Can Chiropractors Help With Concussions?

Concussions have been a great topic of research and even taboo, especially in realm of athletics. Not only are those who are physically active pose as a greater risk for concussions, but once someone has already had one concussion, they are immediately susceptible to concussions after the fact- whether these be minor or major. This can have a great impact on all aspects of health: mental, physical, and emotional. Chiropractic care touches each of these facets in a unique way which can help to bring awareness and treat Post Concussion Syndrome.

   Let’s talk about the symptoms. While many may recover in the expected time from a concussion, there are some symptoms that may recur up to a year or more after the trauma. These symptoms are often not as distinguishable as some of the more common symptoms that occur upon the injury. Some of these lesser known symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and noise and light sensitivity, alongside the expected symptoms of lightheadedness and headache (Mayo Clinic 2014).

There should be great caution taken in returning to environments where the possibilities of a second concussion are likely. A secondary concussion could cause Second Impact Syndrome, which is extremely fatal. In cases where there is no fatality, symptoms similar to those of a Traumatic Brain Injury are likely to occur. This is why it is so important to take the proper precautions and steps to preventing a repeated incident.

Chiropractors can play a significant role in this process. There is hope when the proper steps are taken to ensure a healthy recovery (this generally includes refraining from jumping back into risky). In a study done by Pfefer, Cooper, and Boyazis, they suggested Cervical and Upper Thoracic Manipulation. One patient from their study stated that the issue was completely resolved after five visits over a two week period, others stated significant improvement after the second visit (Pfefer, Cooper, Boyazis 2011).

There are many factors to be considered when learning to cope with the physical, psychological, and emotional factors that are impacted by concussions. It is important to utilize all of the resources that are provided to you, including chiropractic care and adjustments.

“Post Concussion Syndrome.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Aug. 2014. Web. 27 June 2016.
<http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/basics/complications/con-20019272>. 

Masarky, Charles, DC, FICC. “Post-Concussio Patient Care: Relevance of the Chiropractic Adjustment.” Dynamic Chiropractic. Dynamic Chiropractic, 1 Aug. 2014. Web. 29 June 2016.  <http://dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=57085>.

 Pfefer, Mark T., Stephen R. Cooper, and Angela M. Boyazis. “Chiropractic Management of Post-concussion Headache and Neck Pain in a Young Athlete and Implications for Return-To-Play.” Topics in Integrative Health Care an International Journal. Health Index, Inc., 7 Oct. 2011. Web. 29 June 2016.<http://www.tihcij.com/Articles/Chiropractic-Management-of-Post-concussion-Headache-and-Neck-Pain-In-a-Young-Athlete-and-Implications-For-Return-To-Play.aspx?id=0000307>.