5 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Concussions

If you are suffering from a concussion, there are many benefits to seeking chiropractic care for post-concussion rehabilitation.

A concussion is a brain injury that can occur after a blow to the head. Concussions are usually mild but can sometimes be severe. Symptoms of a concussion may not appear until days or even weeks after the initial injury.

Most concussion sufferers heal on their own with time and rest. However, some people may experience long-term problems after a concussion. Chiropractic treatments can help with this process.

Understanding Concussions 

When a person has a concussion, the brain is injured and does not function as well as it should. The brain is made up of cells called neurons that communicate with each other by sending electrical signals.

Concussions damage the neurons, causing them to stop working correctly and leading to mild to severe symptoms.

Concussion Symptoms 

Concussion symptoms include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering
• Slurred speech
• Sleep problems

Post-Concussion Syndromes' Relationship to the Upper Cervical Spine 

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a condition that may develop after a person has suffered a concussion or a mild form of traumatic brain injury. Symptoms of PCS can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. 

While most concussion patients recover within a few weeks, some may develop PCS. There is no definitive cause of PCS, but it is believed to be associated with changes in the brain that occur after a concussion.

Cervical Misalignment 

One of the most common symptoms of PCS is neck pain, likely because concussions can cause misalignment in the cervical spine (the neck). This misalignment can put pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that travel through the neck, causing pain.

Temporomandibular Disorders 

PCS can also be associated with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). TMD is a condition that affects the jaw and face muscle causing jaw, face, neck, and shoulder pain.

Treatment for PCS and TMD often includes a combination of medication, physical therapy, and counseling. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem.

Vestibular-Ocular Disorders 

Vestibular-ocular disorders are problems with how the eyes and ears work together and can lead to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and problems with balance. Vestibular-ocular disorders can make it difficult for a person to function normally.

PCS can cause vestibular-ocular disorders because of how the injury affects the brain. When the brain is injured, it can have difficulty coordinating the eyes and ears, leading to vestibular-ocular conditions.

Treatment for vestibular-ocular disorders varies depending on the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, vestibular rehabilitation exercises may be recommended. These exercises help the brain learn to coordinate the eyes and ears properly. In other cases, medication may be necessary to help control the symptoms.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Concussions 

Some evidence suggests that chiropractic care may help treat concussion patients. Research shows that chiropractic adjustment and other treatments were associated with a decrease in concussion symptoms, including headache, dizziness, and nausea.

Additionally, patients who receive chiropractic care after a concussion have a shorter recovery time than those who do not receive chiropractic care.

1. Alleviate Symptoms 

Chiropractic treatment can treat various symptoms linked to concussions, including headaches, neck pain, back pain, and dizziness.

One of the most common ways chiropractic care treats headaches, neck pain, and dizziness is by realigning the spine. When the spine is out of alignment, it can pressure the nerves and cause various symptoms. By gently manipulating the spine back into alignment, chiropractors can relieve this pressure and alleviate the symptoms.

Chiropractic care can alleviate nausea and vomiting. When the spine is out of alignment, it can cause the stomach to contract and push acid up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. By realigning the spine, chiropractors can help to prevent this from happening, alleviating these symptoms.

2. Faster Recovery 

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or disease. However, chronic inflammation can delay healing and cause further damage. Chiropractic care can reduce inflammation and help the body heal more quickly.

3. Increase Blood Flow to the Brain 

Your brain controls and coordinates all of the functions of your body. It relies on a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients. When blood flow to the brain is restricted, it can lead to various problems, including difficulties with thinking, memory, and concentration.

Chiropractic care is an effective treatment for reducing restrictions in blood flow to the brain. Chiropractic adjustments are associated with increased blood flow to the brain, and people receiving them have significantly greater blood flow to the middle cerebral artery.

4. Prevent Further Injuries 

Chiropractic care can help reduce the risk of injury for athletes and non-athletes. For athletes, chiropractic care can improve performance and prevent injuries by keeping the musculoskeletal system healthy and properly aligned. For non-athletes, chiropractic care can reduce the risk of injuries by improving posture and alignment and preventing falls and other accidents.

Chiropractic care is based on the principle that the body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. When the musculoskeletal system is aligned correctly, the nervous system functions optimally, and the body can heal itself.

5. Natural Drug-free Treatment 

Chiropractic treatment is a drug-free form of healthcare that uses manual spinal manipulation to correct alignment issues in the spine and other joints. Chiropractors believe that misalignments in the spine can lead to pain and other health problems, so they use manipulations to restore proper alignment. It's a natural way to treat various medical conditions and get pain relief.

Conclusion 

If you’re recovering from a concussion, chiropractic care is a great way to ease your symptoms and speed your healing.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.