Effective Chiropractic for Concussions
Concussions are a common type of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that often result from a fall, car accident, or sports injury. In 2019, six hundred eleven Americans were hospitalized from this condition, and in 2020, traumatic brain injuries were responsible for over 64,000 deaths.
Patients suffering from concussions can experience a range of symptoms as well as possible long-term effects. One of the elements that all concussion patients have in common is that they need to be treated as quickly as possible. Our chiropractor for concussions here at Health From Within put this overview of concussions and possible treatments together for our current and future patients to ensure they get the best possible concussion treatment.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a TBI because it involves head trauma. This trauma can be the result of an accident, blow to the head, or fall. The brain moving quickly and slamming against the inside of the skull is the essential feature of a TBI. The brain can sustain significant damage because the skull is rigid and its interior has some sharp, bony projections.
Because they don’t permanently damage the brain, concussions are classified as mild TBIs. While concussion-related damage isn’t permanent, it can significantly impact life for months or even years. Here at Health From Within, the main goals of our chiropractic for concussions are to help with pain relief due to this condition while promoting long-term healing.
Common Causes of Concussions
Contact sports injuries, falls, and auto accidents are three of the most common causes of concussions. Here at Health From Within, our concussion chiropractor sees many injuries primarily due to contact sports like soccer, wrestling, football, or hockey. Protective gear should always be worn by players to reduce the danger of a concussion or possibly prevent one altogether. Learning about the importance of brain safety and how to quickly identify the symptoms of a concussion in themselves or of another teammate should be taught to all student-athletes.
Nearly 80% of all TBIs that the elderly commonly experience occur from a fall. Removing fall hazards like loose rugs, installing grab bars, and adding brighter lighting are essential to reduce the risk of a fall. The elderly should exercise to maintain their ability to move and remain independent in their homes for as long as possible. Many fall-related concussions we see here at Health From Within were caused by conditions like vertigo and dizziness.
Riding in the back seat and wearing a seat belt is critical for elementary-school-aged children because auto accidents have caused 56% of TBI-related deaths in this age range. Those that take certain prescription medications or who drive after drinking alcohol are more likely to be injured or injure others in an auto accident.
Concussion Symptoms
A concussion can resolve within weeks or may cause lingering effects that last for years depending on the extent of the injury. The symptoms of concussions and their severity can range from life-altering changes to mild annoyances. These are some of the most common symptoms we have seen here at Health From Within:
Feeling groggy or sluggish
Poor memory
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Pain or pressure in the head
Blurry vision or unusual sensitivity to light
Nausea or vomiting
Increased noise sensitivity
Concussions have been reported by 80-90% of our patients to have resolved within a week. Much milder symptoms also occur within a week. Some patients experience long-term effects after a concussion which is referred to as post-concussion syndrome. The same symptoms are often present following other types of trauma like whiplash or limb amputation. This condition has symptoms that include migraines, vertigo, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and mood changes.
Eliminate Concussion Symptoms With Chiropractic Work
Not too many people will use their smartphones to find a “chiropractor for concussion near me” because most people don’t understand how chiropractic for concussion treatment can help alleviate symptoms and reduce long-term effects.
Any brain injury can affect the entire body since the brain is connected to the rest of the body through the spinal cord and nerves. The benefits of stress management therapies, good nutrition, and gentle movement are attained and preserved by the brain with optimal nerve health. Our chiropractor for concussion here at Health From Within can provide excellent treatment options to give the brain everything it needs to heal.
Our Chiropractic Concussion Treatment
Here at Health From Within, we use an array of techniques to enhance concussion recovery. Other techniques are designed for home-based interventions to help patients with their overall health and concussion recovery.
Comprehensive Concussion Chiropractic Assessment
Attaining a clear picture of our patient’s health is the first step in any treatment. Here at Health From Within, we begin the initial concussion treatment appointment by gathering detailed patient health history including questions about lifestyle factors, medications, and health conditions. Plus, it also includes stress management, social support, and life events that played a critical role in their health.
In addition, physical examinations and assessments are also performed. These tests are for sensation, movement, or other functional assessments. While others are in the form of scans or imaging.
Chiropractic Adjustment
An essential intervention for most of our patients is called chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation. Our chiropractor focuses on where many of the issues related to concussions stem from like the cervical spine or neck area. During a neck decompression treatment, our chiropractor for concussion will gently stretch the neck or upper spine to reduce the pressure on the nerves.
Nerve compression interferes with brain-body communication and can sometimes make pain feel worse which can complicate concussion recovery. Additional pain can also be created by compressed nerves which will further delay recovery time. Giving ailing nerves and the body areas they control some space for healing is a benefit of relieving nerve compression.
Customized Therapeutic Movement, Nutrition, and Relaxation Plans
For optimal recovery, the brain needs supportive care after a concussion. Here at Health From Within, we specialize in building gentle movement plans that are created to help with the stress-reducing benefits found in exercise with little worry or strain. An appropriate balance of nutrients for the brain and overall health can be achieved for each patient with nutrition guidelines. Planning for relaxation may seem odd at first but it is extremely important in concussion recovery so it needs to be a priority.
See Our Chiropractors for Concussion Treatment
You need treatment as soon as possible if you have been in an accident or other head trauma-inducing event. Here at Health From Within, we have the latest medical knowledge on concussions and experience. Get peace of mind and one step closer to getting the care you deserve by taking a few moments now to schedule your concussion consultation today.