You’ve heard about chiropractors helping with back and neck pain.
But guess what? They’re also stepping into the spotlight to help with concussions!
If someone gets a nasty head injury, chiropractors wield effective techniques that will help speed up your complete recovery. It’s a fantastic way to boost the body after a concussion!
Key Takeaways
- Americans experience 1.6-3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions every year.
- Symptoms of a concussion include headaches, dizziness, and cognitive impairments.
- Chiropractic care is adept at addressing spinal misalignments, therefore alleviating persistent symptoms of a concussion.
Concussions 101
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury occurring when the brain experiences a sudden movement or impact. It can occur during sports, accidents, or any event that causes a hard blow to the head.
Inside our skull, the brain is surrounded by fluid that acts as a cushion. However, with a strong enough force, the brain may shift and strike the inner walls of the skull. This impact can result in changes to the brain’s normal functions, leading to headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
The 4 Causes of Post-Concussion Syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a complex condition you may develop after a concussion. It involves a variety of symptoms that can persist for weeks, months, or even longer after the initial injury.
Several factors might contribute to the development of PCS:
Whiplash Injury
Whiplash injury, which happens when the neck and head are suddenly and forcefully jerked backward and forward, may play a role in post-concussion syndrome. This injury harms the brain and the structures around it, leading to prolonged symptoms.
Hormone Dysfunction
Our brain helps regulate hormones — messengers controlling various body functions. If a concussion disrupts this hormonal balance, it can lead to PCS symptoms.
Dysfunctional Neurovascular Coupling
Dysfunctional Neurovascular Coupling means the communication between nerve cells and blood vessels in the brain isn’t working correctly. Think of it as a miscommunication between two teammates in a relay race, causing a delay or mistake.
Dysautonomia
The body’s autonomic nervous system handles things we don’t think about, like our heartbeat and digestion. Dysautonomia occurs when this system gets out of balance, affecting how the body responds to various situations.
5 Post-Concussion Syndrome Symptoms
Post-concussion syndrome is a complex condition that presents a range of symptoms.
One of the most common symptoms is headaches. Some patients experience them similarly to migraines, while others feel a constant dull ache. Closely related to headaches is dizziness, making it difficult for patients to maintain balance or feel grounded.
Memory loss may also arise, such as forgetting recent events or struggling to recall information that used to come quickly. Along with memory troubles, patients with PCS face difficulties concentrating, making focus-based tasks more challenging.
Sleep disturbances are another concern. You will find it harder to fall asleep while waking up frequently and feeling extremely tired even after a whole night’s rest.
Mood changes may also occur, including irritability, anxiety, or even depression. It’s not just an emotional effect but a direct result of the changes in the brain after a concussion.
Finally, your noise and light sensitivity will be heightened, making bright lights or loud noises uncomfortable.
6 Things That May Aggravate Your Concussion Symptoms
Post-concussion syndrome is challenging to manage, and certain factors will only worsen its symptoms.
One major factor is overexertion, both mentally and physically. If someone with PCS prematurely jumps back into their regular activities, like intense studying or rigorous sports, they might notice their symptoms worsening.
Stress is another aggravator. The brain has to go into overdrive whenever someone is stressed, whether from work, school, or personal issues. For someone with PCS, this extra strain will intensify symptoms like headaches or difficulty concentrating.
Lack of sleep might also worsen PCS symptoms. The brain uses sleep time to recover and heal, so insufficient rest will hinder recovery, making symptoms more prominent.
Bright lights and loud noises are especially bothersome for patients with PCS. Places with flashing lights or booming sounds, like concerts or busy malls, make their light and noise sensitivities more noticeable.
Alcohol and certain medications can affect the brain’s healing process, potentially exacerbating PCS symptoms. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new drugs or consuming alcohol.
Lastly, not following medical advice is always detrimental. Always listen if a doctor recommends taking it easy, avoiding certain activities, or pursuing specific treatments. Ignoring this guidance will only worsen and prolong your symptoms.
Seeking Chiropractic Care for Concussion Symptoms
Concussion injuries are complex, but chiropractic care has emerged as a potential way to help manage their symptoms!
Let’s dive into how it works.
First, we must begin with the C1 and C2 vertebrae. They are the two uppermost bones in your neck, right at the base of your skull. They play a vital role in supporting your head, allowing it to move in various directions.
These vertebrae, especially C1 and C2, sometimes become misaligned due to concussions. This might not sound like a big deal. Still, even a tiny shift in these bones’ position can affect the surrounding nerves and blood flow to the brain, contributing to many concussion symptoms.
Enter chiropractic treatments.
Chiropractors are trained professionals who specialize in adjusting the cervical spine and neck. By focusing on the misaligned C1 and C2 vertebrae, chiropractors gently and precisely move them back to their proper positions. Chiropractic adjustments aim to relieve pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce irritation in the affected area.
Once the vertebrae are correctly aligned, many patients report reduced post-concussion symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and neck pain. Plus, by promoting better blood flow to the brain, chiropractic care supports the brain’s natural healing process.
Chiropractic adjustments offer a hands-on approach to physical therapy to help the body recover from the effects of a concussion by focusing on the vital C1 and C2 vertebrae. It’s an exciting and promising care area for those navigating post-concussion recovery challenges.
How to Help Yourself Heal After a Concussion
Recovering from a concussion is a serious matter. While medical professionals are critical in guiding this process, you can also take active steps to aid your healing.
A combination of rest, proper nutrition, and regular check-ins with medical experts will significantly support your road to complete recovery!
First and foremost, it’s essential to get plenty of rest. The brain needs downtime to heal, so taking it easy and avoiding strenuous physical and mental activities is necessary. Dimming the lights and reducing screen time will lessen eye strain and further support your recovery.
Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet will fuel the body with the necessary nutrients to repair itself. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other substances that could interfere with the brain’s natural healing process.
And, of course, always keep in touch with a healthcare provider to monitor your progress and get advice tailored to your needs.
How Long Does the Healing Process After a Concussion Take?
The healing process after a concussion can be tricky because everyone’s body reacts differently.
Several factors influence the length of the recovery journey. These include the severity of the concussion, your age (younger patients usually recover faster), and whether it’s your first concussion.
For many patients, the symptoms of a concussion, like headaches or dizziness, go away within a few days to a few weeks. They can rest, take it easy, and gradually return to their usual activities. This is often the case for mild concussions.
However, for some, these symptoms can last longer, even months. This condition is known as post-concussion syndrome. In such cases, patients might constantly feel tired, have trouble concentrating, or experience mood changes.
Let Dr. Doerr Guide Your Concussion Healing Process!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help for post-concussion syndrome patients. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on concussion treatment!
References
- “What Is a Concussion?” What Is a Concussion? | Brain Injury Research Institute, www.protectthebrain.org/Brain-Injury-Research/What-is-a-Concussion-.aspx. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.
