specialized nerve cells that
respond to different sensations. The sensation of touch is controlled
by various receptors in the body that respond to compression and stretch.
Receptors associated with touch have a greater effect on the central
nervous system than the receptors related to vision, taste, hearing
and temperature.
Mechanoreceptors are receptors of touch that are found in the joints
of the body and especially our spine and are very sensitive to motion.
If the joints of the spine do not move freely, the activity of these
nerve receptors is suppressed. A consequence of this is a change in
muscle tone, coordination and function, and pain.
TREATMENT MODALITIES & TECHNIQUES
One of the goals of chiropractic neurology is to electrically stimulate
the areas of the brain that are under-stimulated and thus return symmetry
to the body. One of the techniques available to improve brain function
is the chiropractic adjustment. Adjustments can be administered to the
spine or to the extremities to send afferent or sensory electrical feedback
to the brain, as well as to correct abnormal motion patterns and misalignment
issues. Chiropractors are the best trained health-care professionals
to perform spinal and extremity adjustments. They spend four years in
chiropractic school that involves a similar education as medical doctors,
except that chiropractors are not trained in pharmacology or surgical
techniques. Medical doctors on the other hand are not trained to do
spinal manipulation or adjustments. An exception to this may be the
Osteopathic profession which does include spinal manipulation as an
elective in their schooling. Dr. Mane has six additional years of post-graduate
studies, including two board certifications: chiropractic orthopedic
and chiropractic neurology. Medical doctors, with the possible exception
of a physiatrist, on the other hand have less training in neuromusculoskeletal
disorders than doctors of chiropractic.
Chiropractors
perform about 90-95% of all the spinal adjustments done in this country.
Dr. Mane uses manual adjustments primarily to mobilize and realign the
spinal and extremity joints to improve function of the local joints
and to electrically stimulate the brain. If the adjustment is done on
the right side of the body, then the left brain will be electrically
stimulated and vice versa. By balancing the sensory feedback to the
brain, brain output to the body is also balanced.
Dr. Mane practices brain-based chiropractic versus standard subluxation
or spinal-based chiropractic. His method evaluates changes in brain
function before and after treatment to assess the effectiveness of care.
Dr. Mane focuses on neurological care that includes retraining exercises
and hemispheric integration therapy as well as brain based nutrition.
The field of neurology that Dr. Mane's practice is based on is of the
new science that the nervous system is plastic and adapts to change
and therefore can be stimulated to improve function or with disuse can
cause transneural degeneration. Rehabilitation strategies stem from
the realization that the brain creates new neurons in adulthood, and
that these cells may be able to migrate to areas damaged by disease
or injury. Such activity can keep neurons from atrophying. Neurological
research and evidence suggests that this involves an imbalance between
the left and right hemispheres of the brain. When one side of the brain
is overly dominant, the other side of the brain will become neglected
and underused. This is very similar to what happens when a child has
amblyopia, or lazy eye. Unless treated properly, the lazy eye will become
dysfunctional and essentially useless. The treatment for brain asymmetry
is called hemispheric integration therapy and can include many different
modalities. Some of the current therapies practiced at Mane Center for
Non-Surgical Solutions for neurological disorders are listed below.
" Vestibular Rehabilitation (treatment for VERTIGO and BPPV)
" Techniques Such As Chiropractic Adjustment and Manipulation
" Sensory Motor Stimulation -Sensory motor exercises can return
more balance to the brain by selectively stimulating one side of the
brain, depending on the side of the sensory stimulation. These exercises
can include balancing on one leg, vibration therapy, strength training,
aerobic exercises, stretches, cross-crawl exercises, eye exercises,
IM and more.
Many of
these therepies can be done while using eyelights to further maximize
stimulation to the underfiring parts of the brain.
" Hemispheric Integration Therapy
" Vision Therapy
" Auditory Therapy
" Color Therapy
" Vibration Therapy
" Nutrition - Frequently, patients are in urgent need of nutritional
changes and recommendations are made when appropriate.
As well as many other treatment modalities have proven effective for
many disorders. These treatments are implemented with the specific intent
of electrically stimulating the underactive parts of the brain and thus
improving the brain's ability to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin
and dopamine.
