Should I See A Chiropractor After Concussion?
In 2018, an estimated 69 million people worldwide sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI), many of whom experience a concussion. Road traffic accidents, falls and sports injuries are the most common TBI related incidents, with an estimated 100,000 resulting in a concussion. This figure may also be significantly higher, as it’s taken from hospitalisation and emergency data, but many cases often go unreported or detected.
It’s critical to seek medical attention as quickly as possible following a concussion. While initial diagnostic testing is often conducted by a physician or sports medicine specialist, usually in a hospital setting, those suffering ongoing symptoms may benefit from chiropractic care.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by rapid movement such as a sudden bump or blow to the head. This force causes the brain to move back and forth rapidly inside your skull. That unnaturally abrupt motion can damage the brain, resulting in changes on a chemical and/or cellular level.
Although physical signals of concussion will show up immediately, cognitive symptoms may not appear for hours, days or weeks. If symptoms are ongoing, it may be a sign of a disorder called post-concussion syndrome. With PCS, symptoms will fade and reappear in response to physical or mental stress. This can cause serious disruptions to your daily life and it’s crucial to seek medical treatment as soon as you notice symptoms occurring.
Symptoms of a concussion
Concussions vary from mild to severe, although there is a pattern of symptoms. Signs of a concussion include:
- Headache
- Head pressure
- Blurry vision
- Confusion or mental fogginess
- Dizziness
- Memory loss, particularly surrounding the event that caused the injury
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Trouble forming verbal responses
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Uncontrollable fatigue
- Sleep issues
- Problems with taste and smell
- Lack of concentration
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Mood swings and personality changes
- Depression
- Sensitivity to light and noise
Chiropractic Care For Concussion
While conventional medicine focuses on prevention and medicated management of symptoms, chiropractic care takes it one step further by addressing peripheral concerns. Instead of using anti-inflammatory and painkiller medication, we find the root cause which is commonly a dysfunction in the musculoskeletal or nervous systems.
Our nervous systems and brain health are intrinsically linked to the vertebrae in our spine. In most cases, in order to sustain a concussion, a high force will have been applied to the neck and head such as a car accident or tackle injury in a sport like rugby. While chiropractors don’t specifically treat concussion they can assist with associated spinal symptoms due to whiplash or a high force accident.
Visiting a chiropractor for concussions
Whilst your first point of call after a suspected concussion should be an MD or other hospital emergency aid, a chiropractor can help with other spinal issues especially if symptoms persist.
On your initial visit, you’ll meet your chiropractor and discover more about the connection between concussions, whiplash and chiropractic treatment. You’ll complete paperwork discussing your medical history, any medicines you’re currently using and any symptoms you’re experiencing.
During your visit, you’ll be guided through an initial assessment to determine any underlying causes. Then we’ll determine the best treatment plan for you.
Find out more about Chiropractic Treatment For Concussion
If you would like more information about chiropractic care after a concussion, feel free to get in touch. Dr Miki Humphrey is a qualified chiropractor with experience in sports-related injuries. She uses gentle techniques to help restore balance to your body. She would love to help you on your journey!
