What is Chiropractic Neurology?
Chiropractic neurology is a specialty within the chiropractic field that assesses the neurological condition of a patient and treats that patient using non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical therapies. It might be best described as brain-based physical rehabilitation.

Examination and assessment is similar to that of medical neurologists, however treatment modalities differ greatly. Chiropractic neurologists use specific sensory stimulations and chiropractic adjustments for brain-based physiologic rehabilitation of neurologic conditions. Patients with both pathological and physiological lesions can benefit from this approach.

How is it different from medical neurology?
The difference is in the treatment/therapy "tools." Medical doctors utilize pharmaceutical and surgical intervention and management. Chiropractic neurologists focus on brain-based physical rehabilitation using afferent stimulation specifically targeting dysfunctioning areas of the brain and nervous system. Because therapies are specifically tailored to each individual's neurologic function, it is impossible to standardize this care. Every patient is seen by the doctor himself.

What kinds of Neurological conditions do we treat?

• Headaches
• Back & Neck Pain
• Vertigo & dizziness
• Balance problems
• Tingling in the Arm or Leg
• Coordination difficulty
• Peripheral nerve injuries
• Tremors
• Movement disorders
• Blepharospasm
• Joint pain
• ADD/ADHD
• Learning disorders
• Developmental delays
• Dyslexia
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Pain

What testing is performed?
Most cases seen have been through most diagnostic tests already. We have x-ray facilities on site, and any MRIs, CTs or other imaging is outsourced on an as-needed basis. The examination performed by the doctor includes but is not limited to:

• Orthopedic Tests
• Oculomotor Function Tests
• Bilateral Blood Pressure
• Motor Coordination/Strength Tests
• Balance Tests
• Motor Timing Tests
• Sensory Testing
• Optokinetics

What is afferent stimulation?
Afferent stimulation is a broad term for a variety of therapies that may be a part of a treatment protocol. They are elements in the natural environment that stimulate parts of the brain and nervous system. Nerve cells need fuel and stimulation to thrive. Treatment is aimed at providing these. It includes activities that have been shown either by scientific research, past case study or immediate pre and post testing to activate nerve cells. They can include but are not limited to:

• Specific adjustments to joints
• Light, sound, smell, touch
• Balance activities
• Breathing exercises
• Nutritional modification
• Physical exercises
• Eye exercises
• Cognitive exercises

For further examples of how these therapies are applied, read "It Really Is All Connected."

Is nutrition part of the treatment?
Frequently, patients are in urgent need of nutritional changes and recommendations are made when appropriate.

What about changes in medication?
Changes in medication can only be made by the prescribing physician. Those decisions are between the patient and that doctor. Dr. Olivieri works with patients and their medical doctors to help insure that everyone involved in the case is on the same page.

American Chiropractic Neurology Board

Chiropractic Neurology is defined as the field of functional neurology that engages the internal and external environment of the individual in a structured and targeted approach to affect positive changes in the neuraxis and consequent physiology and behavior.

The Diplomate Program in Neurology Certification awarded by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board is fully accredited by the National Commission for Certification Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). The American Chiropractic Neurology Board is the only specialty certification agency for the Chiropractic Profession that is fully accredited by NCCA. NCCA's standards exceed the requirements set forth by the American Psychological Association and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The National Organization for Competency Assurance is the leader in setting Quality Standards for Credentialing Organizations.

The purpose of the certification program of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board is to conduct certification activities in a manner that upholds standards for competent practice in the health care specialty of Chiropractic Neurology. The Board also conducts recertification designed to enhance the continued competence of the Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist.

The population of certificants shall be Doctors of Chiropractic who have completed specialist level training in neurology from a chiropractic college, university, institution, foundation or agency whose program is approved by the continuing education committee of the Commission for the Accreditation of Graduate Education in Neurology of a minimum of 300 credit hours and who have demonstrated competency in both written and practical examinations administered by the Board in the specialty of neurology. You can search our database of certified practitioners here.

What is the difference between a regular Chiropractor and a Chiropractic Neurologist?

1. Certification requiring 300+ hours of continuing education in course work approved by the Commision for the Accreditation of Graduate Education in Neurology.
2. Yearly Recertification which includes: A. 30 Credit Hours of continuing education in the field of Neurology   B. Review of 24 articles yearly in the field of Neurology

Chiropractic Neurologists are board-certified specialists in non-drug, non-surgical care for those with neurologically based health problems.