Functional Neurology

Functional Neurology is based on the understanding that our bodies primary purpose is to connect us with our environment.

Our nervous system receives information through our senses, processes that information and then expresses our interpretation of that information.  This is who we are, truly one of a kind.

It is a well established medical fact that the nervous system controls and coordinates all other systems of the body. If we develop imbalances in our nervous system, this impairs its ability to control and coordinate all other systems. This produces dysfunction that can progress into symptoms and disease.  The medical neurologist uses drugs and surgery to treat abnormal neurologic function that has progressed to the extent that it can be classified as disease.  The functional neurologist uses stimulation of specific  neuronal pools to restore balance to body function.  Examples of different types of stimuli are sight, sound, smell, heat/cold, eye movements, adjustments or exercises.  The functional neurologist identifies areas of the nervous system (primarily the brain) that are over or under active and uses stimulation of the body’s senses to restore balance.

How does the brain work?

Your brain controls and coordinates all function of the body (Grey’s Anatomy). When functioning normally, the cerebellum, which is the back bottom part of your cranium, sends messages or “fires” to the brain (right and left hemisphere) which in turn “fires” to the brain stem (mesencephalon, pons, and medulla). This is called the “Brain Loop”.

Normal Brain Function

Your health, well-being, physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional stability are all directly correlated with proper brain function, the “Brain Loop.”

When functioning correctly, the cerebellum receives adequate input, sending normal input to the brain’s frontal lobes, which sends sufficient input to the lower brainstem, keeping the mesencephalon from over-firing.

What goes wrong?

Stress – physical, chemical, and emotional stress will adversely affect this “brain loop.”  Stress is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it is the constant, pervasive, never-ending stress of our culture that is so detrimental.

Abnormal Brain Function

If one side of the cerebellum is not receiving enough nerve input, it cannot send sufficient nerve input to the frontal lobe, which can’t send enough input to the lower brainstem to keep the mesencephalon from over-firing.

What’s the deal with the mesencephalon?

The mesencephalon (a.k.a. upper brain stem, a.k.a. midbrain, a.k.a. cerebral peduncle) normally is inhibited by the brain. In other words, when the “brain loop” is intact, the mesencephalon is turned off (or on low).

However, once stress interrupts the “brain loop”, the mesencephalon is left unchecked. Basically, the nervous system gets stuck in a sympathetic (fight or flight) response.

A mesencephalon that is not firing properly can cause symptoms such as fibromyalgia, ADD, sciatica, chronic pain, etc.

What about the cerebellum?

A key part to the “brain loop” is the cerebellum. This is the back, bottom part of your brain that controls many functions including your balance and coordination, spinal postural muscles, and terminates eye movements. When one side of your cerebellum is not firing properly it can lead to a host of common ailments.

A mis-firing cerebellum will cause one side of the postural muscles to be in constant spasm. This one-sided muscle spasm will cause imbalances in the spinal alignment. Additionally, individual vertebrae can lock up and be restricted in their normal movement. Consequently, chronic back and neck pain, spinal degeneration, arthritis, disc herniations, and sciatica may develop. Once pathologies are ruled out, chronic dizziness and balance disorders are also often the result of cerebellar dysfunction.

How do you fix the brain?

A thorough functional neurological examination will reveal which aspect of your brain is not firing properly. Since once side of the body is controlled by the opposite side of the brain (example: right brain controls the left side of the body), most treatments are given on one side of the body to stimulate the opposite hemisphere of the brain.

A safe, gentle, integration process is used to re-boot, reconnect and restore proper brain function. Traditional chiropractic instruments and/or adjustments are also used, but they are used in a very precise manner to stimulate function in the effected part of the brain.

In addition, visual, auditory, and olfactory stimulation, heat, eye movements, eye exercises, and other modalities may be used to increase brain firing.

What health problems can Functional Neurology help with?

Please understand that functional neurology is not a specific treatment for any disease, illness or disorder. We do not try to cure anything.

Our expertise lies in naturally and holistically re-wiring your brain and then getting out of the way so your body can heal.

However, once the “brain loop” is restored and any brain imbalances are minimized amazing things can happen. The following is a list of health conditions people have shown significant improvement with:

• Balance disorders
• arm/shoulder pain
• low back pain/sciatica
• bulging/herniated discs
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• dizziness
• dystonia
• early Alzheimer’s symptoms
• fibromyalgia
• RLS (restless leg syndrome)
• headaches
• migraines
• insomnia
• hip/knee/feet pain
• tremor disorders
• MS symptoms
• neck pain
• numbness
• spinal stenosis
• low immunity

Sandra's Story

OSST Resolved My Chronic Fatigue...
Life is Much Easier Now!

For the past seven years I had spent most of my time in bed from chronic fatigue. This clinic pulled me out of it. I had come to Olympic Spine & Sports Therapy with the idea that I just wanted to maintain my spine; I had no idea that it would resolve my chronic fatigue or correct my posture. I didn’t even know what postural rehabilitation was before I started treatment. It has also helped stop the degeneration process that was starting in my spine, and I have great range of motion now. I used to feel so stiff and locked up. Life in general is much easier now. I am able to travel, run, and cross pattern with no trouble. I really feel that the posture correction helped eliminate the majority of my symptoms.   — Sandra M., Sewickley, PA