Maybe you've had scans that came back normal, but you still feel dizzy when you turn your head. Maybe your migraines keep coming back no matter what you try. Or maybe you had a concussion months ago and still don't feel like yourself.
When tests look fine but you don't feel fine, the problem may lie in how your brain and body communicate. That's the focus of chiropractic neurology. Here's what it is, how it differs from other care, and how it helps with three of the most common concerns we see: concussions, dizziness, and migraines.
What is chiropractic neurology?
Chiropractic neurology is a specialized, non-invasive approach to care that focuses on your nervous system. It looks at how well your brain, eyes, inner ear, and body work together. You may also hear it called functional neurology.
The word "functional" is the key. Traditional imaging, like an MRI, shows the structure of your brain. Chiropractic neurology looks at how your brain is working. A brain can look healthy on a scan and still have trouble processing balance, movement, or visual signals.
Your nervous system learns through input. When certain pathways stop working well together, the right exercises at the right dose can help retrain them. That's the core idea behind this type of care.
How is it different from regular chiropractic care?
Regular chiropractic care mainly focuses on your spine and joints. It uses adjustments to restore motion and ease pressure on nerves.
Chiropractic neurology goes further into the nervous system itself. Instead of focusing only on the spine, your doctor tests how your brain handles eye movement, balance, coordination, and posture. Care often uses targeted drills rather than adjustments alone, though the two can work together.
How is it different from seeing a neurologist?
A medical neurologist diagnoses and treats nervous system conditions with medication, procedures, and specialized testing. That care is important, especially for serious or new symptoms.
Chiropractic neurology doesn't use medication or surgery. It focuses on rehabilitation, helping your nervous system function better through hands-on care and guided exercises. Many people use both. Our team is happy to coordinate with your other providers so your care stays connected.
What happens during a chiropractic neurology exam?
Your first visit starts with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, health history, and what makes things better or worse. Then your doctor runs a series of tests that may include:
- How smoothly your eyes track a moving target
- How well you balance with your eyes open and closed
- How your body responds when your head moves
- How your neck moves and feels
- Your coordination, reflexes, and posture
These tests help show which systems need support. Your care plan is built from your exam findings, not a fixed formula.
How chiropractic neurology helps concussions
A concussion can throw off the teamwork between your brain, eyes, inner ear, and neck. Even after the injury heals, those systems may keep sending mixed signals. That's often what drives lingering brain fog, headaches, light sensitivity, and dizziness.
Chiropractic neurology uses guided eye, head, and balance drills to help those systems sync back up. Care is paced so your brain is challenged without being overwhelmed. Many people find they can return to work, exercise, and screen time with less strain as their systems recalibrate.
If your symptoms have hung on for weeks or months, read our guide on why concussion symptoms linger and how brain-based care helps. You can also learn more about our concussion and vestibular support.
How chiropractic neurology helps dizziness
Dizziness can mean a lot of things. You might feel like the room is spinning, like you're floating, or like you're about to tip over. It can show up when you stand, turn your head, ride the subway, or walk through a crowded store.
Your sense of balance depends on three main inputs:
- Your inner ear, which senses head movement and position
- Your eyes, which tell your brain where you are in space
- Your body, especially your neck and feet, which sense position and pressure
Your brain combines all three. When one input is off, or when your brain has trouble blending them, dizziness can follow.
A chiropractic neurology exam helps find which part of that system isn't working well. From there, your doctor uses targeted exercises to help your brain process balance signals more accurately. Because the neck plays a role in balance, care may also include gentle chiropractic work to restore healthy neck motion.
How chiropractic neurology helps migraines
Migraines are more than a bad headache. They can come with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, visual changes, and even dizziness. When migraines and dizziness show up together, it's sometimes called vestibular migraine.
For many people, migraine triggers are tied to the nervous system and neck. A sensitive nervous system may react strongly to bright light, screens, stress, or poor sleep. Tension and limited motion in the neck can add to the problem.
Chiropractic neurology looks at both sides. Your doctor may use drills that help calm an overreactive nervous system, along with hands-on care that eases neck and muscle tension. Many people notice their migraines become less frequent and less intense over time. Learn more about our approach to headaches and migraines.
When to get emergency care first
Some symptoms need urgent medical attention before any other care. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have:
- A sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had before
- Weakness, numbness, or drooping on one side of your face or body
- Slurred speech, confusion, or trouble understanding others
- Sudden vision loss or double vision
- A headache that keeps getting worse after a head injury
- Repeated vomiting, a seizure, or trouble staying awake
Once serious causes have been ruled out, our team can help with the symptoms that remain.
Who chiropractic neurology can help
This type of care may be a good fit if you:
- Still have symptoms weeks or months after a concussion
- Feel dizzy, unsteady, or off balance and don't know why
- Have migraines that keep coming back despite other treatment
- Struggle with brain fog, focus, or screen sensitivity
- Have been told your tests look normal, but you still don't feel right
Care that looks at the whole picture
At Infinite Health Group, chiropractic neurology is part of our brain health and neurology care. Because our team works together under one roof, your plan can also include chiropractic care, physical therapy, and soft tissue work when your exam calls for it. Learn more about chiropractic neurology at Infinite Health Group.
Frequently asked questions
Is chiropractic neurology safe?
Yes, it's a gentle, non-invasive approach. Care starts with a careful exam, and every drill is paced to what your body can handle. If anything in your exam points to a need for further testing, your doctor will guide you to the right next step.
Does chiropractic neurology involve adjustments?
Not always. Many treatment plans focus mainly on eye, balance, and movement drills. When your neck or spine plays a role in your symptoms, your doctor may also include gentle chiropractic care.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on your symptoms and how long you've had them. Sessions usually run 30 to 60 minutes as part of a planned program. Your doctor will track your progress and adjust your plan as you improve.
Do I need a referral?
Call our team at (212) 970-0047, and we can let you know what your plan requires.
Will my insurance cover my visits?
We accept most major PPO plans, either in-network or through out-of-network benefits. We'll verify your coverage before your first visit. We don't accept EPO, HMO, or Medicare plans, but we do offer self-pay rates.
Which office should I choose?
Pick whichever is most convenient. Our Financial District office is at 150 Broadway, Floor 9, and our Midtown office is at 11 West 36th Street, Floor 4. Both offer the same high standard of care.
Find out what's really going on
You don't have to keep living with dizziness, headaches, or symptoms nobody can explain. A thorough exam can show how your brain and body are working together and what may help them work better.
Book your consultation or call (212) 970-0047.
