fbpx

Concussion

Chiropractic Patient Request

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was the cause of over 64,000 deaths in 2020 and over 220,000 hospitalizations in 2019. A concussion is a common form of mild TBI caused by a traumatic event such as a car accident or sports injury.

Concussions can result in a variety of symptoms and potential long-term problems. However, they have one element in common; they require swift and thorough medical care. The following overview has been provided by our chiropractor for concussion, Dr. Foss, in the hopes that it will inform our current and prospective patients about the importance of receiving the care they require to improve brain health.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a TBI, which means that it is a result of head trauma. This kind of trauma can be caused by a blow to the head originating from a fall, sports injury, or car accident. These accidents force the brain to rapidly strike the inside of the skull causing TBI. The brain can sustain extensive damage due to this forceful movement because the skull is rigid and unyielding. 

Since concussions do not do permanent damage to the brain, they are categorized as mild TBIs. Although the damage related to concussions is not permanent, it can have a profound effect on a person’s life over a long period of months or even years. Chiropractic for concussion therapy focuses on promoting long-term recovery and providing relief from the pain that is associated with this condition. 

Common Causes of Concussions

Car accidents, falls, and injuries sustained in contact sports are three of the most frequent causes of concussions. Every year young children die as a result of TBI injuries related to car accidents. Therefore, it is crucial for them to ride in the back seat and wear a seat belt at all times. People who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol are also at greater risk of causing injuries to themselves or others as a result of a car accident. Dr. Foss, our chiropractor for concussion, advises against the use of sedating prescription medications. As a result, Vital Wellness Center patients are at less risk for concussions due to pharmacological impairment.

Falls are prevalent among the elderly and account for nearly 80% of TBIs they sustain. To decrease the likelihood of a fall, the home should be modified to include grab bars, brighter lighting, and the removal of fall risks such loose carpets. Aging adults who exercise regularly retain more mobility and increase their chances of maintaining an independent lifestyle. Dizziness and vertigo are also responsible for a significant amount of fall-related concussions we see at Vital Wellness Center. 

Our concussion chiropractic specialist, Dr. Foss, also sees many sports injuries, which are mostly caused by contact sports, for example, football, hockey, soccer, and wrestling. To reduce the risk of a concussion, players should always wear safety equipment when participating in sports. In addition, students who participate in athletics should be taught the importance of brain safety as well as how to promptly recognize concussion symptoms in either themselves or another participant.

Symptoms of Concussions

A concussion can take weeks to heal or can result in long-lasting effects that continue for years depending on the severity of the injury. The degree of symptoms can vary from minor irritations to drastic changes in behavior. Listed below are some of the most prevalent symptoms we encounter during our concussion chiropractic therapy sessions:

  • Head pain or pressure
  • Abnormal sensitivity to light or blurry vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Increased sensitivity to noise
  • Forgetfulness
  • Feeling sluggish or groggy
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating

The majority of our patients say that between 80-90% of their concussion symptoms subside after a week. After that, they report less severe symptoms. The long-lasting consequences that some individuals go through following a concussion are referred to as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), which is a controversial term. It is controversial because the idea of PCS differs in manifestation, consensus, and lack of specific characteristics related to concussions. Post-concussion syndrome symptoms can consist of depression, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, migraines, and vertigo.

How Chiropractic Works to Eliminate Concussion Symptoms

Smartphones are used to search for a great deal of information. However, not many people use them to search for a “chiropractor for concussion near me.” This is due to the fact that many people are unaware of the crucial part chiropractic for concussion can play in managing concussion symptoms and minimizing their long-term repercussions.

An injury to the brain can have an effect on the whole body since the spinal cord and nerves connect the brain to the rest of the body. Achieving and maintaining adequate nerve health can allow the brain to reap the rewards of stress reduction techniques, healthy eating, and gentle exercise. Dr. Foss, our chiropractor for concussion, can offer therapy options that are ideal for addressing this condition since one of the cornerstones of chiropractic for concussion is giving the brain everything it requires to recover.

Chiropractic Concussion Treatment

We utilize a wide variety of therapy techniques to promote recovery from concussion. Some of these are carried out at Vital Wellness Center while others are designed to be performed at home. Both of these modalities help to maximize recovery from concussion and overall well-being.

Comprehensive Concussion Chiropractic Assessment

Getting a complete overview of a patient’s health is the first stage of care at Vital Wellness Center. During the patient’s first concussion treatment appointment, we begin by getting a thorough health history. We ask about personal habits, medical issues, and any prescriptions that the patient may be taking as well as their stress management, support system, and life events so we can take into consideration the important role these situations play in a person’s overall health.

Dr. Foss also performs a detailed physical exam on each patient as well as functionality testing in areas such as mobility and sensation. In addition, he may also arrange for scans or other tests if necessary.

Chiropractic Adjustment

For many of our patients, chiropractic adjustment is an important intervention. Various concussion-related problems are caused by the cervical spine or neck portion of the spine. Dr. Foss, our chiropractor for concussion, focuses on this area of the spine by gently stretching the upper spine during a neck decompression procedure, which helps to reduce compression of the nerves.

Since nerve compression can interfere with communication between the brain and body, it can impede recovery from a concussion and also make any pain worse. Compressed nerves can also produce additional pain, which can further complicate the healing process. By reducing nerve compression, damaged nerves and the body parts they regulate can have the necessary room they need in order to heal.

Customized Therapeutic Movement, Nutrition and Relaxation Plans

The brain requires supportive care for optimal recovery after a concussion. Vital Wellness Center creates customized exercise plans that are designed to provide stress reduction without unnecessary strain or discomfort. To offer an adequate balance of nutrients for brain health and overall well-being, we develop dietary recommendations that are specifically created for each patient. Although it may seem strange to make relaxation a priority, in our experience, it is necessary for healing from concussion.

See Our Team for Concussion Treatment

If you’ve suffered a brain injury as a result of an accident or other traumatic event, you should receive care as soon as possible. Vital Wellness Center has the experience and equipment necessary to aid in the recovery from a concussion. Take a moment and contact our office to make an appointment for a concussion consultation that will give you peace of mind and get you a step closer to getting quality care following a concussion.

Other Services