Concussions are far more prevalent in our communities than you may think. There are more than 3 million diagnosed cases of concussion in the United States each year (1). That statistic is incredibly powerful as it naturally allows the mind to wonder how many concussions are also going undiagnosed each year.
A concussion is diagnosed when there has been a physical trauma to the head that results in movement of the brain inside the skull resulting in injury to the brain tissue (1). This injury to the brain can lead to many temporary symptoms such as loss of consciousness or altered brain function. Physical symptoms also include headache, confusion, lack of coordination, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, sleepiness, and excessive fatigue (2).
It is often assumed that with time, the brain tissue will heal and the symptoms will clear up. What happens if the symptoms aren’t going away?
I’m asking you, the reader, to think through this situation with me. Is it possible, to sustain a blow to the head serious enough to cause a concussion, and to not also create an additional injury to the neck. The answer is no!
The neck connects to the skull with many ligaments, muscles, and tendons. An injury that is strong enough to cause a concussion may also simultaneously causes damage to the upper cervical spine. During the injury, the rapid de-cceleration of the human head is enough force to create significant injuries to the soft tissue of the neck, leaving the upper cervical vertebrae vulnerable to significant misalignment (3).
Take a look at the following chart. It is interesting to note that whiplash (a neck injury), and concussions (typically diagnosed as a brain injury) have nearly identical symptoms.
Post Concussion Symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness, Imbalance
- Brain Fog
- Ringing in the ears
Whiplash Symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness, Imbalance
- Brain Fog
- Neck Pain
When the brain is injured during a concussion, the healing phase involves draining of the blood, cerebro spinal fluid (CSF), and lymph. If the upper neck has significant misalignment, this process can be altered and inhibited to a degree which affects the rate of healing and symptom development. A clear connection in the vessels connecting the head and neck will allow for the most optimal healing conditions.
Treatment of Cervical Spine Instability due to Concussion Injury
When the upper cervical area of the neck misaligns, there are many neurological and mechanical symptoms that occur. Symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, pinched nerves, headache, migraines, dizziness, and vertigo are all common symptoms due to atlanto (C1)-axial (C2) instability (4). At Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, we are specialists in correcting cervical spine instability.
Treatment of this condition is broken into two pieces:
A precise and gentle correction is applied to the upper cervical area to restore balance and create stability in the spine.
Specific exercises targeted at soft tissue strengthening are recommended to strengthen the area and allow the body to stabilize the changes.
Holding is healing!
Let us know if you have any questions, or if someone you know is struggling with post-concussive syndrome.
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