Can a Chiropractor Help with Post Concussion Syndrome?

Can a Chiropractor Help with Post Concussion Syndrome?

Key Takeaways

Post concussion syndrome (PCS) can develop after a mild traumatic brain injury, even without loss of consciousness.
PCS symptoms include headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, and neck pain that may persist for weeks or months.
Chiropractic care may help manage PCS symptoms by addressing neck alignment, improving nervous system function, and reducing musculoskeletal tension.
Conservative treatments such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises are commonly used in PCS management.
Patients with PCS should consult a healthcare provider to create a personalized treatment plan and monitor symptom progression.

Post-concussion syndrome is the result of brain trauma. It can be a car accident, a sports accident, or a slip and fall. Many people who suffer a concussion do not lose consciousness. For this reason, they do not seek medical care. Unfortunately, even with proper treatment, post-concussion syndrome can appear and cause several debilitating symptoms. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about PCS and how chiropractic treatment can help you overcome it. 

What Exactly Causes Post-Concussion Syndrome?

The brain is safely protected by the skull from most average accidents, such as hitting a wall or banging your head against a half-open door. Unfortunately, when strong force is applied to the head, the shockwaves reach the brain, causing injury. Whiplash in case of a car accident is a frequent cause of concussion. As your head moves forward and backward beyond the natural range of movement of the neck, the brain physically hits the inside of the skull. The same thing happens when you take a bad fall on the ice or a slippery floor. The post-concussion syndrome usually appears between 7 and 10 days after the traumatic event that caused the initial concussion. The negative symptoms may last for months, or even a year.

What Are the Symptoms of Post Concussion Syndrome?

Patients with post-concussion syndrome experience a varied range of symptoms, with different degrees of severity, such as:

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Fatigues

• Irritability

• Insomnia

• Tinnitus

• Blurry vision.

In more serious cases, some patients may also suffer from:

• Reduced ability to focus

• Memory problems

• Reduced ability to form verbal responses

• Extreme noise and light sensitivity

• Decrease in taste and smell.

How Can a Chiropractor Help with Post Concussion Syndrome?

Major trauma to the head can impact other parts of the body. Whiplash usually hurts the neck, as well. A fall can cause subluxations in the vertebrae of the middle or lower spinal cord.

Chiropractic treatment focuses on solving these subluxations as a way of encouraging the brain to recover its full functions and continue sending its messages to the rest of the body unimpeded. You may not believe it, but PCS symptoms are directly related to misalignments in your spine.

For instance:

• The subluxation of the C1 vertebra (at the very top of the spine, just below the skull) may cause headaches, memory problems, and difficulty in focus

• A subluxation of the T6 vertebra (in the middle of the back) may cause nausea and digestive problems,

Types of Chiropractic Adjustments Used for Post-Concussion Syndrome

Chiropractors know a very wide range of manipulations that they successfully use to treat various injuries and conditions. Chiropractic for post-concussion syndrome usually involves 

• Low-force corrections – the chiropractor uses gentle and precise movements to adjust the misaligned vertebrae. The patient usually feels very little to no pain and discomfort

 • Precise adjustments – the chiropractor will focus on a very small area of your body, with specific manipulations that encourage the vertebrae to return to their natural position 

• Deep muscle massage – tense and inflamed muscles may force the spinal cord into an unnatural position as a result of the trauma. The massage relaxes the muscles and solves inflammation.  Other specific massages and adjustments are meant to encourage the cerebrospinal fluid to flow naturally, by removing the obstacles in its path.

The entire chiropractic program is aimed at solving the underlying cause of PCS, not simply its symptoms.   Post-concussion syndrome can affect your life for months and prevent you from enjoying it to the full.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is post concussion syndrome?

Post concussion syndrome is a set of symptoms that continue for weeks or months after a concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and neck pain. It occurs even if the initial injury did not cause loss of consciousness.

How can chiropractic care help with post concussion syndrome?

Chiropractic care may help relieve PCS symptoms by improving spinal alignment, especially in the neck, which can reduce tension and improve nervous system communication. Techniques like spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy may support recovery and reduce headaches and neck pain.

Are there other conservative treatments for post concussion syndrome?

Yes, treatments such as physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, gentle exercise, and lifestyle modifications like proper rest and hydration are often recommended. These approaches aim to support brain healing and manage symptoms without invasive procedures.

When should I see a provider for post concussion syndrome?

If symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or cognitive issues persist beyond a few weeks after a concussion, it's important to see a healthcare provider. Early evaluation helps tailor treatment and rule out other causes.

Is chiropractic care safe after a concussion?

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by a trained provider experienced in treating patients with concussion history. Providers will tailor techniques to avoid aggravating symptoms and focus on gentle, supportive therapies.