There are literally millions of combinations of neurological pathways
and circuitry that Chiropractic Neurologists use to achieve the desired
effects. To affect these pathways, we may use a combination of:
" Feedback from muscles and joints, utilizing specific adjustments
and exercises.
" Eye stimulation, from light, using specific colors or patterns.
" Auditory stimulation, from specific types of sounds or music,
may be used in one ear or the other.
" Labyrinthine stimulation, including spin therapy, specific exercises
involving the intrinsic eye muscles, or balance and coordination activities.
" Cognitive learning exercises, such as number patterns or visualization
techniques.
" Breathing optimization techniques, such as postural enhancement,
rib/chest expansion and breathing exercise.s
" Electrotherapy, such as premodulation, interferential.
" Hydrotherapy/Massage
" We will work with other health care practioners, physical therapists,
personal trainers and massage therapists to provide a teamwork approach
to your healthcare.
What is a Chiropractic Orthopedics?
"Chiropractic
Orthopedics" is a separate and distinct specialty within the scope
of chiropractic practice. Chiropractic Orthopedics is considered a branch
of orthopedics, the purposes of which are by non-surgical techniques
to prevent and correct deformity, to preserve and improve the function
of bones, muscles, joints and their nerve apparatus when such is threatened
or impaired by defects, lesions or disease. Only those chiropractic
doctors who have successfully completed the prescribed courses in postgraduate
chiropractic orthopedics, presented by an approved chiropractic college,
and who hold a valid certificate of graduation from the prescribed courses
in chiropractic orthopedics, are allowed to use the term "Chiropractic
Orthopedist".
THE CHIROPRACTIC ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICIAN
If you are new to the field of chiropractic medicine or have had the
opportunity to be under the care of a chiropractor in the past then
you may find it of interest that the chiropractic profession much like
the field of conventional medicine has different specialties. Most people
have accepted the fact that the label M.D. can mean anything from your
general family physician to orthopedic surgeon to an ophthalmologist.
Matter of fact, the list encompasses neurologist, internist, gynecologists,
gastroenterologist, cardiologist, urologist etc… Within the chiropractic
profession, there are specialists in radiology, orthopedics, neurology,
physical rehabilitation, sports medicine, and internal disorders.
The training to become board certified in the various chiropractic sub-specialties
is an additional two-three years after the doctor's degree, which is
conducted under the auspices of an accredited university or college
that is recognized by the U.S. Office of Education. After completing
those requirements, the chiropractor will sit for a board examination
in his chosen specialty, which is held once per year by an independent
examining board. The areas that are examined are specific to the field
of that specialty and include clinical and diagnostic techniques. The
certification examination includes oral and practical portions as well
as a battery of diagnostic problem-solving cases.
Diagnosis
Before Dr. Mane can diagnose your condition and design a treatment plan,
a complete history and physical examination are necessary. Because there
are so many possible internal causes of pain, it is important to determine
what is and is not causing the problem. After Dr. Mane has a better
idea of what is causing your discomfort, diagnostic tests may be recommended.
History
First, you will be asked for a complete physical history of your condition.
The more information you share with Dr. Mane, the easier your problem
will be to diagnose. Your physical history is important because it helps
Dr. Mane understand: when the pain began, anything that could have caused
an injury, your lifestyle, physical factors that might be causing the
pain, and your family history of similar problems. After reading through
your written history, Dr. Mane will ask more questions that relate to
the information you have given. Some typical questions include:
" When did the pain begin?
" Was there an injury that could be related to the pain?
" Where do you feel the pain? What is the intensity?
" Does the pain radiate to other parts of the body?
" What factors make the pain feel better or worse?
" Have you had problems with your bladder or bowels?
" Is there a history of osteoporosis in your family?
Physical
Examination
After taking your history, the Dr. Mane will perform a physical examination.
This allows him to rule out possible causes of pain and try to determine
the source of your problem. The areas of your body that will be examined
depend upon where you are experiencing pain - neck, lower back, arms,
legs, etc. The following are some of the things that are checked in
a typical exam:
Motion of Spine and Neck - Is there pain when you twist, bend, or move?
