Post-concussion syndrome affects up to 15% of the 3.8 million Americans who experience an mTBI (mild traumatic brain injury) each year. These symptoms can stay with a person for years. While this has been a hot topic in the news lately regarding individuals from many different sports, an mTBI can happen in even a minor accident or fall.
The head and neck are closely related, and when an mTBI occurs, a whiplash-type injury often goes along with it. It is easy to see the link between head and neck trauma when you compare some of the most common symptoms. They have many in common, including:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Cognitive problems (memory and concentration)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hearing problems
- Vision problems
Case Studies Reveal the Benefits of Upper Cervical Care
Because of the link between head and neck injuries, it makes sense that a healthy and properly aligned neck is an important factor in recovering from a concussion. Consider these examples:
One 19-year-old male suffered an mTBI in a car accident. He then experienced headaches, trouble sleeping, neck pain, vision problems, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. After his first adjustment, his symptom severity score dropped by 47%. After just 8 sessions he saw complete resolution of all his post-concussion syndrome symptoms.
A 59-year old female was injured after slipping and falling. Her post-concussion symptoms included headaches, dizziness, and anxiety. After undergoing 3 months of upper cervical care (2 times per week), significant improvement was observed. The patient decided to continue receiving care once per month in order to avoid aggravating the injuries again in the future.
Post-Concussion Syndrome Care in Edmonton
At Providence Chiropractic, we use the NUCCA technique of upper cervical care to help patients deal with the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. If you have ever experienced head or neck trauma and are now dealing with the symptoms noted above, an upper cervical examination may reveal the underlying cause.
References:
Cameron M. Marshall, Howard Vernon, John J. Leddy & Bradley A. Baldwin (2015) The role of the cervical spine in post-concussion syndrome, The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 43:3, 274-284, DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2015.1064301