How Chiropractic Care Helps With Post-Concussion Syndrome

Every year millions of people die or go to the hospital due to serious or traumatic brain injury. Many of them experience a concussion. Many of these injuries related to falls, vehicular accidents, workplace accidents, and even sports. Unfortunately, many that do not result in serious injury or death go undetected or unreported.

What Is a Concussion?

When you experience a sudden and unexpected blow or bump to your head, you may suffer a concussion. This is a type of traumatic brain injury resulting from a rapid movement that forces the brain to rapidly move back and forth inside the skull. This abrupt movement can damage the brain, which can lead to changes on a cellular and/or chemical level.

Symptoms of a Concussion

Head pressure.
Sleep issues.
Headache.
Irritability.
Blurry vision.
Dizziness.
Mental fogginess and confusion.
Anxiety.
Sensitivity to noise and light.
Overwhelming fatigue.
Memory loss.
Slurred speech.
Lack of concentration.
Difficulty forming verbal responses.
Nausea and/or vomiting.
Depression.
Mood swings.

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

One can only imagine how scary and painful a concussion must be. Also referred to as mild traumatic brain injury in the medical world, PCS occurs after a traumatic injury to the neck area or head. However, not everyone who suffers a mild traumatic head injury experiences PCS. Also, this syndrome may present worse symptoms in individuals who suffered previous head trauma or concussions.

Risk Factors

PCS may also be more severe in people with certain mental changes such as fatigue, fogginess, or amnesia, or those with early symptoms of headache after injury. Other risk factors for PCS include prior history of headaches and younger age. Also, according to some studies, older patients and women seem to be more susceptible to the development of the syndrome’s symptoms.

Symptoms of PCS

These symptoms include severe headaches, stiffness and pain in the neck, and dizziness. They also include changes in gait and posture, trouble concentrating, and difficulty with reading and comprehension. Also, sleep problems, anxiety and irritability, and cognitive problems involving thinking, concentration, and memory are also part of the symptoms.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help With PCS

According to research, there is a strong relationship between the vascular and nervous system, structural abnormalities in the spine, and certain parts of the brain related to a traumatic injury. The proper functioning of the brain, including its ability to balance, function, and coordinate movement, relies on proper movement and structure of the spine. Concussion and trauma, however, can seriously affect these functions.

In addition to relying on normal joint movement and structural integrity, the brain relies on complex neurological communication. To put it another way, consider what helps people orient themselves and balance in space. These are the spinal biomechanics and neurological pathways. Therefore, it makes sense that the effects of a concussion have a relationship to how the body is communicating with the brain.

The most important channel for this communication is the spine, especially the upper part of the spine. Your nervous system needs the unceasing stimulation of movement to function and develop properly. Due to PCS, unusual structural changes can occur in your spine, which can lead to obstructions in your nerves. In such a situation, a chiropractor will work to correct those obstructions.

Dr. Bloink's Post Concussion Case Studies:

To learn more about chiropractic care, visit The California Cranial Institute at our office in Los Gatos, California. You can also call (408) 395-8006 to book an appointment today.