If so, where? Have you lost some flexibility?
Weakness
- Your muscles will be tested for strength. You might be asked to try
to push or lift your arm, hand, or leg when light resistance is put
against them.
Pain - Dr. Mane will determine if you have tenderness of certain areas.
Sensory Changes - Can you feel certain sensations in specific areas
of the feet or hands?
Reflex changes - Your tendon reflexes might be tested, such as under
the kneecap and under the Achilles tendon on your ankle.
Motor skills - You might be asked to do a toe or heel walk.
Special signs -Dr. Mane will also check for any "red flags"
that could indicate something other than spinal/vertebrae problems.
Some signs of other problems include tenderness in certain areas, a
fever, an abnormal pulse, chronic steroid use (leads to loss of bone
mass), or rapid weight loss.
Diagnostic Tests - You may be asked to take a variety of diagnostic
tests. The tests are chosen based upon what your physician suspects
is the cause of your pain.
These
are the most common diagnostic tests:
X-rays- An X-ray is a painless process that uses radioactive
materials to take pictures of bone. If your doctor suspects vertebral
degeneration, X-rays can be used to verify a decrease in the height
of space between discs, bone spurs, nerve bundle sclerosis (hardening),
facet hypertrophy (enlargement), and instability during flexion or extension
of limbs. X-rays show bones, but not much soft tissue, so they will
definitely be used if fractures, infections, or tumors are suspected.
MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)- The MRI scan is
a fairly new test that does not use radiation. By using magnetic and
radio waves, the MRI creates computer-generated images. The MRI is able
to cut through multiple layers of the spine and show any abnormality
of soft tissues, such as nerves and ligaments. The test also can be
used to verify loss of water in a disc, facet joint hypertrophy (enlargement),
stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal), or a herniated disc (protrusion
or rupture of the intervertebral disc). During an MRI test, you lie
on a table that slides into a machine with a large, round tunnel. The
machine's scanner then takes many pictures that are watched and monitored
by a technician. Some newer MRI machines, called OPEN MRIs, are likely
to be more comfortable for patients who experience claustrophobia. The
procedure takes 30-60 minutes.
CAT Scans (Computer Assisted Tomography)- The CAT scan
is an X-ray test that is similar to both the MRI and a regular X-ray,
because it can show both bones and soft tissues. CAT scans are also
able to produce X-ray "slices" taken of the spine, allowing
each section to be examined separately. The scan forms a set of cross-sectional
images that can show disc problems and degeneration of bones, such as
bone spur formation or facet hypertrophy (enlargement). CAT scan images
are not as clear as either X-rays or an MRI. To make the soft tissues
easier to see, the CAT scan it is often combined with a myelogram. Like
an MRI, with a CAT scan you will lie on a table that slides into a scanner.
The scanner is essentially an X-ray tube that rotates in a circle taking
many pictures. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes.
Myelogram- A myelogram is an older test that is used to examine the
spinal canal and spinal cord. During this test, a special X-ray dye
is placed into the spinal sac. This will require a spinal tap to be
performed by your doctor. This procedure is performed by inserting a
small needle in the lower back and into the spinal canal. Through the
needle, dye is injected which mixes with the spinal fluid. The dye shows
up on X-rays. Therefore, when the X-ray is taken, the dye outlines the
spinal cord and nerve roots so that disc and bone spur problems can
be seen.
To conduct the myelogram, the patient lies on a tilting
table. As the table tilts, the movement of the dye shows the outline
of the spinal sac. X-rays are taken as the patient is tilted to show
the flow of the dye through the spinal region, helping doctors determine
if there is any unusual indentation or an abnormal shape. This indentation
could be from a herniated or bulging disc, lesions, tumors, or injury
to the spinal nerve roots. The myelogram is often combined with a CAT
scan to get a better view of the spine in cross section. In many cases,
the MRI has replaced both the myelogram and the CAT scan. Sometimes
the myelogram still shows the problem better than the MRI, but today
it is used less frequently than the MRI.
