What kind of tests does Dr. Allen use? What kind of equipment does she have/use?
Dr. Allen uses a variety of testing systems to identify loss of function and to validate changes during the course of treatment. One such test is blind-spot mapping or measurement of the natural blind spot in each eye. These blind spots are not perceived in normal vision as each eye compensates for the other. Careful evaluation of the difference or similarity between the two eyes will show any imbalance between the two sides of the brain.
You may wonder what your brain has to do with the pain in your back? We tend to think of the brain as the control mechanism for the body. But really it receives incoming sensory messages from the body parts then sends back motor messages commanding those body parts to perform optimally. You can see why balance between the two sides of the brain along with balance between the brain and the nervous system is necessary for optimum health and function.
The nervous system has millions of interconnections and is very complex and dynamic. Dr. Allen can specifically test nerve pathways for function and target therapies to affect change within an isolated part of the nervous system. Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan. Beginning with an extensive examination Dr. Allen diagnosis the condition and prescribes treatment and possible home-therapy exercises that will bring the whole person to a healthy lifestyle of pain-free living.
Will I be treated on the first visit?
Treatment is begun after a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Some people prefer to schedule a free consultation for their first visit, which does not include evaluation or diagnosis. Your first examination visit will include treatment, if appropriate.
What is Dr. Allen’s policy on payment and insurance?
Your initial consultation is complimentary. Payment for additional diagnostic procedures and any treatment performed is due at the time services are rendered. In order to avoid limiting the quality of care we can provide a patient, we have chosen not to honor insurance plans. We do accept cash, check and credit cards.
Why does Dr. Allen not take my insurance?
We want to work for you; not for insurance companies. It does not make sense for us to contract with your insurance company when our goals are simply not the same.
Chiropractic Neurology is a cutting-edge specialty. Insurance companies do not necessarily stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques that involve your health care, especially when it comes to non-invasive intervention. Therefore, they may not have the knowledge and clinical background to recognize the benefit of some of our treatments and services.
Being proactive about your health is your only true insurance.
Who Can Practice Chiropractic Neurology?
Currently there are less than 600 Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologists worldwide. Certification is granted after an additional 3 years of study beyond Chiropractic School and after successfully completing an official examination including oral, practical and psychometric testing by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board of Examiners.
As a result of this intensive study and certification, patients can be assured that a board certified Chiropractic Neurologist has a complete understanding of brain and spinal cord anatomy, physiology and function and is qualified to recommend therapies in cases which may have been previously considered untreatable.
What does a Chiropractic Neurologist do?
Chiropractic neurologists typically serve in the same consulting manner as a medical neurologist. However, the therapies of a chiropractic neurologist do not include drugs or surgery.
In addition to providing therapies and gentle treatment for neurological problems, Dr. Allen is qualified to provide counsel or second opinions when there is a question of appropriateness of care regarding a particular case history.
Thorough patient examinations are used to determine the functional strength of each part of the nervous system. Treatments are then personalized to specifically strengthen the weakened areas and to avoid strengthening the stronger areas until balance is achieved.
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.
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.
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.
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.
