Chiropractic & Concussions

Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) that can have serious short- and long-term effects, impacting everything from memory and mood to balance and coordination. Chiropractic care is increasingly gaining attention in concussion management. How exactly can a chiropractor help after a concussion, you ask? Let’s break it down!A concussion occurs when the brain is “shaken” within the skull due to a blow, bump, or jolt to the head, or from whiplash. Some symptoms appear right away and some are delayed. Concussion symptoms can vary, the most common include:HeadachesDizzinessNeck painBlurred visionFatigueTrouble concentratingSensitivity to light or noiseBalance problems

How Can Chiropractic Help?

Chiropractic does not "treat" the brain injury itself. Instead, it supports the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in their recovery. Chiropractors hold a neuromusculoskeletal approach — meaning we address the connections between the nervous system, muscles, and skeleton. This makes chiropractic care essential to help manage post-concussion symptoms. A concussion is caused by an estimated force of 70-120g. Injury to neck ligaments can occur with as little force as 4.5g! Neck care post-concussion is so important! Here are a few areas of focus for chiropractors managing concussions: Cervical spine dysfunction (the neck!). How? Well, typically during a concussion the cervical spine experiences some degree of trauma too. Damage or dysfunction in this area may lead to neck stiffness, pain, muscle tension, headaches or dizziness. Gentle chiropractic care can help restore proper function to these areas!Vestibular issues (dizziness or balance problems). How? Gentle spinal adjustments and cranial work may help to enhance brain to body communication so as to process spatial information more accurately.Muscle tension and headaches. How? Many headaches are cervicogenic in nature - meaning they originate from the neck. Chiropractic care can help relieve the dysfunction and tension in these areas!Autonomic nervous system dysregulation. What does this mean, and how? The autonomic nervous system consists of two main working branches - fight and flight (sympathetic) and rest and digest (parasympathetic). Due to various stressors one can be in dominance of the sympathetic system. This system is incredibly helpful in short periods, when a threat is present. However, being stuck in this mode is not helpful for us! Chiropractic care helps with nervous system regulation. Oftentimes, especially in cases where the event that brought on the concussion can leave your body feeling stuck in “fight or flight” mode.. Adjustments can help to “re-set” the nervous system.Are you or a friend/family member experiencing post-concussive symptoms? Book in with one of our WVCWG Chiropractors to see how we can help you! 

Book Chiropractic Today!