New Patients : Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Chiropractic Neurology?
• What is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist?
• Why should I see a chiropractic neurologist when I have already seen a medical doctor and/or medical neurologist for my condition?
• What type of testing is performed?
• What type of care is offered?
• Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?
• Is chiropractic treatment safe?
• Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?
• Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?
• Do I have to have x-rays?
• Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?
• What is a "subluxation"?
• How long will each appointment take?
• Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

 

What is Chiropractic Neurology?

Chiropractic Neurology is a science-based, healthcare specialty that focuses on optimizing the function of the nervous system. The most recent advances in neuroscience support the interventions provided by Chiropractic Neurologists for the treatment of nervous system disorders. Neuroplasticity is a newly coined term that describes the brain’s natural ability to create new connections and strengthen existing connections. Neuroplasticians strive to enhance the performance of the nervous system and this term best describes the Chiropractic Neurologist. The application of non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical interventions allow the Chiropractic Neurologist to promote neuroplasticity in all patients, regardless of age or clinical presentation. Most often, these miraculous, neuroplastic changes are most dramatic in those children who suffer with ADHD, learning difficulties and chronic infections, and in those individuals suffering with headaches, dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, tremors, tics, dystonias, nerve entrapments and chronic pain syndromes.

 

What is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist?

Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologists are:

1. Specialists within the chiropractic profession who have completed an intensive three year post-doctoral course of study in neurology.
2. Specialists who have successfully demonstrated expertise in the detection and correction of nervous system disorders during a rigorous board examination administered by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (learn more at www.acnb.org.)
3. Specialists who recertify their credentials yearly in order to remain at the forefront of neuroscience and neurological applications.

Dr. Culleton is one of an elite team of thirty (30) Chiropractic Neurologists worldwide that hold the position of Assistant Professor of Neurology at the prestigious Carrick Institute (www.carrickinstitute.org). Dr. Culleton travels internationally to teach the most advanced neurological applications to fellow chiropractors who are training to become credentialed in the field of neurology.

 

Why should I see a chiropractic neurologist when I have already seen a medical doctor and/or medical neurologist for my condition?

Typically, medical neurologists look for a pathology (tumor, infection, genetic disorder, etc.) by ordering multiple tests (MRI, CT scan, blood work, genetic markers, etc.) Once they diagnose a specific condition (i.e.: a genetic disorder that creates a tremor), they prescribe pharmaceuticals to stimulate chemical receptors in order to minimize the symptomatic presentation. Unfortunately, medications create unwanted side-effects that create the need for more medications, which creates more unwanted side-effects, and so on.

Typically, patients present to the chiropractic neurologist after they “have been everywhere” for their condition. Patients are often frustrated and disappointed because the MRI or CT scan are “negative”, they have been diagnosed with a disorder based on their symptoms and they have been treated with numerous drugs and/or surgeries and still suffer with their original neurological symptoms. Chiropractic neurologists recognize the fact that most neurologic disorders are not due to pathology (i.e.: tumor or genetic disorder that creates a tremor). Chiropractic neurologists realize that altered firing rates from specialized sensors in the spine, muscles, balance systems, etc. create deficits and asymmetries in the delicate balance of the nervous system. These deficits mimic pathology. Board certified chiropractic neurologists choose to enhance the nervous system through non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical interventions. They formulate a plan to stimulate the physical receptors in the spine, muscles, balance systems, eyes, etc. to increase the frequency of firing of nerve impulses to the specific regions of the brain and spinal cord that are deficient. This type of physical neuromodulation promotes neural efficiency and neuroplasticity, often with miraculous results! Dramatic, life-altering changes are possible through this form of nervous system stimulation, despite the genetic defect or labeled disorder!

 

What type of testing is performed?

Chiropractic neurology utilizes evaluations that are taught in both chiropractic and medical schools. These evaluations are purely scientific investigations into human physiology and include such traditional clinical techniques as reflex testing, motor/muscle strength testing, and sensory testing of the face and extremities, as well as vestibule-ocular tests, optokinetic tests, pursuit and saccade testing, blind spot evaluation, radiography, postural analysis, vestibular and cerebellar testing. The Chiropractic Neurology & Wellness Center also utilizes state-of-the-art technology to gauge the performance of a patient's nervous system: Computerized Posturography digitally records and analyzes a patient’s Level Of Stability; and Video-Electronystagmography (V-ENG) digitally records the movements of the eyes. Both of these tests are a reflection of certain aspects of brain function and information provided by these tests aids in the discovery of brain asymmetry. These devices also allow the chiropractic neurologist to evaluate the cause of dizziness and other balance disorders.

 

What type of care is offered?

Our state-of-the-art facility utilizes highly sophisticated neurodiagnostic equipment to OBJECTIVELY measure the efficiency of your nervous system and OBJECTIVELY demonstrate the effectiveness of your care. Once we determine where your nervous system deficiencies are, we tailor a specific care plan that directs treatment towards enhancement of that area.

It is a scientific fact that the human nervous system requires environmental stimulation from a variety of sources. The Chiropractic Neurology & Wellness Center embraces this scientific fact and incorporates the use of non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical interventions such as:  dynamic spinal adjustments for subluxation correction; visual stimulation; Eyelights therapy (syntonics); eye tracking exercises (orthoptics); auditory stimulation; vestibular stimulation; Whole Body Vibration; balance exercises; cognitive exercises; computerized brain exercises; and nutritional counseling.

 

Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?

No, a patient does not need referral by an MD before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are first contact physicians, and are so defined in federal and state regulations. Following a consultation and examination, the doctor of chiropractic will arrive at a diagnosis under chiropractic care, or refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects.

Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?

The majority of all insured American workers have coverage for chiropractic services in their health care plans.

We accept the following insurances:
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Medicare
However, we are working to partner with more insurance carriers to help you get the care you need. If your insurance is not on the list, please call the office (512-366-5911) to see what financial arrangements can be made.

Do I have to have x-rays?

The doctor will determine if films are necessary during the examination and then will discuss this with you.

Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?

The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient needs to be in his or her office. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (i.e. taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. Your doctor of chiropractic should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.

What is a "subluxation"?

A subluxation is a misalignment of the bones that house and protect the spinal cord. Any misalignment puts unnecessary pressure on the nerve system and damages the nerve supply to different parts of the body. Vertebral subluxations that are left undetected and unadjusted for many years can lead to symptoms of pain, diseases, and an unhealthy expression of life.

How long will each appointment take?

Because we value your time, we operate an incredibly efficient office. If your initial examination is at 11:00 am, it will begin at 11:00 am. Please be present 15 minutes prior to your appointment and be sure to complete your paperwork PRIOR to your examination.

• Day 1: We ask that you set aside 45 minutes for your initial consultation and examination.
• Day 2: We ask that you set aside 30 minutes for your Report of Findings and first treatment.
• Day 3 and forward: We ask that you set aside 15 minutes for your treatments.

Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nerve system. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patients size, weight, age, and condition of health.

Your health and care is most important to us, so if you have questions that have not been answered, please call us and we’d be happy to talk with you. 366-5911