Chiropractic Neurology

Chiropractic Neurology



What sets our treatments apart from so many others is the incorporation of our deep understanding of the nervous system and how that translates into healing- it's not just about changing the structure but also changing the pathways that connect the structure to the brain. And it's this reconnection and reintegration that serve as the backbone of what we do. We are New England's premier center for chiropractic neurology. 

We understand that everything in the body is conected. From the spine to the brain, the nervous system is the engine of feeling. And when a connection is broken, you feel it. The connection and reintegration is the inspiration behind our care, demonstrating the core of who we are: restoring connections in our patients. 

A person's condition is typically a result of a combination of factors involving muscle, joint, nerve and brain. Thereby, a diagnostic and treatment approach that involves all of those structures will create the best possible, long-term outcome. That's what the Portland Chiropractic Neurology model incorporates, reconnecting all of these structures through a multi-modal appraoch that combines chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy, neurology and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Our analysis allows us to determine which therapies are right for you and then applied over a certain treatment plan we achieve long-lasting results based upon the principles of neuroplasticity. 

Neurology Core Testing Program:

Video-Oculography (VOG, sometimes referred to as VNG) that measure eye movements that relate to specific regions of the brain, brain stem and vestibular system.

Sensitive balance and coordination testing of proprioception and brain using Computerized Assessments of Posturography Systems (CAPS) that allow us to measure dysfunctional areas sensory input related to Migraine.

Tilt Table Testing

Autonomic Assessment

Clinical Examination (Neurology, Proprioceptive, Respiration)

Gait analysis

Oxygen evaluation

Metabolic capacity

Objective measures

Spatial and Temporal Summation (Treatment Plan)

Neurology Core Treatment Program:

  • Tilt Table Treatment (TTT)
  • Non-Invasive Nerve Stimulation (NINS)
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
  • Oculomotor retraining (eye movement exercises) (OMR)
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR)
  • Occupational Therapy (OT)
  • Rib Manipulation (RM)
  • Cervicovestibular rehabilitation (CVR)
  • Specific Chiropractic Neurological Manipulations for Oxygenation L/S/T (SCNM-O)
  • Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT)
  • Postural Restoration (PR)
  • Physical Therapy (PT)
  • Functional Neurological Rehabilitation/Neuroplasticity Retraining Exercises (FNR/NRE)
  • Co-treatment (Botox, Medications, etc..) (CT)
  • Migraine dietary recommendations (MDR)

Why so much focus on Neuroplasticity?

Neurons require Activation, Oxygen and Fuel (glucose) to maintain a healthy state of -65 mV and undergo Immediate Early Gene Response to create more cellular contents such as sodium/potassium pumps, mitochondria for ATP formation, axonal and dendritic connections with neighboring cells, etc. The list you saw is how we target the dysfunctional areas with activation, oxygen and carry fuel to those cells. This has to be done in a very graded, careful manner so as to not exceed the metabolic rate of the neurons involved. We observe metabolic capacity for each individual and maintain levels of treatment that stay below those levels so as to keep a steady progression of healthy return to a normal state of function. Neurons respond through Temporal and Spatial Summation, so we can develop treatment plans based on your severity that will allow maximal response and long-term changes. This is known as Neuroplasticity and is at the core of our Concussion Program. I often tell people, I don't know how much I can help you, but in most cases, we're able to improve individuals at least 50% with the understanding that our goal is much higher. Your response depends on multiple factors, including genetics, central sensitization (chronicity), following our treatment plan and so forth. We are very open and honest with our patients and do our best to provide accurate information, but it is a functional issue and it is sometimes difficult to be exacting in our predictions. 

The Portland Chiropractic Neurology approach

Portland Chiropractic Neurology utilizes evidence based treatments in a multi-modal approach, patient centered model that allows individualized diagnosis and treatments by combining Neurology, Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine (HBOT), Chiropractic, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. It is recommended that evaluation occurs after concussive injuries by a trained professional, such as at PCN. Early intervention is encouraged, but not always necessary. As the leading Chiropractic Neurology office in Maine, the doctors at Portland Chiropractic Neurology (PCN) are highly trained in these areas and have a very successful track record for treatment of Post Concussion Syndrome. Dr. Aaron MacArthur is a Chiropractic Neurologist and has a fellowship in Brain Injury and Rehablitation as well as a fellowship in Vestibular Diagnosis and Rehabilitation. He teaches within the United States on various topics of concussion and migraine care. Dr. Haley Girard is also a Chiropractic Neurologist with extensive training in concussion. 

With our ability to diagnose the multiple causes of your specific condition, we are then able to connect the dots and treat you appropriately, ensuring the best outcome possible.  By combining Physical Rehab, Chiropractic and Neurology, we are able to help our patients with a much higher success rate. Further testing may be required, utilizing VNG (Videonystagmography), EMG, NCV, EEG, MRI, CT, X-ray or blood panels