What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by any blow, hit, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.
The force from the impact can cause the brain to rotate or twist inside the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain tissue.
Experts believe off-center blows are more likely to cause a concussion compared to straight-on traumas.
What are the most common symptoms associated with a concussion?
Individuals who have suffered an impact to the head or body can develop post-concussion symptoms which can vary in severity depending on the type of injury.
Below are the most common post-concussion syndrome symptoms:
Dizziness
Headaches
Migraines
Brain Fog or Feeling Sluggish
Loss of Memory, Concentration, or Confusion
Mood Behavioral, or Personality Changes
Insomnia
Blurred Vision
Nausea or Vomiting
Fatigue
Light Sensitivity
How does the upper cervical spine affect post-concussion syndrome?
When someone experiences a blow or impact type of injury, the sharp movement of the head can lead to a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine.
Any misalignment in the upper cervical spine, particularly to the atlas vertebrae (C1), can irritate or put pressure on the brainstem area of the spine, The brainstem connects the brain and the spinal cord. It is located above the base of the skull and the atlas bone.
If an upper cervical misalignment is left uncorrected, the misalignment can disrupt electrical signals from the central nervous system thus irritating the brainstem.
Depending on the severity of the upper cervical misalignment, these disruptions can be responsible for a wide range of post-concussion syndrome symptoms.
Who are the most at risk for having a concussion?
The youth are most at-risk for concussion, especially youngsters playing football, hockey, or soccer.
Contrary to what you might think, kids don't have to experience a loss of consciousness in order to have a concussion.
A child can easily get a concussion from any significant hit or blow to the head or body as their muscles and ligaments are not fully developed enough to handle the traumatic stressors or forces.
Can upper cervical chiropractic help with post-concussion symptoms?
Every case is different. But the short answer is absolutely!
Getting checked and evaluated by an upper cervical doctor who specializes in the upper part of the neck could play a significant role in the healing of a post-concussion person. This can allow natural healing, giving the body the best opportunity to function optimally.
What makes upper cervical chiropractic different than traditional chiropractic
Upper cervical chiropractors focus on the top two vertebrae in the upper neck to ensure the brain and body are both neurologically and structurally sound. It is different than traditional chiropractic or physical therapy. Often times these health practitioners use manipulation of the spine and neck with the intent to bring back proper motion into a fixated joint.
Upper cervical doctors take a more specific approach in regards to nervous system functioning in comparison to traditional chiropractic.
How can you correct an upper cervical misalignment?
There are a few differences that separates upper cervical care from traditional chiropractic, physical therapy, or medicine. Below are some key factors your upper cervical doctor utilizes to correct an upper cervical misalignment:
Imaging with 3D CBCT – The more anatomical information available the better care a doctor can provide. Three-dimensional (3D) pictures capture information that a 2 dimensional x-ray simply cannot provide. The technology utilized at Owensboro Atlas Center is 3D CBCT Spinal Imaging. It is specifically designed to rotate 360 degrees around the client’s head and neck in order to get a 3D model of the upper neck.
No twisting, cracking, or popping – 3D imaging provides the exact location and degree of misalignment which allows your upper cervical doctor to make a precise upper cervical adjustment that is extremely gentle and safe. There is no twisting, cracking, or popping to the neck or spine that most people associate with traditional chiropractic care.
“Holding Is Healing” – Precise imaging leads to effective and long-lasting adjustments that give the body the time it needs to heal following a concussion. The goal of Upper Cervical Care is for the spinal adjustment to “hold” or maintain its correct position for as long as possible. The longer a client “holds” their adjustment the more better the body heals.
Cost-Effective Care – The combination of precise, long-lasting, and gentle adjustments lead to fewer visits and more cost-effective care.
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