A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the head experiences a hit. Often times it is accompanied by a whiplash at the same time. This rapid motion can lead to chemical changes in the brain and body and may stretch or damage brain cells.
Symptoms of a concussion may include:
Cognitive issues such as memory issues, confusion, problems concentrating, and mental fatigue. You most likely will also have severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and brain fog. There may even be emotional changes such as irritability, mood changes, and even depression or anxiety.
How can Upper Cervical Chiropractic help a concussion?
Most concussions cannot happen without an injury to the neck. This is where upper cervical chiropractic care (UCC) comes in. This is a targeted approach within chiropractic care that emphasizes the alignment of the upper spine, particularly where the head meets the neck. This region, known as the craniocervical junction, is unique to the rest of the spine in function, movement, and the surrounding structures.
The upper neck is a highly moveable area of the spine and can become vulnerable in concussion type head and neck injuries. The core idea behind UCC is that misalignments and dysfunction in this area can lead to further dysfunction in the body and provide altered input into the brain. Left unaddressed, this can lead to post concussion syndrome that seems to last months, even years later which is when people often say that they have never been the same since their concussion. Through gentle and precise adjustments, UCC seeks to correct these misalignments, thereby reducing the overall load on the body and restoring optimal function, which may enhance overall well-being and allow the body to recover after a concussion reducing the chances of having post concussion syndrome.
Practitioners of UCC employ specialized diagnostic methods and techniques to evaluate and correct misalignments. Unlike conventional chiropractic methods, which may involve more forceful manipulations, UCC adjustments are gentle and focused specifically on the upper cervical spine. This approach aims to reduce biomechanical dysfunction and improve proprioception between the brain and body, which may help alleviate concussion symptoms and help your body begin to heal.