What else should I know about this type of treatment?
Many descriptions of Chiropractic Neurology refer to decreased brain function and imbalances between the two halves of the brain. This can sound scary and confusing. Patients should be aware that these terms are usually applied to subtle changes in function of the brain. The brain is working but at a different level of performance required for optimum health. Chiropractic Neurology does not imply that psychological problems are responsible for pain or other symptoms.

Brain development is a lifelong event with most of the maturation of individual brain structures occurring over the first two decades of life. Thereafter, use or disuse of particular parts of the brain results in strengthening or weakening of these structures, much the same as with muscular changes in the body.

The brain is incredibly adaptable and it compensates for a while. Decreased synaptic activity becomes evident in the form of pain or other symptoms. Chiropractic neurologists are trained to pick up on even the subtle changes and to introduce therapies that help bring brain development into balance.

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Do I have to remain in treatment forever
Rehabilitation is the restoration of function but its success depends on many factors including the length of time since the original symptoms began as well as how the body has adapted over time. Dr. Allen will determine an individual course of treatment that brings both sides of the brain into balance with bodily function in the proper timeframe and sequence. Most injuries occur to one side only and therefore the healthy side should not be treated until the injured side is strong enough to restore balance between the two.

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What is hemisphericity?
Hemisphericity is the term used to indicate an imbalance in functional ability or efficiency between the two halves (left and right) of the brain cortex. Because of brain interconnections, hemisphericity can show up as high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, differences in flexibility from side to side, double vision, ringing in the ears, sprained ankles, and a multitude of other conditions. Hemisphericity is important to the chiropractic neurologist as decreased function on one side of the brain is often a major component of problems in the body.

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Do Chiropractic Neurologists use MRIs?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is one method for looking at the static structure of the brain as well as other parts of the body. The patient is placed in a strong magnetic field, and based on the reactions of molecules in the body, and image of the brain is pieced together by computer.

Many of the problems seen in chiropractic neurology are not visible by MRI (or other current imaging techniques). This is because functional changes are often the result of weakened neuronal connections, possibly in conjunction with lack of stimulation of a small number of neurons. These sorts of dynamic nerve changes are not visible on MRI. Consequently the approach of the chiropractic neurologist is to base treatment on a functional basis, rather than relying on the presence or absence of abnormalities in imaging studies.