Post-Concussion Syndrome
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Can Aid Recovery
In today's world, where a bump or injury can have long-lasting effects, it's important to understand how to recover properly. Concussions, often thought of as sports injuries, can happen to anyone.
Sometimes, people experience ongoing symptoms after a concussion, known as post-concussion syndrome. However, there's hope for relief through chiropractic care, particularly with upper cervical adjustments.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) happens when someone has ongoing symptoms after a concussion or a mild brain injury.
This condition is usually diagnosed if a person who recently had a head injury still feels certain symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
PCS can start within a few days after the head injury, but sometimes, the symptoms don't appear until weeks later.
Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome
A doctor might say you have Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) if you have at least three of these symptoms after a head injury:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling like you're spinning (vertigo)
- Fatigue
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Sleeping problems or insomnia
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Apathy
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Personality changes
- Sensitivity to noise and light
There's no single test for PCS because the symptoms can be different for everyone. A doctor might order an MRI or CT scan to check for any serious brain issues.
Although rest is usually advised after a concussion, too much rest can make the mental symptoms of PCS last longer.
The Link Between the Upper Cervical Spine and Post-Concussion Syndrome
When you get a head injury, your brain and nervous system can get hurt because your head stops moving suddenly while your spine keeps going. This sudden stop can damage nerves, which is why people get concussion symptoms.
Additionally, if your head gets whipped around from a hit, it can cause your spine to go out of alignment. This strains the muscles and tissues around your brain and nervous system. In severe cases, this misalignment can press on your spinal cord, messing up nerve signals and causing neurological issues. If these problems aren't treated, the ongoing nerve damage and inflammation can lead to long-term concussion symptoms.
Why Upper Cervical Chiropractic?
The upper part of your neck is really important for how your brain and nerves work. If it's out of place, it can cause many problems, including worsening post-concussion symptoms.
Understanding the Impact of Upper Cervical Adjustments on PCS
Enhances neurological function
When your upper neck is properly aligned, your brain communicates better with the rest of your body.
Reduced inflammation
Adjusting the spine, especially the upper neck area, might reduce inflammation, which is important in PCS.
Pain management
Upper cervical chiropractic care uses precise adjustments to help manage naturally and often reduce pain, which is one of the main symptoms of PCS (Post-Concussion Syndrome).
Improved flow of blood
Proper spine alignment can improve blood flow, which is especially important for helping the brain recover and work better.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Post-Concussion Syndrome Works
Upper Cervical Chiropractic focuses on finding and fixing joint misalignments. When treating post-concussion syndrome, an upper cervical chiropractor uses gentle methods to stabilize joints and reduce inflammation in the central nervous system.
To begin treating your post-concussion syndrome using upper cervical chiropractic care, the chiropractor first needs to determine if you have a misaligned spine. They use advanced 3D imaging and infrared technology to locate any misalignments precisely.
After this assessment, the chiropractor creates a personalized treatment plan to correct misalignments. This usually involves specific techniques that are gentle and pain-free, avoiding any harsh pulling or twisting of the spine.
Disclaimer:
Dr. Berner does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical diseases or conditions; instead, he analyzes and corrects the structure of his patients with Foundational Corrections to improve their overall quality of life. He works with their physicians, who regulate their medications. This blog post is not designed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any other individual. The information provided in this post or through linkages to other sites is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, consultation, or the advice of your physician or another healthcare provider. Foundation Chiropractic and Dr. Brett Berner are not liable or responsible for any advice, the course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or products you obtain through this article or others.
