🧠 Concussion Awareness: What You Need to Know

Concussions are a serious but often overlooked injury, especially in sports or high-impact activities. Whether you're an athlete or just an active individual, it's important to understand what a concussion is, how to spot one, and what steps to take if you or someone you know experiences one.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head, neck, or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This sudden movement can affect brain function, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light or noise. You DO NOT need to be knocked unconscious for a concussion to occur.

Common Symptoms of a Concussion:

• Headache or pressure in the head

• Dizziness or balance issues

• Nausea or vomiting

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering

• Feeling "foggy" or confused

The Importance of Rest & Recovery

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a concussion is returning to activity too quickly. It's important to give the brain time to heal. Pushing through symptoms can lead to longer recovery times, or even worse — a second concussion, which could have serious, long-term consequences (like post-concussion syndrome).

During recovery, it's best to avoid physical activity, limit screen time, and reduce cognitive strain (like reading, working, or school tasks). Gradual, supervised return-to-play or return-to-work protocols are key in ensuring a full recovery.

Chiropractic Care for Concussion Recovery

Chiropractic care can play a significant role in the recovery process after a concussion by addressing the neurological, musculoskeletal, and vestibular components of the injury. Rather than simply focusing on symptom relief, a comprehensive chiropractic approach aims to restore optimal brain and nervous system function to ensure full recovery.

1. Autonomic and Aerobic Testing:
After a concussion, many individuals experience changes in autonomic nervous system function, including dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty with exercise tolerance. Chiropractic care may include autonomic testing to assess how well the body’s nervous system is functioning post-injury. Aerobic testing can also be used to gauge how your cardiovascular system responds to light activity, helping to determine when it’s safe to gradually reintroduce physical exertion.

2. Vestibular and Balance Testing (VOMS):
One of the most common symptoms of a concussion is dizziness or balance issues. Chiropractors trained in concussion management often use Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) to assess visual tracking, balance, and dizziness. VOMS helps identify any lingering vestibular (inner ear/balance) dysfunction, which can contribute to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or sensitivity to light. Depending on the results, a chiropractor may recommend targeted vestibular rehabilitation exercises to help restore balance and coordination.

3. Neck Assessment and Treatment:
Neck pain and stiffness are common after a concussion due to the whiplash effect from the impact. Poor neck function can also aggravate headache symptoms. Chiropractors will assess the cervical spine (neck) to identify any tight muscles, or restricted movement that might contribute to post-concussion symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments, along with soft tissue therapy and neck exercises, can help alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and reduce tension, all of which are important for full recovery.

4. Gradual Return to Activity:
A chiropractor can also help guide a patient through a step-by-step protocol to safely return to regular physical activity. This includes assessing the ability to tolerate increasing levels of exercise, both autonomically and aerobically, without triggering symptoms. Your chiropractor can monitor progress and adjust activities to ensure that the recovery process is on track.

Bottom Line

A thorough, multi-faceted approach to concussion recovery is essential. Chiropractic care, when done properly, addresses the full spectrum of concussion symptoms, from balance and vestibular dysfunction to autonomic irregularities and neck pain. With the right guidance, patients can recover fully and safely return to normal activities, including sports, work, and everyday life.