Injuries such as concussions, along with accidents and illnesses, can traumatize the brain, making daily functions challenging. As a chiropractic neurologist, Dr. Shayne N. Bushong of Lancaster Brain & Spine Rehabilitation Center uses functional approaches to diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system that affect brain health.

Bushong is certified by the College Board of Chiropractic Neurology. He has a fellowship in traumatic brain injury and rehabilitation, along with certifications in brain injury, traumatology and laser therapy. While studying at Parker College of Chiropractic, he was curious about how he could use chiropractic to promote brain health.

Influenced by a presentation by Dr. Frederick Carrick, a Canadian chiropractor known as the “father of chiropractic neurology,” Bushong realized that he wanted to specialize in treating people with brain injuries and complicated neurological disorders.

Bushong and his associate, Dr. Stephen R. Hazlett, use traditional chiropractic care to address musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain syndrome. In addition, as a functional neurologist, Bushong uses noninvasive, drug-free approaches that include rehabilitation to address neurological disorders and injuries caused by concussions and head trauma. He also sees patients with movement disorders that cause muscle contractions, tremors and tics, as well as disorders that affect posture and balance.

Additionally, Bushong treats autonomic nervous system conditions such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which affects blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and digestion.

Functional Neurological Approaches Address and Manage Brain Injuries

Bushong begins with a thorough evaluation that includes learning about a patient’s history, childhood development, past and current illnesses, and lifestyle habits. He then combines a physical exam with sophisticated diagnostic testing to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Diagnostic tools include lab work and visual testing such as videonystagmography (VNG), which uses goggles with infrared cameras to track eye movements. “The eyes are the windows into the brain,” Bushong says. “When a patient has a neurological disorder, there are often eye movements that indicate there has been trauma or injury to the brain. That helps us pinpoint the location of the damage.”

Bushong also uses VNG to evaluate the vestibular, or sensory, system of the inner ear, which helps maintain balance and a sense of orientation. Other advanced technology he incorporates includes autonomic nervous system tests and tilt table testing to monitor heart rate, blood pressure and breathing; electroencephalography to measure brain waves; and computerized posturography, in which a patient stands on a small platform and performs a series of balance tests.

Bushong reviews test results and establishes an individualized plan to manage and improve neurological issues. Treatment techniques may include neurofeedback to retrain the brain to function properly; head, eye and vestibular therapy, which uses eye and head exercises to improve balance and coordination; mild electric stimulation to target the brain and nervous system; rehabilitative exercises; and chiropractic adjustments. In addition, all patients receive lifestyle and nutrition guidance to incorporate brain-healthy foods and supplements. Bushong may also recommend brain games to promote cognitive exercise and skill development, along with laser therapy to improve blood flow and oxygenation to tissues for faster cell healing.

“Our rehabilitation is very specific to each patient,” Bushong emphasizes. “We’re very conscious that the intensity level of treatment matches the patient’s needs and abilities. With repeated exercises, we help promote neuroplasticity, the body’s ability to make new neurological connections and strengthen existing pathways.”

If a patient isn’t a good fit for Bushong’s approach or needs additional care, he and his team refer them to outside practitioners, such as medical and/or functional doctors, as deemed appropriate. For those that do remain under his care, Bushong finds great satisfaction in providing relief to patients with chronic conditions that have not found solutions through surgical or pharmaceutical approaches. “It’s wonderful to give people hope and see them get better under our care,” he shares.

Lancaster Brain & Spine Rehabilitation Center is located at 221 Granite Run Dr., in Lancaster. For more information, call 717-299-9600 or visit LancasterBrainAndSpine.com.