Concussion

What is a Concussion?

Since a concussion is a TBI, it involves head trauma. Such trauma could result from a fall, blow to the head, or accident. The essential feature of a TBI is that the brain moves quickly and slams against the inside of the skull. Since the skull is rigid and its interior has some sharp, bony projections, the brain can sustain significant damage.

Concussions are classified as mild TBIs because they don’t permanently damage the brain. Even though concussion-related damage isn’t permanent, it can profoundly impact life for months or sometimes years. The primary goals of our chiropractic for concussions, here at West Suburban Wellness, are to help relieve the pain associated with this condition and promote long-term healing.

Common Causes of Concussions

Three of the most common causes of concussions are auto accidents, falls, and contact sports injuries. Auto accidents cause 56% of TBI-related deaths among elementary-school-aged children, so riding in the back seat and wearing a seat belt is critical for children in this age range. Those who drive after drinking alcohol or taking certain prescription medications are another group that is more prone to being injured or injuring others in an auto accident. Since our chiropractor for concussion discourages sedating pain medications, our patients are at less risk for a concussion from chemical impairment.

Falls are common among the elderly and cause nearly 80% of all TBIs they sustain. Modifying the home by installing grab bars, adding brighter lighting, and removing fall hazards such as loose rugs is essential to reducing fall risk. Exercise can also help elderly individuals maintain their ability to move and remain independent in their homes for as long as possible. Conditions such as dizziness or vertigo are also responsible for many fall-related concussions we see here at West Suburban Wellness.

Our experienced concussion chiropractor also sees many sports-related injuries. These are primarily during contact sports such as hockey, football, wrestling, or soccer. Players should always wear protective gear since it can reduce the severity of a concussion or sometimes prevent one entirely. Student-athletes need to be taught about the importance of brain safety and how to quickly identify some of the concussion symptoms in themselves or another player.

Symptoms of Concussions

Depending on the extent of the injury, a concussion can resolve within weeks or may cause lingering effects that last for years. The severity of symptoms can range from mild annoyances to life-altering changes. The following are some of the most common concussion symptoms we see here at West Suburban Wellness:

• Pain or pressure in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurry vision or unusual sensitivity to light
• Increased noise sensitivity
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Poor memory
• Feeling groggy or sluggish

Most of our patients report that 80-90% of their concussion symptoms resolve within a week. After a week, many patients have much milder symptoms. Post-concussion syndrome is a controversial term used to describe the long-term effects some patients experience after a concussion. It is controversial because the same symptoms are often present following other types of trauma, such as whiplash or limb amputation. Symptoms of this condition can include mood changes, depression, anxiety, insomnia, vertigo, and migraines.

Comprehensive Concussion Chiropractic Assessment

The first step in any treatment is getting a clear picture of a patient’s health. Our West Suburban Wellness team begins with gathering a detailed patient health history during the initial concussion treatment appointment. This includes questions about health conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. It also encompasses social support, stress management, and life events to consider the critical role such factors play in health.

We also perform a wide range of physical examinations and assessments. Some are tests for movement, sensation, and other functional assessments. Others may take the form of imaging or scans.

Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation is an essential intervention for most of our patients. Since many of the issues related to concussions stem from the cervical spine or neck area of the spine, our chiropractor focuses on this portion of the spine. Our chiropractor for concussions gently stretches the upper spine or neck during a neck decompression treatment. This treatment reduces the pressure on the nerves.

Nerve compression can complicate concussion recovery since it interferes with brain-body communication and sometimes makes the pain feel worse. Compressed nerves can also create additional pain of their own that can further compound recovery. Relieving nerve compression can give ailing nerves and the body areas they control some needed space for healing.

Customized Therapeutic Movement, Nutrition, and Relaxation Plans

After a concussion, the brain needs supportive care for optimal recovery. Our team specializes in creating gentle movement plans designed to bring the stress-reducing benefits of exercise without too much strain or worry. Nutrition guidelines are developed for each patient to provide an appropriate balance of nutrients for the brain and overall health. While it may seem odd to plan for relaxation, in our experience, it is so vital to concussion recovery that making it a priority is essential.

See Our West Suburban Wellness Team for Concussion Treatment

If you’ve been in an accident or other head trauma-inducing event, you need treatment as soon as possible. Our team here at West Suburban Wellness is experienced and equipped with the latest medical knowledge on concussions. Taking a few moments to schedule a concussion consultation will bring you peace of mind and one step closer to getting the care you deserve.