A concussion is considered a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that occurs from an impact to the head or any injury that involves the head and brain shaking back and forth. Car accidents, sports injuries, and falls are the most common culprits of concussions, and they can affect people of all ages in various ways.
Signs of a Concussion
Most people have seen professional athletes get concussions after a big hit in a game, and many of them experience unconsciousness, dizziness, and confusion immediately following the injury. However, in our daily lives, we may not experience such obvious signs of concussions, so it’s important to know what to look out for to ensure you and your loved ones receive proper treatment after an injury.
The signs of a concussion can be very obvious or incredibly subtle, and they may include some or all of the following:
- Dizziness or lack of balance
- Confusion or memory problems
- Drowsiness or sluggishness
- Double or blurred vision
- Delayed reaction time
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Vomiting or nausea
- Unequal pupil size
- Abnormal eye movement
As you can see, there are several signs that a person has experienced a concussion, but they may not all appear right away, and some may not even happen at all. Concussions rarely cause permanent brain damage, but the effects of a concussion can last several weeks or months, and having one concussion can lead to an increased risk of having more. Multiple concussions can lead to increased likelihood of brain swelling, which can be fatal.
How Can Chiropractic Help with Concussions?
Your brain is surrounded by protective fluid and membranes, and when you get a concussion, those protective barriers are often pushed out of the way, forcing the brain against the inside of the skull. This can result in a bruise on the brain, as well as overstretched or torn nerve tissue. As you recover from a concussion, your brain needs time to heal.
Chiropractic is all about whole-body wellness. It encourages proper function throughout the entire body and helps the body to heal itself from any sicknesses or injuries. Healing from a concussion is no different. Your brain needs proper blood flow, copious amounts of oxygen, and proper transportation of molecules to heal the areas of your brain that were harmed by the concussion.
Chiropractic care, both before and after a concussion, will allow your body to self-heal properly and efficiently. When your spine is properly aligned and there is no nerve interference within your body, it can work as it was intended to and recover from almost anything.
Studies have shown resolution of concussion symptoms due to chiropractic care, and professional athletes across multiple sports have seen the benefit that chiropractic can have on proper healing and overall body function. Charlotte chiropractor Dr. Grant Lisetor can help you or your loved ones heal from a concussion and restore optimal health to your body. His team at Greater Life Chiropractic would love to schedule you for a consultation today to get you on the road to healing, health, and wellness.
Gergen, D.M. “Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms in a 31-Year-Old Woman Using Cervical Manipulation and Acupuncture: A Case Report.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2015 Sep; 14(3): 220-224. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4685187/.
Shane, E.R., Pierce, K.M., Gonzalez, J.K., Campbell, N.J. “Sports Chiropractic Management of Concussions Using the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 Symptom Scoring, Serial Examinations, and Graded Return to Play Protocol: A Retrospective Case Series.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2013 Dec; 12(4): 252-259. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3838718/.
Moreau, W.J., Nabhan, D.C., Walden, T. “Sport Concussion Knowledge and Clinical Practices: A Survey of Doctors of Chiropractic with Sports Certification.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2015 Sep; 14(3); 169-175. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4685183/.