While concussions are common injuries, they should also be taken seriously as they are injuries to the brain. If you suspect a concussion, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional as quickly as possible to rule out other serious injuries and determine a course of treatment. If it is confirmed that a concussion is the problem, you do not have to worry about the emergency treatment associated with something like a brain bleed, but you will still need to find care as you heal. Many people don’t realize that a chiropractor is one of the best choices for managing concussion symptoms.
Understanding Your Concussion
Concussions are the most common, and mild, form of a traumatic brain injury, but they can still have an impact on your brain’s function. A concussion can be caused by a blow to the head from an external object or surface, or by the head and neck being shaken violently so that the brain hits against the skull. This is common as a result of a sports injury, a fall, or a car accident.
Most concussions have temporary side effects such as headaches, trouble balancing, problems with memory and concentration, or dizziness. Signs of a concussion usually include physical symptoms like a ringing in your ears, nausea, and blurry vision, as well as cognitive issues like feeling fatigued or dizzy. It can sometimes be difficult to notice a concussion in yourself, and a loved one may point out these differences.
Brain and Spine Health
While a concussion is an injury to the brain, it can be caused by injuries that involve the spine and it can have negative impacts on the spine as well. The spine is composed of 33 vertebrae stacked vertically, working together to keep you upright, mobile, and healthy. The top of these vertebrae holds your head in place, stabilizing the brain.
When something like whiplash, a fall, or a contact injury occurs, these vertebrae can become displaced and misaligned. Even a very slight misalignment can interrupt the nervous system, causing surprising symptoms, including those involved in a concussion. As a part of healing injuries to the brain, it is critical to make sure the spine is aligned properly.
Visiting a Chiropractor
There are two main focuses that conventional medicine has when it comes to concussion: prevention, and management of symptoms. Prevention is always preferred, especially when it comes to concussions, where there is evidence that cumulative effects can occur if more are sustained. Management of symptoms is also critical in the immediate aftermath. But in addition to these focuses, chiropractic care is concerned primarily with addressing the root cause of your concussion and healing any misalignments associated.
Once you have confirmed that a concussion is your diagnosis, most medical providers will allow you to heal at home as there is no emergency brain treatment needed. Your next step should be to seek out a chiropractor for ongoing treatment and management.
The first thing a chiropractor will do is have an initial consultation with a chiropractor, discussing how the injury occurred, your medical history, and what symptoms you are experiencing. This visit will likely also include a physical exam, where you are asked to perform some simple cognitive and physical assessments and the chiropractor evaluates your spine. This will help them to understand the severity of your case and what treatment may look like.
Your chiropractor will then put together a detailed treatment plan, usually based around recurring chiropractic adjustments designed to align the spine properly. You may also be recommended physical therapy, medication for pain management, rest, or other simple therapies to help you recover. As your concussion heals, the chiropractor will continue to assess your spine and determine where misalignments may be present in order to heal them.
Preventing Concussions
In addition to treating the root cause of injuries, chiropractic care typically also helps with prevention of future problems by allowing the body to function properly. When it comes to concussions, prevention often involves avoiding strenuous or dangerous activities in order to avoid future concussions. But even if you do find yourself in a similar position, a stronger spine and neck will offer protection against further head injuries.
